TATTOO HEALING & AFTERCARE

PROTECT YOUR NEW TATTOO

PROPER CARE STARTS NOW

Following these aftercare instructions will help protect your new tattoo and support the healing process.

DAY 1

Realism & Portraits · 12 years

Remove the plastic wrap covering after 2 hours.

Wash your hands before touching the tattoo with non-scented antibacterial pump soap. Do not use washcloths, sponges, or loofahs.

Gently wash your tattoo with clean hands, lukewarm water, and non-scented antibacterial pump soap to remove blood, plasma, and ink.

Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Allow it to air-dry for 15 minutes.

Once dry, apply Stay Gold Tattoo Butter or Aquaphor in a very thin layer. Use only enough to keep the tattoo moisturized and blot away any excess with a clean paper towel.

Do not re-bandage the tattoo.

Proper care and healing are your responsibility.

DAYS 2–5

Realism & Portraits · 12 years

Repeat the washing, drying, and ointment steps from Day 1.

Continue this process 3–4 times per day for the next four days.

Washing the tattoo in the morning, afternoon, and evening will support the healing process.

Some excess ink may wash away while the tattoo is still fresh. This is normal.

Soreness, tenderness, redness, and swelling can be normal during the first few days.

Keep the tattoo clean.

DAYS 6–21

Realism & Portraits · 12 years

Any soreness, tenderness, redness, and swelling should begin returning to normal.

If these symptoms continue and the tattooed area feels hot, you may be developing an infection and should seek medical attention.

Your tattoo may begin to feel dry and tight. Stop applying Aquaphor and switch to Stay Gold Tattoo Butter or Curel Fragrance-Free Lotion until healing is complete.

Continue washing the tattoo daily using clean hands only. Apply a thin layer of lotion three times per day or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight.

Dryness, itchiness, scabbing, peeling, and flaking similar to a sunburn are normal parts of healing. Do not pick the scabs or scratch the tattoo. Gently slap the area to help relieve itching.

DAY 22 AND ONWARD

Realism & Portraits · 12 years

Your tattoo should now be healed. Apply Stay Gold Tattoo Butter or Curel Fragrance-Free Lotion once per day after showering, or as needed, to keep your tattoo moisturized and looking fresh.