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Proper Tattoo Aftercare

Remember: Your Tattoo is not finished until it is totally healed.

 

When your tattoo is completed and/or with work-in-progress after each session, it will be cleaned and covered as necessary at the studio.

 

From that moment on it is your responsibility to hygienically take care of your tattoo. Good hygiene and care will reduce the risk of infection, aid healing and help maintain the colors.

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  • Leave the wrap on for approximately 2 hours.

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  • Before touching your tattoo at any time, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.

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  • Use only your cleaned hands or fingertips to wash your tattoo using warm water and antibacterial soap. Gently remove all traces of lymph fluid, ink and cream from the skin: the tattoo should no longer look shiny if it is properly cleaned.

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  • Pat-dry your tattoo. Do not rub. Let the tattoo to air dry for around 5-10 minutes.

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  • Use ONLY the recommended After Inked, A&D, or Aquaphor ointments, NOT Vaseline, and apply a THIN layer over the tattoo: 3-4 times a day for 7 days, clean before each application (too much will suffocate your tattoo and delay healing process).

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  • After the 7 days, apply unscented, fragrance-free and dye-free lotion like Lubriderm or Cetaphil to keep your tattoo from looking ashy and dry.

  • If you do not have the premium After Inked ointment, just ask your artist or Hamptons Ink employee. We always keep a supply on hand at the shop.

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  • If you have any reaction to any of the aftercare products then stop use immediately and follow the product directions.

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  • Do not scratch or pick!! Your tattoo may peel for a while. This is just the old skin being replaced by new skin cells. It is normal. Gently slap the tattoo to alleviate itching.

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  • DO NOT re-cover the tattoo. Your tattoo needs to breathe. Covering it will result in scarring and ink being pushed out of the skin.

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  • Shower normally, but DO NOT soak! No baths, no pools, no jacuzzies and no ocean bathing for two weeks.

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  • AVOID direct sunlight and tanning beds until fully healed. 

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  • Following these procedures will reduce scabbing. Most people will only develop a thin film over the tattoo that will flake off for around 2 weeks.

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*Infections, while rare, can almost always be prevented by following your aftercare instructions and taking good general care of yourself. Signs of infection include fever, and redness and heat emanating from the tattoo. Excessive redness, bumps or rashes are some signs of allergic sensitivity.  Allergic reactions are most likely due to the ointments or lotions used rather than the pigment of the tattoo.  If you have any concerns contact your artist and/or physician/dermatologist.

You are welcome to stop by or call the shop if you have ANY questions regarding your tattoo or the healing process. We will be more than happy to assist you.

*Do not rely on information given by anyone other than a licensed professional.

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