This is the "standard" method and most common. We suggest this method for those with smaller tattoos, and those that have had good results with it in the past.

*Your new tattoo has been bandaged, and it should be removed after a minimum of one hour.

*You should wait to remove the bandage until you can properly clean it with mild soap and warm water. Rinse it well, and pat it dry, then allow it to air-dry before applying ointment.

*It is very important that your new tattoo be protected from the sun and dirty environment, as it is a rather large open wound at this time.

*You should apply ointment, either A&D (do not use the diaper rash cream) or Bacitracin, regularly throughout the day, keeping the tattoo slightly moist, but NOT smothered. Use just enough ointment to make the tattoo slightly shiny, and blot off any excess.

*For the first day or two, your tattoo will require more cleaning, as it will lose fluid at first--this is normal. You want to make sure that moisture doesn't get trapped under the ointment (hence the air-drying), and that the tattoo doesn't stay submerged in water either.

*We recommend washing your tattoo a couple of times throughout the day, using only mild soap, and rinsing and drying well. Frequency of cleaning depends on your lifestyle--use your best judgment, but don't overdo it.

*You should only apply ointment for as many days as it takes for your tattoo to peel, this process will take anywhere from three days to 1 week, depending on your body and the area of skin. It will begin to flake like sunburn--just let this happen on its own, and don't pick at it. When the tattoo has fully entered the peeling phase, you need not, and should not, apply any more ointment. The area will become dry and itchy, and a good hand lotion should help with this.

*When exposing your tattoo to the sun you should always use a high SPF sun block to protect the integrity of the tattoo. Just as skin color changes with the UV rays so will your tattoo and prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause the tattoo to fade.

Some things to look for during the healing process:

*Bubbling can occur and is caused from too much moisture (generally too much ointment) getting trapped in your tattoo and this can lead to scabbing. If scabs develop, they can remove the color beneath them. It is very important that any scabs be allowed to dry completely and at no time should they become waterlogged. Scabs will eventually fall off by themselves and should never be “picked” at.

*If your scabs or tattoo becomes “itchy” resist the urge to scratch, as this will damage your tattoo as well. If you must do something to relieve the itching you can use a good hand lotion and/or slap the tattoo.

* Some people develop a small allergic reaction to A&D, which shows up as a red rash around the tattoo, and disappears once the ointment is no longer used. A small percentage of people may develop a more serious reaction, and may require medical attention, so I suggest the use of Bacitracin, unless you've not had problems with A&D in the past.