DeShong Tattoo Studio: Your One-Stop Shop for Body Art

---

Tattoo Aftercare

Your new tattoo is an investment that will last a lifetime. Proper aftercare is one of the most important parts of the healing process. Following these instructions will help your tattoo heal properly and keep it looking its best for years to come.

Leave the Bandage On

Keep your bandage on for approximately 2–4 hours, unless you were given different instructions.

If your tattoo was covered with a medical adhesive bandage (such as SecondSkin or Saniderm), follow the specific instructions provided by your artist.

First Wash

After removing the bandage:

• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap.
• Remove all blood, plasma, and ointment.
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
• Allow the tattoo to air dry for 10–15 minutes.

Do NOT scrub your tattoo.

Apply Ointment

Apply a very thin layer of tattoo aftercare ointment or fragrance-free moisturizer.

A little goes a long way. Your tattoo should never appear greasy or heavily coated.

Repeat this process 2–3 times per day for the first several days.

Continue Moisturizing

After the first few days, switch to a fragrance-free lotion and continue moisturizing whenever your tattoo feels dry.

Keeping your skin lightly moisturized helps reduce itching and promotes healthy healing.

What to Expect

During healing it is normal to experience:

• Mild redness
• Slight swelling
• Tenderness
• Peeling
• Flaking
• Itching

Do not pick, scratch, or peel the tattoo.

Allow all peeling and scabbing to come off naturally.

Avoid During Healing

For approximately 2–4 weeks, avoid:

• Swimming pools
• Hot tubs
• Lakes and rivers
• Long baths (showers are fine)
• Direct sunlight
• Tanning beds
• Tight clothing that rubs the tattoo
• Heavy scratching or picking

Exercise

Light exercise is generally fine, but avoid activities that excessively stretch, rub, or irritate the tattoo until it has healed.

If your tattoo is on a joint, arm, or leg, use common sense and avoid movements that may cause unnecessary trauma during the first several days.

Sun Protection

Once your tattoo is fully healed, always protect it from the sun.

Use a high-quality SPF 30 or higher sunscreen whenever your tattoo will be exposed to sunlight. Sun protection is the best way to keep your colors vibrant and your blacks bold for years to come.

Signs of Infection

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Increasing redness after the first few days
• Severe swelling
• Thick yellow or green discharge
• Fever or chills
• Red streaks extending from the tattoo
• Excessive pain that continues to worsen

Questions?

Healing can vary from person to person. If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for trusting me with your tattoo. Take care of it, and it will look great for years to come.

Randy DeShong
DeShong Tattoo Studio
Appointment Only