How do I care for my new tattoo?

Wash hands thoroughly. Remove the bandage after approximately three hours, gently wash your tattoo with a mild, fragrance free soap and warm water. Pat dry and apply a small amount of ointment spread thinly over the tattoo, just enough to make shiny, but do not overcoat. Refrain from picking, or scratching the tattoo during the healing process. It is normal for a tattoo to feel a little bit itchy during the healing phase. This is a good indication that your tattoo is healing well.

Is it safe to get a tattoo?

Tattooing is safe, barring any preexisting conditions related to skin, immune system, or allergies.

How much does it hurt to get a tattoo?

Everyone feels things differently but the average tattoo when applied correctly is no worse than a sunburn.

The skin over the tattoo is actually what determines what the tattoo will look like over the years. For brightest, longest lasting results, cover your tattoo in a high spf sunscreen.

Can I bring my own design?

Yes. We take walk-ins for all small tattoos. Be aware that some designs take more preparation time than others. We offer free consultation with a tattoo artist who will help plan your design and give you an estimate.

Can an old tattoo be covered up?

Yes. We always do our best to fulfill our customers individual needs. This requires a consultation to assess the tattoo and your options.

What about allergies to ink?

We always use the most hypoallergenic and cutting edge inks available. If you have any question, we feel its best to start with a small tattoo first to see how your body reacts. Everyone's physiology is different. If you have a prior allergy, please inform your tattoo artist.

Can I get a tattoo if I'm under 18 with parental permission?

The state of New York does not permit tattoos for individuals under the age of 18.

When do I put on lotion to my new tattoo?

Lotion is best used after the tattoo is semi-settled in the skin. This normally occurs about 4 to 5 days, when the skin begins to have a flaky appearance.

What can I put on my tattoo?

We offer a full range of tattoo aftercare products at Live By The Sword, including H2Ocean fragrance free bluegreen foam-soap, H2Ocean Aqua Tat Tattoo Ointment, and H2Ocean Skin Moisturizing Lotion. As an alternative, Aquaphor can be used as an ointment, and any mild, alcohol-free, fragrance free lotion can be applied.

Is it ok if my tattoo is peeling?

Yes. Around the 4th or 5th day of a tattoo's healing process, you will see similarities to a sunburn, such as dry and peeling skin. It's important to remember not to pull at flaking skin as it may be connected to new, healing skin as it sheds.

How often should I wash my tattoo?

2 to 3 times per day maximum. Over cleaning a tattoo can leave your skin dried out.

How often should I moisturize my tattoo?

2 times per day unless it becomes dry. Try not to exceed 3 times per day. Over moisturizing can leave the skin too soft, inhibiting the formation of new skin.

What if I don't moisturize my tattoo?

We do not suggest "dry-healing". Under normal circumstances an un-lubricated tattoo can become crusty and hard. This is known to compromise the color and consistency of your new tattoo. It is also very uncomfortable.

Can I use natural tattoo care products?

Everyone has an individual right to experiment, however, we only suggest the time tested ingredients and products we offer.

How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?

On average, to settle beneath the skin, a tattoo goes through a settling period, which can take anywhere from a month to two months, at which point, the tattoo will be fully healed under the skin.

TATTOO FAQ

Wash hands thoroughly. Remove the bandage after approximately three hours, gently wash your tattoo with a mild, fragrance free soap and warm water. Pat dry and apply a small amount of ointment spread thinly over the tattoo, just enough to make shiny, but do not overcoat. Refrain from picking, or scratching the tattoo during the healing process. It is normal for a tattoo to feel a little bit itchy during the healing phase. This is a good indication that your tattoo is healing well.
Tattooing is safe, barring any preexisting conditions related to skin, immune system, or allergies.
Everyone feels things differently but the average tattoo when applied correctly is no worse than a sunburn.
The skin over the tattoo is actually what determines what the tattoo will look like over the years. For brightest, longest lasting results, cover your tattoo in a high spf sunscreen.
Yes. We take walk-ins for all small tattoos. Be aware that some designs take more preparation time than others. We offer free consultation with a tattoo artist who will help plan your design and give you an estimate.
Yes. We always do our best to fulfill our customers individual needs. This requires a consultation to assess the tattoo and your options.
We always use the most hypoallergenic and cutting edge inks available. If you have any question, we feel its best to start with a small tattoo first to see how your body reacts. Everyone’s physiology is different. If you have a prior allergy, please inform your tattoo artist.
The state of New York does not permit tattoos for individuals under the age of 18.
Lotion is best used after the tattoo is semi-settled in the skin. This normally occurs about 4 to 5 days, when the skin begins to have a flaky appearance.
We offer a full range of tattoo aftercare products at Live By The Sword, including H2Ocean fragrance free bluegreen foam-soap, H2Ocean Aqua Tat Tattoo Ointment, and H2Ocean Skin Moisturizing Lotion. As an alternative, Aquaphor can be used as an ointment, and any mild, alcohol-free, fragrance free lotion can be applied.
Yes. Around the 4th or 5th day of a tattoo’s healing process, you will see similarities to a sunburn, such as dry and peeling skin. It’s important to remember not to pull at flaking skin as it may be connected to new, healing skin as it sheds.
2 to 3 times per day maximum. Over cleaning a tattoo can leave your skin dried out.
2 times per day unless it becomes dry. Try not to exceed 3 times per day. Over moisturizing can leave the skin too soft, inhibiting the formation of new skin.
We do not suggest “dry-healing”. Under normal circumstances an un-lubricated tattoo can become crusty and hard. This is known to compromise the color and consistency of your new tattoo. It is also very uncomfortable.
Everyone has an individual right to experiment, however, we only suggest the time tested ingredients and products we offer.
On average, to settle beneath the skin, a tattoo goes through a settling period, which can take anywhere from a month to two months, at which point, the tattoo will be fully healed under the skin.