New tattoos require special care while healing. To ensure the best outcome for your skin and your new tattoo The Lacquered Dagger encourages the following:

 

1. Leave your bandage on for 2 to 4 hours after leaving the tattoo studio. Your new tattoo is an open wound. One of the many ways your body may respond to a new tattoo is oozing, heat and bleeding. These are all a normal part of the healing process. The bandage is there to keep airborne bacteria and any other contaminants out. If the bandage becomes stuck or is difficult to remove rinse it under warm, running water until it releases.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo. Do not adjust or change your bandages without first cleaning your hands. Prolonged exposure is not required to transfer staff, bacteria and debris into an open wound.

3. After removing the bandage clean your tattoo and the area around it. Use a mild anti-bacterial soap and water. Avoid using soaps with heavy fragrances, scrubbing beads or dyes. Use a clean, soft, moist washcloth to remove buildup. Do not scrub the tattoo with anything that will scrape or agitate the skin, such as a brush, rough wash cloth or dry towel. 

4. Dry the tattooed area by gently patting the area with a clean towel. Do not rub or abrade the area.

5. Lightly rub on a THIN layer of lotion or aftercare product. Do not over moisturize. This can cause ink loss, body acne, rashes and other complications. Some people may experience minor reactions to Vaseline or other petroleum-based aftercare products. Because of this, The Lacquered Dagger does NOT suggest using these products.

 

DO NOT RE-BANDAGE YOUR TATTOO.

 

Repeat these steps for three-four days, approximately 4 times a day. This helps to ensure that your tattoo does not dry out. If your aftercare product has been absorbed or removed feel free to reapply it, with clean hands, in-between cleanings. Over-cleaning can irritate your new tattoo and can lead to ink-loss, scaring, pain, swelling and an increased chance of infection. Clean your tattoo only as often as is necessary while maintaining a clean, debris free layer of aftercare product on the skin.

 

Most people will notice some peeling and scabbing several days after their procedure. This is normal in small amounts, and is part of your body’s healing process. It is at this point in the healing process that your tattoo will begin to itch. RESIST THE URGE TO SCRATCH, RUB, OR PICK AT YOUR TATTOO. This WILL lead to loss of ink and can possibly cause scaring and infection as well.

 

 

DO NOT:

1. Go swimming or soak in a hot tub or bath for at least 4-6 weeks

2. Use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on your tattoo

3. Itch, pick, or scratch your tattoo

4. Participate in activities that will make you sweat

 

DO:

1. Stay out of the sun until your tattoo has healed completely. This includes tanning.

2. Apply sun block to tattoo after it has healed whenever it is exposed to the sun to protect it from damaging ultraviolet rays.

3. Contact your artist if you have any questions or concerns.

4. Seek processional medical attention if signs and symptoms of infection occur.