The Hive Tattoo Collective
Suggested Tattoo Aftercare
DON’T TOUCH IT IF YOU’RE NOT CLEANING IT!
Your tattoo was applied in a clean modern facility using sterile instruments. It is your responsibility after you leave to care for your tattoo. If you follow these simple suggested directions, you should have a quick-healing and attractive tattoo. Remember, the life of your tattoo depends on the care it receives in the first few days. The healing process usually takes about 2 weeks; however, this time may vary from person to person. You may notice some redness, slight swelling, and tenderness at the site – this is to be expected but should not last longer than a few days.
Suggested Aftercare Procedure: Always wash and dry hands before touching or cleaning your new tattoo!
• Procedure day: Remove the temporary dressing covering your tattoo after about 2 hours.
• If the dressing sticks to the skin, wet the area with COOL water to loosen it and then carefully remove.
• Once the tattoo is exposed, wash it gently but thoroughly with mild soap and COOL water – rinse off any remaining surface blood & soap, then PAT dry with a freshly laundered towel or a disposable paper towel – DO NOT COVER THE SITE WITH ANY TYPE OF DRESSING!
• The following day: After cleaning and drying the site, massage in a SMALL amount of a light, non-tinted, fragrance-free lotion – the skin must breathe to heal!
• A layer of dry skin the same color as the tattoo will develop – continue applying a thin layer of lotion 3 to 5 times a day, or whenever the skin feels tight or itchy, until the layers flake off naturally. DO NOT PICK OR RUB THE SCABBED AREA!!!
• After the tattoo has healed and the dry skin has flaked off, there will be a period of adjustment for the new skin – applying the same lotion is suggested.
• While healing, ensure your bath towels and bedding are clean; wear fresh, laundered clothing to protect your tattoo, especially if you work around grease, oil, dust, etc.; restrict contact with animals, gardening, and activities involving dusty and dirty conditions or that cause excessive sweating.
• Avoid recreational water activities, soaking in a tub or spa, or using a sauna or steam room until healed – showering is preferred over bathing.
DO NOT:
• DO NOT apply a dressing, rub, scratch, or pick at your new tattoo.
• DO NOT apply a heavy coat of lotion – remember, the skin must breathe to heal.
• DO NOT apply alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to the site.
• DO NOT expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight, saltwater, or soak in the pool/spa for at least 2 weeks. The sun, saltwater, and chlorine all act as bleaching agents – any one of them can ruin your new tattoo.
E n j o y y o u r n e w t a t t o o !
Everyone you know has healing advice! If you have questions or concerns about aftercare, please contact your tattoo artist. Signs of infection include, but are not limited to, the following: elevated body temperature, purulent drainage or pus from the procedure site, red streaks running toward your heart from the procedure site, significant redness, significant swelling, or tenderness. If you notice any of these symptoms or an allergic or adverse reaction occurs at your procedure site, seek medical treatment immediately.
The Hive Tattoo Collective
587 Highway 31 NW Ste E
Hartselle, Al 35640
256-387-3390