Healing time: 4-6 weeks (varies by individual and tattoo).

Healing time for tattooing varies from person to person, as well as by the size and location of the tattoo. The types of inks or dyes, the needle group configuration, the depth of the ink and / or dye insertion, and the number of times the artist worked on a particular area may also influence healing time. The rate of infection is minimal if aftercare is followed appropriately. It is very important to remember not to touch the tattooed site without first washing your hands. Do NOT shave tattooed area until completely healed.

Normal body reactions to tattooing may include: redness, swelling, and / or minor discomfort at the site. NOTE: If after 48 hours more severe complications occur (increased redness, swelling or hardness at the site, pus-like drainage, and / or onset of fever), contact your personal physician immediately.

1. Keep the new tattoo bandaged for approximately one to two (2) hours. Do not rebandage the tattoo again at any point. It needs to breathe to heal properly.
2. Wash hands with antibacterial soap before touching the tattoo and follow the below instructions.
3. Liberally soak the bandage with warm water and allow at least 2 minutes to pass before carefully removing the bandage. Using your fingertips (never use a loofa or washrag on a healing tattoo), gently clean the tattoo with a mild soap like Dove or Ivory. Do NOT use antibacterial or deodorant soaps on a healing tattoo. Gently blot dry with a clean towel.
4. After 12 to 24 hours, you will notice the tattoo beginning to dry up. For the first three (3) days apply a very light coat of A&D ointment to the tattoo to keep it moist.
5. After three (3) days of using A&D ointment, switch over to a non-scented and dye-free hand lotion such as Lubriderm or Aveeno. Gently clean the tattoo as described in #3 and blot dry before applying lotion. Only apply enough lotion to moisturize the area and blot away any excess lotion so the skin can breathe. Depending on what part of the body the tattoo is, you will need to apply lotion 5 to 7 times daily. Note: After three (3) days do NOT use ANY petroleum-based products like Vaseline, A & D ointment, Bacitracin, or Neosporin. These products do not allow the skin to breathe and can lead to the loss of ink. Also avoid skin topicals containing Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera, alpha-hydroxy acid or Retin-A in the area of your tattoo.
6. Avoid sun tanning (including tanning beds), salt or chlorine water, or hot tubs for one (1) month. Keep your tattoo covered when you are out in the sun. Also, take showers, not baths, and avoid soaking in water until your tattoo is completely healed.
7. In the event mild scabbing occurs, DO NOT pick at, scratch, or attempt to “wash off”. Allow the scabs to slough off naturally. You may apply a mild skin lotion to keep “flaking” to a minimum (see #4 above.)
8. NOTE: In the first weeks, the colors in your tattoo may look “hazy” or not as bright as they did when it was first applied. Do not be alarmed, it is a normal course of healing and will clear up in a few short weeks. At worst, your new tattoo may need a light touch-up after healing. A touch-up, if necessary, can be applied by the original artist after a minimum of 45 days and will be free of charge for up to one year of the tattoo's original application. Sorry, we cannot do touch-ups on weekends.