1. Leave the bandage that you received after the tattoo on for 2 to 10 hours. Tattoos will ooze, this is a normal part of the healing process. The bandage is there to keep airborne bacteria and any other contaminants in the environment from invading your wound.
2. Make sure your hands have been washed thoroughly before you remove the bandage.
3. After removing the bandage, cleanse the tattooed area with anti-bacterial soap(gold dial) and water. Do not scrub the tattoo with a brush or towel (this should not be done until the tattoo has healed). The idea behind the washing is to eliminate any dead cells that have been allowed to accumulate on the surface.
4. Dry the tattooed area by gently patting the area with a clean, sterile towel.
5. Let the tattoo dry completely (approximately 10 minutes)
6. Lightly rub on an unscented lotion like Lubriderm.
7. You do not need to re-bandage
8. Repeat the steps above for 2 weeks approximately 2-3 times a day. (moisturize as needed) The idea behind this part of the process is to not let the tattoo dry out. After a few days, you may notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. This is completely normal. It is at this point in the healing process that our tattoo will begin to itch. RESIST THE URGE TO SATISFY YOUR DESIRE TO SCRATCH, RUB, OR PICK at the tattoo. Remember -- the first few days and weeks (for a new tattoo) are probably the most important for your new tattoo. Make sure you care for it properly.

DO NOT:

1. Go swimming or soak in a hot tub or bath.

2. Use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on your tattoo.

3. Itch, pick or scratch the tattoo

DO:

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

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