HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY TATTOO?

Always wash your hands with liquid anti-bacterial soap under warm (90F) water before washing your tattoo. ;wash until all plasma and/or residual pigment is removed and is smooth to the touch. Rinse with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

DAY 1- Keep bandaged for a minimum of 4 hours or, if circumstances apply, the bandage can be worn overnight. Once the bandage is removed, DO NOT RE-BANDAGE. Wash your tattoo with clean hands immediately after bandage is removed. Repeat as necessary 3-4 times a day. 

DAY 2-4- Apply a small amount of aquaphor or unscented dye free lotion. DO NOT apply an excessive amount of aquaphor; it’s important that your tattoo can breathe. If using aquaphor, use a very thin layer, leaving an almost matte rather than an excessively glossy finish. Repeat as necessary up to 4-5 times a day.

DAY 5- Replace aquaphor with a dye and fragrance free lotion such as lubriderm, aveeno or curel. Apply just enough to cover your tattoo and ease any discomfort you might have.

NOTE - An average tattoo takes approximately 2 weeks to heal if properly taken care of. Tattooing is a human endeavor, and because it’s variable conditions are endless, please consider that no tattoo is the same and heal time durations can vary.  For the best results please listen to your artist. NEVER pick or scratch your tattoo, Do NOT soak your healing tattoo in pools, hot tubs, lakes or oceans for at least 2 weeks (showers are ok). Always avoid prolonged exposure to U.V. rays without applying sunblock to your HEALED tattoo. 

      Consult a physician if, outside the normal limits of healing, you have any concerns that your body art has resulted in complications such as abnormal swelling, illness, fever or allergic reactions. Infection and disease should be reported to the D.E.H. You may also report to your artist any concerns or complications you might have. The rules and regulations governing body art establishments and body artists require that the body artist report these conditions to the Department of Environmental Health within 24 hours of the discovery.

Denver Department of Environmental Health. 200 W 14th Ave. Dept 200 Denver, CO 80204