TANNER TATTOOS

The life of your tattoo and how it will look for years to come is dependent upon the care it receives from here on out, particularly within the first few weeks of healing. Sunscreen is your tattoo's best friend. UV rays can and WILL  fade your Tattoo rapidly. Proper care of your tattoo is critical both to it's final appearance and it's longevitiy. A really beautiful tattoo can turn into a disaster if the proper aftercare is not taken. 

Bandage Removal and Initial Care
 

You can expect the tattoo and area around it to be tender to the touch and feel like a sunburn. If possible, wear loose fitting clothing over the tattoo, and avoid sun exposure.

​

If there is NO adhesive bandage covering your new tattoo: you'll want to repeat as often as necessary the following:

Always wash your hands before you touch your tattoo at any time! Hand sanitizer can be used in lieu of a sink. If someone else is helping you, instruct them to do the same. 

Wash, pat dry with paper towels only,  and apply thin layer of ointment. Wash at least three times a day for ewthe first week, (morn, noon, night). In between washings, you will be regularly checking for dryness, and applying ointment as often as needed to maintain good moisture. Your goal is to make sure it doesn't dry out.

If there is an adhesive bandage on, then follow the instructions provided by your artist. Typically, this bandage is 100% waterproof, and only allows oxygen through, while keeping all other pathogens out. DO NOT remove this bandage unless/or until instructed by your artist. You will leave this bandage on for 3 to 5 days based upon the recommendation of your artist. There is no need for multiple cleanings, dryings etc during this time.

After you remove the bandage, you will want to wash your tattoo immediately using lukewarm water and mild soap to gently wash away any ointment, blood and/or plasma and to completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your hand is your best tool in this case. (If your tattoo feels slimy and slippery, that is normal). Once clean, then pat (do not rub) the area with a paper towel to get it dry. Follow with a very light application of aftercare ointment. 

​

If there is just plastic wrap on your tattoo: 

Leave on approximately 1-2 hours, then remove the plastic, wash, pat dry, apply thin layer of ointment. Repeat the washing ritual as need throughout the day to keep the tattoo clean and moist. 

**Do not use Neosporin. This is a wonderful product for cuts and scrapes, but not for tattoos. Some people can have an allergic reaction to the Neosporin, which causes little red bumps. When the bumps go away, so does the ink, and you end up with a polka-dotted tattoo.** 

After 3 days, continue to keep it clean, but you can switch to an UNSCENTED lotion when needed, or continue to use your aftercare product, to keep the skin soft. Whatever lotion you use, it should be dye and fragrance free. 

Keep tattoo from drying out until ALL signs of peeling and/or scabbing disappear (usually 7-10 days). 
Always wash your hands before applying any ointment or lotion. If someone else is applying this for you, instruct them to wash their hands before touching your tattoo. 
Somewhere between 3 and 6 days, the tattoo will start to flake. Do not pick at or scratch. Use lotion to help control the itching. Let the skin peel naturally. You will notice small pieces of dry skin containing color coming off. This is normal. 
Always keep your tattoo clean, and protected from the sun. 

Do Not: 
Once bandage is completely removed DO NOT re-bandage the tattoo, except for first 3 nights and only right before you get into bed. Remember? Do not want it to stick to anything.  Unless instructed otherwise. 
DO NOT use a wash cloth, loofa, or sponge to clean your tattoo! Only use your fingertips/hands. 
DO NOT touch your tattoo with dirty hands, and don’t let anyone else either! 
Do NOT use cloth towels to dry your tattoo, as cloth towels can harbor bacteria. 
NO direct sunlight or tanning on the tattoo for first 2-3 weeks. 
DO NOT pick or scratch the tattoo while it is peeling. 
DO NOT soak the tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, baths, hot tubs or saunas for 2 weeks. When the tattoo has completely peeled, swimming or soaking is OK. 
No shaving or waxing the area until the tattoo is completely healed. 
DO NOT apply alcohol, Vaseline, petroleum jelly or sunblock to a fresh tattoo. 
DO NOT listen to friends or so-called tattoo experts. If you have questions, call/visit the artist that did your tattoo! 

​