About two hours after you get your new tattoo, get in the shower (or sink, depending on location of tattoo) and allow HOT water (don't scald yourself) to run over the tattoo for about five minutes. You can work up from warm to hot water so it's not so much of a shock. This fools your body into thinking you've already gone through the fever stage of healing and will take three to five days off your over-all healing time. Wash tattoo gently with your hand, you may use a mild anti-bacterial hand soap if you'd like, though it's not necessary. Pat the tattoo dry and leave it alone until the following day. ONLY USE FRAGRANCE FREE LOTION on your tattoo. NO OINTMENT OR SALVE. When applying lotion, wash your hands well and dab lotion around on your tattoo and rub in, like how you would rub lotion into your hands. A little too little is better than a little too much. Only use lotion twice a day. If you are outside a lot or it's summer, you may put it on once more, just don't over do it. You need to keep a good balance of dryness and moisture to heal quickly. DO NOT BANDAGE YOUR TATTOO AFTER YOU LEAVE THE SHOP. Bacteria can grow faster under that bandage than without and you could loose some of your color due to moisture. If you must cover it, wear a light weight cotton fabric (like T-shirt material) loosely over it. You will peel, flake, and scab for about two weeks; then have a shiny layer over it for two more weeks. During this time your colors may look dull, mono-tone, or not the shade they were when you first got the tattoo. Don't worry. When you finish healing you will see all your bright colors and there will be much more depth to the colors. It's also a good idea to wash your tattoo GENTLY once a day, especially if you work outside or in a dirty or messy environment. DO NOT: *Submerge the tattoo under standing water (pools, rivers, baths, lakes, and yes, even hot tubs) *Pick at the scabs *Allow animal contact (no dogs or cats licking it. It won't help. Their hair will irritate it as well.) *Wear any thing tight over the tattoo (belt line, elastic cuff, bra strap, backpack or purse strap, etc.) To keep bright and bold colors after you heal, use lotion occasionally (dry skin will make the tattoo look dull) and wear sunscreen when you go out in the sun. Tanning will fade the tattoo. Lacy Z does honor a one time free touch up policy. Not all tattoos need touch ups. However, sometimes a scab gets pulled off before it's ready and takes some color with it. I understand. It happens. Just give me a call or stop in and I'll get you fixed up as soon as possible. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask! We're here to help you! You may call the shop (406-549-4846), my cell (406.493.8240), or email me at lacyz13@yahoo.com
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