After Care Ritual

Following these steps will help ensure your tattoo heals properly and looks great for years to come. Always follow any additional instructions provided by your tattoo artist, as they may have specific recommendations based on their experience and the type of tattoo you received.

Leave the Bandage On: After the tattoo is finished, the artist will clean the area and cover it with a transparent dressing or clear, non-adhesive wrap. Leave this on to protect the tattoo from bacteria and friction.

Leave the bandage on for 3-4 days. 

• Do not touch, pick or pull the bandage. 
• You may shower, but make sure to not allow any water inside the bandage.
• If you get water from the shower trapped inside the bandage you must remove it immediately and follow instructions of bandage removal below. 
• Do not re-bandage your tattoo at any point.

Remove your bandage in the shower. 

• Wash the Tattoo: Using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap, gently wash the tattoo to remove any ointment, blood, and plasma. Do not scrub or use a washcloth or sponge, as these can be too harsh.
• Pat Dry: Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry. Do not rub it.

Leave bandage on for 4 hours MAX.

• Remove bandage and immediately wash your tattoo with unscented and undyed soap and cool water. 
• Let dry completely for 10-15 mins.
• Put a small amount of balm on the tattoo.
• Do not re-bandage your tattoo at any point.

Your tattoo is an open wound and your bandage should be removed in a clean place where you can properly treat it. 

• Wash the Tattoo: Using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap, gently wash the tattoo to remove any ointment, blood, and plasma. Do scrub or use a washcloth or sponge, as these can be too harsh.
• Pat Dry: Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry. Do not rub it.

Apply a Thin Layer of Ointment: After the tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of Old Ironsides Tattoo Skincare developed by Heart of Hearts Tattoo Company or unscented undyed lotion and rub gently into the area.

Common unscented, undyed soap and lotions include: Ivory white soap, Dove white soap, Aveeno lotion, Curell lotion, Lubriderm lotion. Make sure all products are free or any scents or color dye agents.

• Wash and Moisturize
• Avoid Soaking
• Avoid Direct Sunlight
• Wear Loose Clothing

Always reach out to your tattoo artist with questions about the healing process. 

• It’s an Open Wound! Do not let anyone else touch your tattoo while it's healing, and wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo. 
• Leaking Fluids: It is normal for your tattoo to leak fluids such as blood, clear plasma, lymphatic fluid and ink the first few days.
• Scabbing and Peeling: It's normal for a tattoo to scab and peel. Let this happen naturally–if you pick at the flakes, this can pull out the ink and cause scarring.
• Itching: As the tattoo heals, it might itch. Avoid scratching it. If it becomes very itchy, you can lightly slap it or apply a small amount of moisturizer to soothe the area.

1. Moisturize: Keep the tattoo moisturized even after it has healed to maintain its appearance.
2. Sun Protection: Once healed, always apply a high SPF sunscreen when exposing the tattoo to sunlight to prevent fading.