You should leave the bandage on for a minimum of 45 minutes but no more than an hour. Do NOT remove the bandage until you are ready to wash the tattoo.

Immediately after removing the bandage, wash the tattoo using a liquid soap such as Dial. Using lukewarm water and your fingers (absolutely no wash cloths, sponges, or loofas), wash the tattoo two or three times daily, rinsing off afterwards. Continue washing it in this process until it no longer feels slimy.

Pat the tattoo dry using disposable paper products such as paper towel or tissue. Do not use cloth bath towels as they harbor bacteria.

Always let the tattoo air dry for an additional 10 to 15 minutes before applying non-scented lotion, shea butter, or coconut oil.

Using your finger tips, apply a super thin film of ointment. It is utterly important that you put the ointment on as thin as possible. If you put it on too thick, it will draw the ink out of the skin, so put it on just enough to keep the skin moist, not greasy (3 times a day, for 3 to 5 days).

This is perfectly normal. Your tattoo will begin to peel with 3 to 5 days. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH YOUR TATTOO. Let the peeling fall off naturally. If scabbing occurs do not pick your scab. If the scab is picked it will pull the color out with it.

Some irritation or soreness may occur. During healing, the tattoo might itch. Do not scratch! You can relieve the itching by gently slapping your tattoo.

No, do not shave over your tattoo for 3 weeks.

If at all possible, keep clothing off of your tattoo for 3 weeks.

Absolutely no swimming, saunas, baths, or hot tubs for 3 weeks.

Absolutely NO DIRECT SUNLIGHT on your tattoo for a minimum of 3 weeks. This includes tanning booths. After the 3 week healing period, keep the tattoo covered with sunscreen whenever in the sun for the rest of your life. Having your tattoo exposed to sunlight without sunscreen will only fade your tattoo. It is your responsibility to keep your tattoo nice and bright.

Your tattoo will last a lifetime, so it is important for you to take care of your tattoo during the healing process. A BRIGHT TATTOO IS UP TO YOU!

Yes, this facility is approved by the Grand Traverse County Health Department and licensed by the State of Michigan Department of Community Health.

Please contact a physician at the first sign of infection.

Notice that a person may be allowed to donate blood within the standard deferral period if the person presents a copy of his/her client record provided by the body art facility to the blood donor facility.