After-Care | Black Rabbit Tattooing

TATTOO AFTERCARE

Taking care of your tattoo is a big deal, but don't worry, we have you covered.

Improper aftercare can result in:

Leave your bandage on up to 2 hours. Do not rebandage a healing tattoo.
After removing your bandage, clean your tattoo with witch hazel* and paper towel. Never use a cloth to clean your healing tattoo, as they harbor bacteria. *Witch hazel will remove irritation and keep your tattoo moisturized.
After the initial cleaning, fold up a few paper towels and soak them in witch hazel. Allow the soaked paper towel to cover your fresh tattoo for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this step once in the morning and once in the evening.
Make sure to remove excess blood and plasma by gently wiping the tattoo.
Continue this routine for 2 weeks until your tattoo is healed.

NOTE: On the first day, you do not need to apply moisturizer to your tattoo, as it has been moisturized enough throughout the tattoo process.

It is very important to moisturize your new tattoo 2 to 3 times daily until fully healed (3-6 weeks) by applying a thin layer of Bag Balm or Aquaphor. These products can be purchased at Black Rabbit tattoo, Walgreens, Walmart, or Fleet Farm. Apply only a thin layer of product to allow your tattoo to breathe. Take care as to not over-apply.
Make sure your tattoo is free from plasma during the healing period. Allowing this to form and harden can cause cracks, excessive scabbing, and light spots in your tattoo.
Do not soak your tattoo throughout the healing process. Showers are fine but do not allow a constant stream of water to flow over your fresh tattoo. Avoid excessively hot water during showers.

NOTE: Do not use use A&D ointment, antibiotic ointment, Vaseline, etc. on your new tattoo.

Your tattoo will flake, peel, and in some cases, scab depending on placement. Do not pick or scratch at your new tattoo, as it could expose it to bacteria and increase your chances of getting an infection. It may also pull pigment out of your tattoo, resulting in the need for a touch up.
Be cautious when moving the body part you recently had tattooed. Avoid large movements and heavy use, especially when exercising or performing physical labor.
Avoid dirty, dusty, and unclean areas coming in contact with your tattoo. This includes in your home, outside your home, public places, and work areas.
Pet dander is a primary reason for tattoo infection. Avoid exposing your tattoo to pets and areas where pet dander is excessive. Do not sleep with pets while your tattoo is healing. If your tattoo touches a pet or its dander, wash your tattoo immediately.