Tattoo Aftercare
The first few days and weeks (for a new tattoo) are probably the most important for your new tattoo. Make sure you care for it properly. Below is the healing procedure and do’s and don’ts we recommend. Because each individual is different, this may not always be the best recommendation for each person. We recommend you follow the advice of your tattoo artist or seek the advice of a doctor.
1. Leave the bandage that you received after the tattoo on for approximately 4 hours. Tattoos will ooze, this is a normal part of the healing process. The bandage is there to keep airborne bacteria and any other contaminants in the environment from invading your wound.
2. Make sure your hands have been washed thoroughly before you touch or remove the bandage.
3. After removing the bandage, cleanse the tattooed area with anti-microbial soap and water by dabbing/patting only DO NOT SCRUB the tattoo with a brush or towel (this should not be done until the tattoo has healed). The idea behind the washing is to eliminate any dead cells have been allowed to accumulate on the surface.
4. Dry the tattooed area by gently patting the area with a clean, sterile gauze. Do NOT USE A TOWEL. If you do not have sterile gauze, just let it air dry. DO NOT blow on your tattoo. Let the tattoo dry completely (approximately 10 minutes)
5. You do not need to re-bandage at this point. Remember never to touch your new tattoo without thoroughly washing your hands first. 
8. Repeat the steps above for three-four days, approximately 3-4 times per day. The idea behind this part of the process is to not let the tattoo dry out for extended periods of time.
9.After a few days you may notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Some scabbing is normal. It is at this point in the healing process that your tattoo will begin to itch. RESIST THE URGE TO SATISFY YOUR DESIRE TO SCRATCH, RUB, OR PICK at the tattoo. Consult a physician if you experience symptoms such as excessive swelling, redness, yellow or green discharge, fever.
10.)On day 3 or 4 of the healing process after each cleansing of the tattoo, take a very small amount of A & D ointment or other approved tattoo aftercare ointment, just enough to lightly cover the tattoo. DO NOT USE TO MUCH as this can smother the tattoo and slow down the healing process.
Finally the DO’s and DONT's
DO NOT:
1. Go swimming or soak in a hot tub or bath
2. Use hydrogen peroxide, Vaseline, or rubbing alcohol on your tattoo
3. Itch, pick, or scratch the tattoo
4. Participate in activities that will make you sweat
DO:
1. Stay out of the sun until your tattoo has healed completely.
2. Apply sun block to tattoo after it has healed whenever it is exposed to the sun to protect it from damaging ultraviolet rays.
3. Use clean clothes and bedding only.
4. If any fabric, such as clothing or bed sheets, is stuck to your tattoo DO NOT try to pull it off. DO go into the shower with whatever is stuck to you and gently shower the whole area to loosen the fabric and gently remove it from the tattoo.

I have received aftercare instructions:
Client Signature:__________________________________________ Date:_______________