DISCLAIMER: These instructions are approved for tattoos performed at Vervain Tattoo & Apothecary only. While all are welcome to learn from this website, we are in no way promising that these instructions be applicable to all tattoos or tattoos done at other establishments. 

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, PLEASE CONTACT THE SHOP OR THE ARTIST WHO TATTOOED YOU. 

 

 

 

Proper cleaning and care of your new tattoo is very important, not only to preserve the vibrancy of the art over time, but most importantly, to prevent infection of the tattoo and surrounding area. Infections can lead to serious health crises and even death, a risk that everyone assumes when committing to a new tattoo.

Of course, caring for your tattoo combined with safe tattooing practices by your artist will significantly reduce this risk and almost eradicate it.

Aftercare instructions will be relayed to you by your artist verbally and on paper, but in case you forget or lose your instructions, this page aims to inform of the aftercare instructions that are recommended by Vervain Tattoo & Apothecary. 

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N . i . t . e  Care for Dry Healing

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N ight of Weeping

• Your tattoo will be "weeping" (i.e, leaking plasma, ink, and blood) for the first 12-24 hours after your tattoo procedure. The most important steps within the first 24 hours are as follows: 

• When you get home after your tattoo session, rinse and wipe the tattoo under warm water with clean hands to take the excess plasma off the tattoo. Rinse and wipe until the tattoo no longer feels slimy and slippery to the touch. If you let this initial plasma dry on the tattoo, if will form a thick scab instead of a thin scab, and you might risk ink falling out or saturation inconsistencies. 

• You do not need to use anti-bacterial hand soap, but you can if you want to. Any plain, mild anti-bacterial soap is fine. It is 100% not necessary, and warm water works perfectly fine. 

• Repeat rinsing and wiping your tattoo under warm water the next morning to remove plasma that has wept overnight. After the next morning, your tattoo should start to feel dry, sore, and a little warm. This is normal. Do not use body wash, sponges, or  exfoliants on your tattoo until it heals completely. 

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i mplementing Moisture with Aquaphor

• Moisturizing the tattoo after cleaning is important to allow the wound to close up softly and prevent thick scabbing. At Vervain Tattoo & Apothecary, we use and recommend Aquaphor for all tattoos. APPLY A VERY THIN LAYER OF AQUAPHOR NO MORE THAN ONCE PER DAY.

• DO NOT use lotions, body creams, A & D, ointments, petroleum jelly, vaseline, or anything other than exactly what your artist recommends. 

• Be sure that you do not over-moistuirize with too much Aquaphor, as this can suffocate the tattoo and potentially infect it due to too much moisture.

• It is mandatory to use Aquaphor for the first 3 days (once per day), and is optional after that (once per day) for two weeks until the tattoo is fully healed. 

• Ensure your tattoo is fulled cleaned and dried before applying the ointment. 

You can purchase Aquaphor for $8 - $12 at Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart, or Publix. 

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t o be Dry is to Heal Well

• After day 3, we can expect your tattoo to be dry, flaky, itchy, and generally look pretty gnarly. This is normal. Your tattoo will lightly scab over and flake off over the next week.

• We recommend you keep your tattoo as DRY and CLEAN as possible. Pat your tattoo dry with clean paper towel or towels after cleaning it, showering, sweating, or otherwise getting it wet.

• DO NOT go swimming (beach, lake, pool, river, etc) or submerge underwater (bath or extra long showers)for at least 2 weeks after your tattoo apointment. 

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e verything is Fine

• If your tattoo itches too much, DO NOT SCRATCH IT!

• Moisturize your tattoo lightly with Aquaphor and use your fingertips to gently massage the itch away. You can also VERY GENTLY pat your tattoo with your fingertips over your clothing, this works surprisingly well at """scratching""" the itch.

• Follow these instructions all the way, and your tattoo will heal safely and without infection or ink fall-out.

• Do not over-tend, over-moisturize, or let your tattoo get dirty, and everything will be just fine. Ugly-looking scabs and bruisng can be expected.

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Please, trust your body and trust your tattoo artist.

Drink an extra glass of water daily and keep it clean & dry.

If you have any questions or concerns, immediately contact the shop at

(239) 245 - 8251, or immediately contact your tattoo artist.