Congratulations!  You've got a brand new tattoo!  Now what to do?

Think about your new tattoo as being similar to a sunburn.  We have lightly damaged the outer layers of your skin, and those top layers will slowly peel off, much like a sunburn.  The area of your new tattoo will be tender and may feel sore for a couple of days.   

It is important to keep your new tattoo clean.  The less you touch or irritate it, the better.  Directly after receiving your new tattoo, go home and remove bandage (if applied), gently wash with mild soap, and pat dry.  DO NOT rebandage.  O.D. Custom Tattoo recommends A&D ointment, or one of the professional aftercare products available for purchase at the shop.  Be sure to always wash hands first before applying ointment.  Apply ointment three times a day, gently absorbing ointment into area of new tattoo.  After your new tattoo feels moist and ointment is absorbed, remove any excess ointment so the outer skin can breathe easily.  Keep from irritating your tattoo as much as possible. 

Do not soak in bathtubs, and keep showers short during the healing process.  Much like a sunburn, your fresh tattoo will be sensitive to hot water and direct sunlight.  Stay out of tanning beds and hot tubs.  Chlorine is never good for fresh tattoos, and will cause prolonged healing and may fade colors.  Use good judgment with a new tattoo...it's a bad idea to go boating in the Mississippi River all day. 

Every single person is different, and some tattoos may take longer than others to heal.  Allow 10-15 days for a new tattoo to completely heal.  If you have any questions, please stop by or call our business phone at 309-786-4695.