Tattoo Aftercare | shrunkinhead

Tattoo Aftercare

Your bandage should remain on the tattoo for at least 12-24 hours. It is easiest to remove the bandage while you are in the shower, making your new tattoo the last area of your body to wash.
Use your hand to wash the area with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented or antibacterial soap. Blot the area dry with a clean towel, DO NOT RUB DRY.
Apply ointment 1-2 times daily during the healing process. We recommend using cocoa butter, but you can use almost anything in moderation. Avoid over moisturizing your new tattoo. If you can see the lotion shining on your skin than you have used too much. Using too much lotion will prolong the healing of your tattoo and could effect how well it heals.
Avoid swimming or taking a bath for 10-12 days or until any scabbing has fallen off.
Keep the tattoo out of the sun; do not allow it to get sunburnt. Do not use alcohol; this will dry out the tattoo and cause cracking. Avoid picking at any scabbing that may occur on the tattoo. If it itches, it is healing and it’s important just to leave it alone!
Once your tattoo is healed it is very important to protect your investment and always use the best quality sunscreen to block harmful UV rays that are damaging to your beautiful piece of art. This is especially important for color tattoos. If you want to keep your tattoo as bright as the day you got it, you must use sunscreen!