Read below for how to take care of your new tattoo after your appointment. If in doubt, follow the instructions your artist has provided. Please contact your artist directly, if you are unable to reach your artist, call your Health Care Provider.

1) A moist tattoo will heal faster than a dry one.

2) Don’t wash your new tattoo, unless debris is present, for a few days. Treat it gently, don’t rub it. If showering, cover with plastic wrap to protect the new cells and growth factors from being washed away. Only cover the area with the tattoo,

3) For the first few days apply and keep on a thin (shiny-looking) application of an ointment or special tattoo healing-based skin protective at the tattoo shop, so that it will stay moist. This is fastest healing.

4) Bandaging is not required other than to protect the tattoo and keep it moist. After 3 days it should look regular but there is a lot of deep healing going on which may be another few weeks so be kind for a while.

5) Complications and infections are rare in tattoo. From the tattooist side, NYC Dept of Health acknowledges that tattooing is not a public health problem when performed by licensed tattooists wearing  new gloves, new needles and following universal precautions.

6) If the area remains red, swollen, hurts or looks unusual to you after 3 days, be safe, repeatedly dab the area with alcohol and consult your personal care provider.

7) If a tattoo accidentally dries out it may form a scab. Your body produces a scab to protect the injured skin. Keep the area safe and moist until new cells grow beneath the scab and cause it to fall off on its own.