IMMEDIATE CARE It is important to rely on the expert guidance, and follow ALL instructions given by your TATTOO ARTIST for the life of your tattoo and to avoid infection 1. Leave the bandage on for 5-6 hours minimum. ( Can be left on up to 24 hours if desired.) 2. When removing bandage,saturate gauze with plenty of cool water to assure easy removal. No further bandaging is required once initial bandage is removed. 3. Lather up tattoo with mild soap and water using ONLY your hand.(No washcloths, loofahs etc.) 4. Rinse tattoo with warm or cool water. Pat dry with a towel (Do not rub-this will cause irritation)Then apply a light, thin coat of ointment recommended by tattoo artist, directly to tattoo. Be sure tattoo is moist, just enough to look shiny so the tattoo is allowed to breathe. This is essential to the proper healing of your new tattoo. Over application of ointment can smother the tattoo and cause irritation, and in some cases a red, bumpy, itchy rash. Over application can also cause the tattoo to "weep" out ink. Tattoo will appear to be dripping color. If this occurs,use a bit less ointment and give an extra washing to tattoo, contact your tattoo artist with any questions. This can also occur when the body temperature rises, during exercise and warmer months. 5. Wash tattoo 3 to 5 times a day for 2 weeks with regular soap and water.(It takes roughly 2 weeks to fully heal a tattoo, in winter months it can take longer, as well as tattoos done on lower extremities of the body.(due to circulation) Apply ointment after each washing. The ointment should be applied for the first 3 to 4 days. After the 3 to 4 days, discontinue use of the ointment and use a body lotion in place of it. 6. Vitamin E (Oil or Capsules) or light skin moisturizer ( ex. Lubriderm) can be used in place of ointment after a 5 day period. Continue to wash tattoo and keep clean. 7. During initial healing if wearing tight clothing that may rub or irritate tattoo, cover tattoo with "Saran Wrap" after applying an extremely light coat of ointment. Only do this as necessary! Keeping tattoo covered with "Saran Wrap" for too long can also irritate it. Your new tattoo needs to breathe. 8. Within the first week, the tattoo will begin to peel like a sunburn, the same color as your tattoo design. This is the normal healing process, so do not be worried that your tattoo is coming off. DO NOT PICK OR PEEL SKIN AWAY (if you do, you can lose color in spots) Let it come off naturally during the washing and ointment applications. When the tattoo is done peeling it is healed!!! A tattoo should look as it did when you left the tattoo shop if cared for correctly. The artist has done their part, now you must do yours. The better condition the skin is in, the better the tattoo will look. AFTERCARE 1.For the first 2 weeks of healing ABSOLUTELY NO SWIMMING!!! (pools, salt water, freshwater, NO HOT TUBS OR BATHTUBS! This can cause the ink to spread out under the skin or bleach the color from the area. And NO SUNBATHING OR TANNING!! This can result in a poorly healed tattoo and faded washed out color. Showers are fine, you need to keep it clean. 2. If at any time after initial healing is done, the tattoo looks dull or waxy, you may apply a skin moisturizer or Vitamin E which will eat away at any dead skin on top of the tattoo. 3. After tattoo is fully healed, apply sunblock (at least SPF 30 or higher)when outdoors for extended periods or sunbathing. The sun is the #1 factor in faded color in a tattoo. 4. Wait at least 2 weeks before getting another tattoo. Your body's immune system will work more slowly at the healing process if you have more than one tattoo done at a time. Tattoos are open wounds and need time to heal properly without compounding the healing process with another tattoo. If any questions, please dont hesitate to call us here at Sleepy Hollow Tattoo- (203)876-5085