1. Initial Care (First 2 Days):
• Plastic Wrap: Remove it before sleeping unless instructed otherwise.
• Hand Washing: Use unscented antibacterial soap (like orange Dial). Wash for 15 seconds, rinse, wash again, and create lather with your hands.
• Tattoo Cleaning: Use fingers only to lather soap gently on the tattoo. Avoid washcloths or sponges to prevent bacteria transfer. Rinse off and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
• Air Dry: Let the tattoo air dry for a few minutes.
• Re-Wrap: Wrap with new clear plastic wrap every time. Keep it on all day and night.
• Frequency: Repeat twice daily for two days.

2. Post-Wrap Care (From Day 3):
• Stop Wrapping: Discontinue plastic wrap after two days.
• Cleaning: Continue washing your tattoo as before.
• Lotion Application: Use a thin layer of white, unscented lotion, avoiding scented products or those with additives like oatmeal. Apply up to three times daily. The lotion should be thin for faster healing.

3. Healing Process:
• Flaking and Peeling: Expect flaking like thin scabs and peeling akin to a sunburn. This is normal. Do not pick or scratch your tattoo during this stage.
• Appearance Changes: Initially, tattoos might look hazy or glossy—this is normal. Over time, colors will brighten and blacks will darken as the skin settles.

4. Long-Term Care:
• Sun Protection: Always apply high SPF sunblock before sun exposure or using a tanning booth. Avoid tanning to prevent fading.
• Tattoo's Worst Enemy: The sun can cause significant color fading and should be avoided.

5. Things to Remember:
• Hygiene: Always wash hands before touching your healing tattoo. This reduces infection risk by 70%.
• Sun and Water Exposure: Avoid direct sunlight and soaking for at least 10 days to prevent complications and color loss.
• Extra Care Areas: Certain body areas like feet, arm creases, and armpits may need more attention. Feet tattoos might need an extra day of wrapping with a sock and shoes.
• Contact for Concerns: If unsure if your tattoo is healing correctly, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. DO NOT take medical or healing advice from your friends or other tattoo artists. If you use any lotion I did not OK or have written here, then I will not guarantee success in your healing process. I’m also less likely to touch up your tattoo for free, and you’ve diminished any chances of us becoming friends.