General Info

Tattoo Aftercare The most critical stage in the healing process starts immediately upon completion of your tattoo, so please take the time to read through the instructions and ask any questions you may have before you leave. It is essential that you follow these instructions carefully! The biggest factor in how quickly and cleanly your tattoo heals, is you. Occasionally, a tattoo may lose some colour, experience some fading or scabbing during the healing process. On these occasions, any necessary retouching is included in the cost of your tattoo. Any defects in colour or line work due to improper aftercare is NOT included in your original fee, and you will be charged to retouch the work. Our artists are extremely experienced and can easily identify an improperly healed tattoo from any trauma that might occur during the healing process. - Remove bandage in 4-6 hours and gently wash tattoo with unscented mild soap and warm water. - Make sure to create a good lather with soap: removing excess blood, ink, plasma, foreign matter. - Rinse the tattoo thoroughly under running warm water. - Using a clean and dry towel pat the tattoo dry after washing, then using a hair dryer set on cool, blow dry the tattoo for 1 minute. - DO NOT re-bandage the tattoo, unless otherwise instructed by your artist. - Clean the tattoo with the above procedure 2-3 times per day for the next 2 weeks, or as instructed. - After 2-3 days gently apply a thin layer of an unscented lotion. Always remember a tattoo needs to breathe to heal. DO NOT lotion the tattoo immediately after washing, allow tattoo 2-3 hours to dry out to ensure over moisturizing does not occur. - Loose fitting clothing is essential to avoid any kind of abrasion on your healing tattoo. - NEVER pick or scratch a tattoo, it itches because it is healing. Lightly tap your tattoo if itching occurs. - Never soak your tattoo, as too much moisture can cause the ink to fall out. - DO NOT sauna, swim, hot tub, tan, steam, or sunbathe until your tattoo has flaked off and the skin is back to its original form. - Tattoos should not scab, it should dry out and flake off (looking like tissue paper or flaky pastry). Scabbing is a sign of over moisturizing and your artist should be notified as well as discontinuing the use of lotion. - If you have any questions or concerns please contact the artist who tattooed you, or refer to our website: www.greatcanadiantattoos.com