Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

A fresh tattoo needs time and proper care to heal.
Follow these tattoo aftercare instructions carefully, and if you have questions or concerns, call the shop first.

1. REMOVE THE BANDAGE

Remove your bandage in the shower within 12–24 hours of getting your tattoo.

Wash the tattoo thoroughly using your normal everyday soap and your clean hands. Do not use a washcloth, loofah, or anything abrasive.

2. PAT DRY

When you’re finished showering, gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel. Do not rub.

3. APPLY TAT STICK OR AQUAPHOR

Once the tattoo is dry, apply a very thin layer of Tat Stick or Aquaphor over the entire surface of the tattoo.

Apply Tat Stick or Aquaphor 2–3 times a day to a clean tattoo.

A thin layer is all you need.

4. LEAVE IT OPEN

Do not re-bandage your tattoo.

Allow your tattoo to breathe while it heals.

5. HANDS OFF

Do not scratch, pick, or peel your healing tattoo.

Some itching, peeling, or flaking can happen as your tattoo heals. Let your tattoo heal naturally.

6. KEEP IT OUT OF THE WATER & SUN

For the first 2 weeks, avoid:

Your tattoo needs time to heal, so avoid activities that leave your new tattoo submerged or exposed to excessive sun.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO HEAL?

Your new tattoo should take approximately 10–14 days to heal.

Everyone heals differently, so give your tattoo the time it needs.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT TATTOO AFTERCARE?

Call Ron & Dave’s Tattooing first.

Your friends may mean well, but they probably have a different tattoo and a different healing experience.

When in doubt, ask your artist.

718.982.0100

Ron & Dave’s Tattooing
603 Manor Rd
Staten Island, NY 10314