+ IMMEDIATELY AFTER: You’ll experience some soreness, swelling, irritation, and redness. If you’re uncomfortable, OTC ibuprofen can help with these symptoms.

+ 2-3 DAYS: Swelling and irritation should decrease, it should feel like a mild sunburn.

+ 7-10 DAYS: Your tattoo will start to peel and flake similar to a serious sunburn or minor scab.

Remove the bandage in the morning and wash with soap and warm water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and apply a light, thin coat of A&D ointment two times a day for the first three days. Remember to always wash your hands before and after touching your new tattoo. After the first three days, switch to Aveeno lotion. Apply a small amount of Aveeno whenever your tattoo feels dry or itchy. Continue using lotion for the next few week or until your skin returns to normal.

+ NO SOAKING; including and not limited to swimming pools, lakes, hot tubs, salt water, bubble baths, etc. for at least two weeks or until the skin returns to normal.

+ NO SCRATCHING OR PICKING dry scabs that form over your healing tattoo. Doing so may result in loss of pigment and/or scarring on your tattoo.

+ Avoid activities that may result in contamination with potentially infectious materials such as GARDENING, or CONTACT WITH ANIMALS.

+ If you work out or have a job that gets you SWEATY or DIRTY, be sure to clean as soon as possible.

+ Stay out of direct SUNLIGHT for two weeks. No sunbathing or tanning. Always use sunblock whenever you’re in the sun after your tattoo has healed.

+ If you use TANNING BEDS, tattoo should always be covered.