-Leave the bandage on for at least 3-4 hours. Really let it get a good marinade under there. If it’s late enough you might consider sleeping with the bandage on to prevent it from sticking to fabric.

 

-Whenever you take the bandage off give it a good wash with warm water (as warm as you can stand) and soap, giving it a good scrub with your hand to get all the surface gunk off. Getting that layer of blood/plasma off at that time will help prevent the tattoo from scabbing up all gnarly. 

 

-Pat it dry with a clean towel and let it air out. No moisturizer right away, I wouldn’t hit it with a bit of Aquaphor until the day after tomorrow. Giving it some oxygen initially will help move the healing process along. 

 

-Keeping it clean is the most important part, make sure to wash it 2-3 times a day and don’t sunburn, soak it, or apply sunscreen until the healing process is mostly finished after about 2 weeks. Let it raise up and flake off without picking or scratching it during this time.

 

-Don’t over moisturize. After a few days of the Aquaphor it might be a good idea to switch over to a non-scented lotion with no Vitamin E or Aloe. The lotion tends to absorb a little better than the Aquaphor. Don’t leave a perpetual sheen on there. 

 

-Feel free to let me know how it all heals up. I want you to stay happy with your ink, I’ll touch it up for free if necessary. Usually as long as you can take good care of it during the healing process you should be alright, but keep me posted if there’s a concern. 

 

Congratulations, you just made it through the aftercare schpiel!