Absolute Art Tattoo Richmond design with western cowboy skull artwork and desert sunset background

Tattoo Care Instructions

These are basic care instructions meant only as simple guidelines for you to follow. Please feel free to call us with any questions or concerns at any time during your healing process. As with any tattoo, there are a few major don'ts that apply across the board. These will be clearly noted in the following...

Traditional nurse tattoo with red cross headpiece, blue eyes, red rose, and dagger on forearm by Absolute Art Tattoo Richmond

1

You can leave your bandage on for 4 to 6 hours or until you get home.

2

When you remove the bandage, gently wash all of the old ointment and blood off the area with warm water and a mild soap that's free of colors, perfumes and dyes as possible. Wash the tattoo off until it no longer feels slick with leftover ointment.

3

DO NOT RE-BANDAGE. You will not need to re-bandage your tattoo during the healing process. 

4

Begin to apply a very thin layer of anti-bacterial moisturizer to your tattoo. We suggest applying it between your fingertips first and then applying it to your tattoo to ensure the thinnest applications. You will continue to do this 2 to 3 times a day for the next 2 to 4 days or until your skin becomes dry and flaky.

5

After 2 to 4 days you may experience an itching sensation. This is normal. It is important to not scratch your new tattoo while it heals. You can begin to apply hypoallergenic body lotion at least 2 to 3 times a day to help alleviate the itching. We recommend unscented hand lotion, or any other hypoallergenic lotion. Your tattoo may also begin to flake like sunburn during this time. This is normal. DO NOT PICK OFF SKIN; this can damage your tattoo. Let skin flake off naturally and use more lotion when needed.

6

During your healing process it will be important to try and wear something that isn't rubbing against your tattoo. It will also be important to not soak your tattoo in water for long periods of time; this means no chlorinated water, salt water, hot tubs, oceans, pools or lakes. Short periods in the shower are acceptable, but baths are not. You will also want to avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo, and after it is healed use a strong sunscreen to cover it up. Tanning fades tattoos.