TATTOO AFTER-CARE

Black Cave Tattoo, 1249 Main St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

It takes 3-6 weeks for a tattoo to heal properly. It is normal for your tattoo to form a scab and itch while healing.

Do NOT scratch or pick at your new tattoo. 

NO submerging your healing tattoo. 

This means NO pools, hot tubs, oceans, lakes or baths for the first 3-4 weeks. Do not expose your new tattoo to the sun and NO tanning. 

Sunlight fades tattoos, so please use sunblock on your healed tattoo.

Breathable Adhesive Bandage

Your artist has washed the tattoo and applied a breathable adhesive bandage. Leave this on for 3-5 days. (3 days for line work, 5 days for shading/color) DO NOT SOAK THE BANDAGE OR HAVE IT EXPOSED TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT.

The bandage may fill up with a brown/black fluid and is called an "ink sack" this is NORMAL. This is plasma and ink mixed.

After the 3-5 days remove the bandage in the shower. Warm water will soften the bandage for removal. After removal, leave your tattoo exposed. Apply unscented lotion (example: Lubriderm) as needed. Wash the tattoo gently 3 times a day with non scented antibacterial soap making sure it stays clean.

If the bandage comes off early refer to Ointment Healing.

Ointment Healing

Take off bandage when you are in a sterile environment and able to clean the tattooed area. Wash thoroughly with clean hands and unscented antibacterial soap. Pat dry and apply a THIN layer of your artists recommended ointment. 

Repeat this process 2-3 times daily.

After 72 hours, switch to an unscented lotion (example: Lubriderm). Wash the tattoo gently 2-3 times throughout the day, making sure it stays clean for the duration of the healing.

CONSULT A PHYSICIAN IF YOUR TATTOO IS INFECTED OR NEEDS MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

Health Department Communicable Diseases Office:

(513) 357-7392