A1 Tattoo Shop

Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Your tattoo is an open wound and should be treated with care. Proper aftercare protects your health and ensures your tattoo heals clean, sharp, and vibrant.

FIRST 24 HOURS (CRITICAL)

  • • Keep the bandage on for 2–4 hours, unless instructed otherwise by your artist.

  • • Wash hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.

  • • Remove the bandage and gently wash the tattoo using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap.

  • • Use clean hands only—do not use washcloths, loofahs, or sponges.

  • • Rinse thoroughly and gently pat dry with a clean paper towel.

  • • Allow the tattoo to air-dry for several minutes.

Do NOT re-bandage unless directed by your artist.

DAYS 4–14: PEELING & ITCHING (NORMAL)

  • • Switch to a fragrance-free lotion (Lubriderm, Curel, or similar).

  • • Apply lotion 2–3 times daily to keep skin lightly moisturized.

  • • Expect peeling, flaking, and itching—this is normal.

    DO NOT:

  • • Scratch, rub, or pick at your tattoo

  • • Shave the area

  • • Use petroleum-heavy products

  • • Apply sunscreen to a healing tattoo

WHAT TO AVOID (FIRST 2–4 WEEKS)

  • • No soaking (baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers)

  • • No tanning beds or direct sun exposure

  • • No excessive sweating or friction

  • • No scented products (soaps, lotions, body sprays)

  • • Avoid shampoo, conditioner, or harsh chemicals contacting the tattoo

SUN & LONG-TERM CARE

  • • Once fully healed, always use sunscreen (SPF 30+) to prevent fading.

  • • Prolonged sun exposure will fade tattoos over time—this is unavoidable but manageable.

  • • Keep skin moisturized long-term to maintain ink clarity.• Once fully healed, always use sunscreen (SPF 30+) to prevent fading.

  • • Prolonged sun exposure will fade tattoos over time—this is unavoidable but manageable.

  • • Keep skin moisturized long-term to maintain ink clarity.

SIGNS OF INFECTION (SEEK MEDICAL CARE)

Contact a healthcare professional immediately if you experience:

  • • Increasing redness spreading beyond the tattoo

  • • Excessive swelling or pain after 48 hours

  • • Green, yellow, or foul-smelling discharge

  • • Fever, chills, or red streaking from the tattoo site

Healing normally takes 2–3 weeks, with deeper layers healing over several months.

IMPORTANT NOTES

TOUCH-UPS

Each tattoo includes ONE complimentary touch-up within 12 months, provided proper aftercare was followed.
Touch-ups do not cover damage caused by neglect, sun exposure, or picking.

Thank you for trusting A1 Tattoo Shop.
Your art deserves proper care—now and for life.

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