-Client Aftercare for Tattoos-

A qualified artist of 13th Hour has applied your tattoo professionally and appropriately. Upon completion of said tattoo, 13th Hour Inc. and it's employees are absolved of any and all blame if aftercare is not followed properly, or ignored entirely. If you have any problems / concerns / questions, please feel free to call us. We will be more than happy to try and help, by following these instructions, your tattoo should heal smoothly.

Step 1: Remove the Dressing after 4 - 12 hours

-You may leave your bandage on overnight in the case of tattoos done later in the evening.
-The purpose of Vaseline being applied is that the bandage will not stick to the tattoo.
-(This is the only time Vaseline should be applied.)
-If the bandage does stick, soak the bandage in lukewarm water, and gently remove.
-The purpose of the dressing is to protect your tattoo from any airborne bacteria.
-During the first few hours it is normal for your tattoo to seep some blood and fluids.

Step 2: Washing Your Tattoo

-As soon as you remove the dressing you MUST wash the tattoo thoroughly with warm water, a mild non-scented soap and clean hands. ( A wash cloth is too rough.)
-The area will be tender but it is important to remove all dried blood, Vaseline and fluid.
-After the tattoo has been cleaned, pat dry with a clean towel.
-Keeping the tattoo clean is important and washing it several times a day for the first few days is recommended.
-Let the tattoo "dry" for at least a day before applying lotion.

Step 3: Applying Lotion

-Mild non-scented lotion (Lubriderm or Curel) may be applied to the tattoo.
-A good rule of thumb is less is more.
-Only apply lotion if the skin feels tight.
-Too much lotion and the scabs may become too soft and come away premature.
-Not enough lotion may cause the scabs to crack and dry out.
-This can affect the pigment and the final look of your healed tattoo.

Your tattoo is a wound. It will be sore and swollen for several days.
This is normal. Advil or Tylenol can be taken to ease discomfort.
Keeping the area protected and clean for the first 3-5 days is
extremely important in the healing process.

A tattoo isn't completed until it is fully healed.
This takes active participation on your part!

-DO NOT COVER YOUR TATTOO with a bandage or plastic wrap. This will deprive the skin of oxygen as well as creating a moist environment where bacteria can grow and cause infection.

-DO NOT PICK AT YOUR TATTOO! Most tattoos heal within 10 days. Usually some scabbing will form but do not pick or scratch it. It is normal for the tattoo to get quite itchy during the final healing stages. We recommend you slap the area instead - this usually takes the itch away. It is extremely important that you avoid scratching and picking at the scab or else another will take its place, resulting in scarring and color loss. After scabbing / flaking finishes, a light milky skin will form over the tattoo. This is merely the new skin replacing the old and nothing to worry about. LEAVE IT ALONE.

-AVOID EXCESS WATER! Do not bathe, swim or soak in a pool, lake, bathtub, hot tub, sauna, etc. for 3 weeks - (showers ONLY!) Try to keep the shower spray from directly hitting the tattooed area. Soaking in water creates nasty scabs and again can result in color loss and scarring. Chlorine is also unhealthy for the color and healing of a tattoo. Always pat your tattoo dry and don't worry if it flakes, flaking is normal.

-AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT! Tanning and sunbathing are definitely not to be considered during the healing process. A new tattoo has no sun blocking capabilities, and will sunburn in as little as 5 minutes, resulting in much longer healing times, scabbing, scarring and color loss. Do not put sunblock on your tattoo until it is fully healed. Once your tattoo is healed, use SPF 30 when in the sun to keep your tattoo looking vibrant. The sun can damage your ink the same way it can damage your skin.

Your tattoo has been applied under the strictest guidelines.
All needles are brand new and disposed of after every client use.
All items used for tattooing are either single use or sterilized in a hospital grade sterilizer known as an AUTOCLAVE.
All necessary precautions have been taken to ensure your safety and ours.
If you have any questions or concerns with the healing of your tattoo, come and see us to evaluate your healing process.

Your tattoo artist is the only person in any position to give you advice on healing.

Proper aftercare will determine the final result of your tattoo.
Should you require a touchup please call to book an appointment or stop by the shop and let the artist determine the best course of action for your tattoo.
There is no charge for touch ups if the appointment is booked before the tattoo is 12 months old.

Estimated healing time is between 2 and 6 weeks.