Congratulations on your new ink! Now it's time to take extra special care of it to be sure it heals well and stays beautiful forever.

 

Leave the bandages on.
After your artist finishes, they will bandage the tattoo up since it is considered an open wound and should be treated as such. The bandage serves as protection from bacteria and infection. The bandage should be left on for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 12 hours depending on the piece and what your artist recommends. As exciting as it is to get new ink and show all your friends, please hold back and make them wait to see it!

Wash and treat.
Once you take off the bandages, you need to wash your tattoo well. Using lukewarm water and a mild antibacterial soap such as Dawn liquid dishwashing soap, to wash away any ointment, blood and/or plasma and to completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything but your hand to wash the area. If the area is still slimy and slippery, then it may have some residue left on it from plasma, so gently wash the area again. Leaving it on the skin will create scabbing.

Pat the tattoo dry, DO NOT RUB! Make sure to get the tattoo completely dry. Use a lightweight moisturizer on the entire tattoo. Curel (original or sensitive) is recommended. It is acceptable to use smaller amounts of A&D ointment or bacitracin if absolutely necessary, but call your tattoo shop before to get recommendations. DO NOT USE NEOSPORIN EVER! This is a good product for the occasional scrape or cut but never a tattoo. Allergic reactions are not uncommon to Neosporin, which causes a rash or little red bumps. When these bumps go away, so does your new ink and you have a nice new polka dotted tattoo.

You are always welcome to use specialty products such as the Ink-eeze Aftercare product line. Nostalgia Tattoo Co. is a proud supporter of this line of products. Mr. Scary and Sean Walrad are Pro-Team members of the Ink-eeze Company and can recommend which products would be best for you.

Keeping it clean.
Continue to keep your tattoo clean, but use the lotion only when needed.

Scabbing and peeling.
After a few days, the itch sets in and the peeling begins! This is not a cause for panic. Keeping the area moisturized is essential and will help alleviate some of the itching. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH AT YOUR TATTOO! If there is a scab, leave it alone-It is trying to heal!

Sun protection…yes, even on cloudy days!
After your new ink is fully healed, you will always want to protect it from the sun. If unprotected, the sun can quickly fade fast. Always use a minimum of SPF 30 sunblock, even on cloudy days.

Other Tips.
Can I shower with my new tattoo?
Yes you can…and should! It is ok to get your tattoo wet, just don’t soak or scrub!
Can I jump in the hot tub or swimming pool?
NO! Having your new tattoo submerged in water can cause serious damage, so please avoid it for 2 to 3 weeks.

 

Are tattoos safe?
YES! As long as you go to a reputable artist and they are following all the recommended safety precautions needed.

Does it hurt?
Pain is relative. Everyone has a different pain tolerance and let’s be honest, getting a lot of needles poked into you isn’t going to be comfortable. However, it’s not that bad and most tattoo enthusiasts will tell you that you can’t just have one and once you get one, you can’t stop! The beauty of a tattoo and the pride associated with it, far outweighs the hours in the chair, or any pain.

How much is it going to cost?
When it comes to body art, you definitely get what you pay for. While there are plenty of tattoo shops to choose from and those that will run specials or ink you for a deal, you will most likely find yourself shopping for a new artist to cover it up or “fix it” and you will pay way more in the long run. DO YOUR RESEARCH! Go to the tattoo shop and look at portfolios from the artists in the shop. If they are not willing to show you their art, then it is not worth your time, and money, getting a tattoo there. Never try to bargain with a tattoo artist-it’s disrespectful to the artist. If you can’t pay for the quality of work, don’t bother getting the tattoo. Getting a tattoo is an investment, and permanent.

How much do I tip the artist?
Tipping is a nice gesture and great way to ensure quality work when you come back. There are no set ground rules for tipping, so ask the shop for their suggestions.

What should I get and where?
Getting a tattoo is a personal thing, so when it comes to design, you need to be the one to come up with the idea. You can always have a consultation with one of the artists to have them help hone your ideas. Most shops have tattoo flash or artwork to pick from for ideas. Tattoo shop websites are a great way to see an artist’s portfolio as well as get reviews of their work and shop, so make sure to check their online presence when researching ideas and the artist. It is always a good idea to visit the shop and talk to the artists before getting in the chair.

Is it ok to get a tattoo if I am sick?
Getting a tattoo when you’re sick or your immune system is weak is not a good idea. Since the tattoo is a wound, you are going to need all the strength you can get to heal. This will not happen if you are already sick. Not to mention, the tattoo shop and artist probably does not want your cold. It is advised to call and reschedule your tattoo.

If you have any other questions, please call us at 719-434-8882, Tuesday through Saturday between 12 noon and 8pm.