Aftercare
Aftercare Basics
We want your tattoo to look the best it can for as long as humanly possible. We’ve seen a lot of tattoos, we have a lot of tattoos, and these aftercare guidelines are a byproduct of that expertise. This is what we recommend.
Cal Tattoo is not responsible for the way your tattoo heals or what happens to it once it leaves our shop. That’s on you, boo.
1. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your fresh tattoo!
2. Gently remove bandage within 1 hour from completion. Do not re-bandage!
3. Gently but thoroughly wash your tattoo with an unscented, antibacterial, liquid soap (we recommend Softsoap) and warm water. Do not use a washcloth, loofah, or anything abrasive. Only use your hands!
4. Shock the tattoo by applying a clean, hot compress for approximately 10 seconds, then quickly rub an ice cube over it or rinse with very cold water. Do not use an ice pack!
5. Gently pat your tattoo dry with a new piece of paper towel. Do not rub or use fabric with a rough surface!
6. Rub a small amount of healing ointment onto your tattoo. We highly suggest Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Always use clean hands and do not touch your fingers back into the ointment container after touching your tattoo. Rub the ointment in so it is not goopy or greasy - you want a thin layer.
7. Pat off any excess ointment with a new paper towel. Do not use Vaseline / petroleum!
8. Repeat steps 3, 5, and 6 for the next four / five days at least 3 to 4 times a day.
9. Wear clean, soft, and loose-fitting clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks - nothing abrasive, tight, or irritating. For foot tattoos, go barefoot as much as possible and avoid wearing shoes as much as you can. The first 5 days are critical for healing. For hand / finger tattoos, avoid any extraneous activity.
Wait,
There’s More
Yeah, we know it’s a lot. We promise it’s worth it though, trust us.
— After a few days, your tattoo may begin to peel and itch. Do not pick, scratch, peel, or rub your tattoo - EVER. Begin using a mild, unscented lotion, free of dyes for a minimum of 2 weeks, daily as needed. If it itches, lotion your tattoo again or slap the tattoo gently.
— Do NOT pick scabs or peel any flakes! We know there are a lot of scab pickers out there but this can pull pigment from your skin and damage your tattoo.
— You can (and should) shower but do not wash or scrub your tattoo with body wash or use a loofah / washcloth. Avoid prolonged exposure to extremely hot water if possible.
— Do not soak your tattoo for at least 3 weeks. No swimming (any body of water), baths, or hot tubs!
— Do not expose your fresh tattoo to the sun or UV light for at least 4 weeks. After that you must use a high SPF rated sun-block to protect the pigments and extend the quality life of the tattoo.
— Avoid direct contact with anyone or anything potentially septic and / or bacterial; including animals, rest rooms, bodily fluids, gym equipment, lakes, rivers, etc. If your tattoo is exposed to any of these, wash with antibacterial soap immediately! You do not want your new tattoo to get infected.
— Beware of conflicting advice from friends, family, and the internet!
— Although rare, if you do not properly take care of your tattoo, it may become infected. Infections generally include excessive pain, excessive heat from the tattoo, spreading bright-red inflamed tissue around the outside of the tattoo that may also have thin red outward radiating lines, it may ooze yellow pus, or bleed abnormally. If you think your tattoo is infected, seek medical attention immediately.