1. Remove bandage in 1 to 3 hours.
    
2. Gently wash the area with a recommended soap such as Satin or Provon (antimicrobial). Do NOT use antibacterial soaps, soaps containing chemical perfumes or deodorants.
    
3. Thoroughly rinse the area, without soaking and gently pat dry (Never rub).
    
4. For the remainder of the first day, allow the area to air dry, washing
   again if the tattoo tightens up.
    
5. At the end of the first day, apply a small amount of either fragrance
   free Vaseline Intensive Care lotion (advanced healing formula) or all natural organic balm such as Ink Fixx which we carry at our studios. Use only an amount that will be absorbed by the skin.
    
6. Continue to wash the area, as instructed above, 2 to 3 times a day or as needed if the tattoo tightens or begins feeling dry.  Re-apply the lotion or balm.  ALWAYS wash the tattoo area Before re-applying any lotion or Balm.
    
7. Continue these instructions until the tattoo begins to peel or scab. If the tattoo scabs, discontinue the use of lotion or balm IMMEDIATELY and let the tattoo scab. Allow the scab to fall off as gently and as naturally as possible. Never ever pick at the scab!! If the tattoo does not scab, it should begin to peel in 5 10 days.
    
8. Do not soak your tattoo in any kind of water for at least two weeks. If you will be around a large body of water or in the sun, ALWAYS use sun block.
    
9. Avoid any type of clothing that will rub or irritate the new tattoo.
    
10. Take good care and be aware of your new tattoo at all times.  Remember that the care you put into the healing of your tattoo will be the determining factor in what your tattoo looks like after Healing.
     

In order to effectively heal a tattoo with a minimum of ink lose, one must clearly understand what exactly a fresh tattoo is. The process of tattooing involves a needle, or needles, rapidly penetrating the skin (300-400 penetrations per minute), and depositing pigment in the surface layers of the skin. This process abrades the skin, leaving it raw, inflamed, tender and liable to form

Surface peeling or a scab. The ideal aftercare product for a new tattoo would be an organic balm that will achieve the following:

1. Reduce inflammation
    

2. Restore harmony to the site, allowing the body to accept the pigment and not reject it
    

3. Encourage a state of balance, allowing the body to heal itself.
    

4. Protect the site from unhealthy Bacteria WHAT NOT TO USE

WHAT NOT TO USE

Historically, we as a society treat or body art as an infection. Some people tend to coat their fresh ink with antibiotics and antibacterial products and hope for the best. It is not surprising that we have had so many problems with our tattoo aftercare. This thought process or model uses a “get rid of” or “anti” strategy. Ideally, what we really need is the direct opposite. We need to encourage our body art to stay, look good and be durable. With this in mind, we DO NOT recommend using any petroleum based product, Neosporin, bacitracin, A&D ointment or Vitamin E. None of these products are effective enough at reducing the possibility of scabbing which will increase ink loss or inflammation. Most Of these mentioned products have a petroleum base that will not allow our body art to breathe. In order for the skin regeneration to occur oxygen is critical!

There is an old wisdom that demands that we should treat organic matter (i.e. our bodies) organically. With that in mind, the best aftercare for a tattoo would be organic as well. There is a big picture to consider when our bodies are out of balance. Healing our body art is simply a matter of bringing back the balance. Therefore aftercare becomes more than a matter of applying some sort of goop to the affected area. Our goal should be to soothe irritation and allow our bodies the correct state for self-healing and acceptance of our body art. Keep in mind that no amount of correct aftercare and product use will make up for poor lifestyle choices. Be aware of your body and keep the tattooed area clean. With care and attention you should be able to enjoy your body art for many years to come!