1. For at least two weeks, minimize exposure to the sun, and discourage swimming in fresh, salt, or chlorinated water
2. Properly cleanse the tattooed area
   1. Apply antibiotic ointment or cream
   2. Use sterile bandage(s) or other sterile dressing(s) when necessary
3. The client shall consult a health care practitioner at the first sign of infection or an allergic reaction, and report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or adverse reaction resulting from the tattoo to the artist and to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Tattoo and Body Piercing Program at (512) 834-6711.

Keeping your new tattoo clean is crucial for proper healing, preventing infection, and keeping your artwork looking bold and bright. Follow these artist-approved aftercare instructions from Lamar Street Tattoo Club in Dallas, Texas.

How Often Should I Wash My Tattoo?

• Gently wash your new tattoo 2–3 times a day during the initial healing stage.
• Always wash your hands first before touching your tattoo.

What to Use (and What to Avoid)

✅ Use:

• A fragrance-free, dye-free antibacterial soap
• Only the pads of your fingers
• We recommend Mad Rabbit Repair Wash

❌ Avoid:

• Fingernails, sponges, washcloths, loofahs, or anything that can hold bacteria or scrub the skin
• Harsh soaps or products with perfumes, dyes, or exfoliants

Step-by-Step Washing Instructions

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Wet your tattoo with lukewarm water.
3. Apply a small amount of antibacterial soap and gently clean using just your fingertip pads.
4. Wash for a minimum of 30 seconds — anything less won’t kill bacteria or remove plasma and excess ointment.
5. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
6. Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.

💀 Important Note:
Do NOT dry your tattoo with the same towel you used on your butt. That’s not sanitary, it’s not cute, and your tattoo deserves better. Stick to a clean paper towel or let it air dry.

Why This Matters

Cleaning your tattoo properly helps prevent infection, reduces heavy scabbing, protects the linework and color, and sets your tattoo up to heal beautifully.

Once your tattoo has been properly washed and gently dried, the next step in healing is moisturizing. Keeping your skin hydrated (but not smothered) is key to preventing cracking, itching, and scabbing.

How to Moisturize Your Tattoo

1. Make sure your tattoo is clean and completely dry.
2. With clean hands, apply a small dab of Mad Rabbit Repair Soothing Gel directly to the tattoo.
3. Gently spread a thin, even layer over the area. A little goes a long way — your skin should be slightly moisturized, not shiny or greasy.
4. Reapply as needed throughout the day, especially if the tattoo feels tight or itchy.

Why We Recommend Mad Rabbit Repair Soothing Gel

• Provides cooling, fast relief from irritation and itchiness
• Contains anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and restorative ingredients
• Helps repair the skin’s natural moisture barrier without clogging pores
• Designed specifically for fresh tattoos and sensitive skin

Don’t Over-Moisturize!

Your tattoo needs to breathe to heal properly. If it looks wet, shiny, slimy, or you see little bumps (clogged pores), you’re using too much.
A thin layer after each wash is usually enough to keep it hydrated for several hours.

Tattoo-Safe Moisturizer Options

If you don’t have Mad Rabbit, other safe options include:

• Cocoa butter
• Coconut oil
• Shea butter
• Organic, petroleum-free ointments or lotions

What NOT to Use on a Healing Tattoo

Avoid products containing petroleum jelly or harsh chemicals, such as:

• Vaseline
• Aquaphor
• Neosporin or antibiotic ointments
• Lotion with fragrances, dyes, or alcohol

These can trap bacteria, clog pores, fade ink, or delay healing.

After Your Tattoo Heals

Once the initial healing is complete (usually 2–4 weeks):

• Switch to Mad Rabbit Replenishing Body Lotion for daily hydration
• Add Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm to boost vibrancy and keep your ink bold for years to come
• You can use the balm forever—fresh ink deserves lifelong care

Shop Tattoo Aftercare Products

Click below to visit Mad Rabbit’s website.
Use code “LSTC” at checkout for a special discount on your order.

How to Heal Your Tattoo Safely and Keep It Looking Bright & Bold for Life

Taking proper care of your new tattoo is just as important as choosing the right artist. Following these aftercare rules will help you heal quickly, avoid infection, preserve color, and make sure your tattoo looks just as good years from now as it did the day you got it.

1. Keep Your Healing Tattoo Out of the Sun

Direct sunlight and tanning beds can damage a fresh tattoo, delay healing, and fade ink permanently. Keep your tattoo completely covered and out of UV light until it is fully healed. Once healed, always apply a mineral-based sunscreen when going outside.

2. Do Not Touch Your Tattoo (and Don’t Let Others Touch It Either)

Your hands and other people’s hands carry bacteria. Only touch your tattoo when you are washing or moisturizing it, and always with clean hands. No one else should touch your healing skin, no exceptions.

3. No Picking, Scratching, or Peeling

As your tattoo heals, it may itch or flake. This is normal. Do not scratch, peel, or pick at it. Doing so can cause scarring, pull out ink, and create patchy spots.

4. Keep Clothing Off the Tattoo When Possible

Tight clothing, socks, bra straps, waistbands, and rough fabrics can rub against your fresh tattoo and cause irritation or scabbing. Choose soft, loose, breathable clothing and allow the tattoo to breathe whenever you can.

5. Never Submerge a Healing Tattoo in Water

Avoid soaking your tattoo for any reason. This includes:

• Baths or jacuzzi tubs
• Pools and hot tubs
• Oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, yes, even fjords
  Showering is fine. Just keep the tattoo clean, rinse gently, and pat dry.

6. Pets and Bedsheets—Keep It Clean

We love pets too, but animals carry bacteria in their fur and paws. If your pets sleep in your bed, change your sheets and keep them out of the bed while your tattoo heals. Clean bedding reduces your risk of infection significantly.

7. Avoid Sunblock, Tanning, Spray Tans, and Fragrances While Healing

Until your tattoo is fully healed, do not use:

• Sunscreen (use only after healing is complete)
• Spray tans or self-tanning products
• Perfumes, scented lotions, or essential oils
• Pools, hot tubs, or any natural bodies of water

Once healed, sunscreen becomes mandatory for long-term tattoo care.

8. Long-Term Tattoo Care = Healthy Skin + Sun Protection

Tattoo aftercare doesn’t end when it heals—the skin holding your art is with you for life. To keep your tattoo vibrant:

• Moisturize daily
• Drink plenty of water
• Use mineral-based sunscreen every time you’re in the sun
• Avoid excessive tanning or UV exposure

UV light is the number one cause of tattoo fading.

Tattoo Aftercare Is Forever

Taking care of your new tattoo today means it will still look stunning 5, 10, or 20 years from now. Protect your investment, protect your skin, and if you ever have questions, just ask your artist at Lamar Street Tattoo Club.

How to Heal Your Tattoo Safely and Keep It Looking Bright & Bold for Life

Taking proper care of your new tattoo is just as important as choosing the right artist. Following these aftercare rules will help you heal quickly, avoid infection, preserve color, and make sure your tattoo looks just as good years from now as it did the day you got it.

1. Keep Your Healing Tattoo Out of the Sun

Direct sunlight and tanning beds can damage a fresh tattoo, delay healing, and fade ink permanently. Keep your tattoo completely covered and out of UV light until it is fully healed. Once healed, always apply a mineral-based sunscreen when going outside.

2. Do Not Touch Your Tattoo (and Don’t Let Others Touch It Either)

Your hands and other people’s hands carry bacteria. Only touch your tattoo when you are washing or moisturizing it, and always with clean hands. No one else should touch your healing skin, no exceptions.

3. No Picking, Scratching, or Peeling

As your tattoo heals, it may itch or flake. This is normal. Do not scratch, peel, or pick at it. Doing so can cause scarring, pull out ink, and create patchy spots.

4. Keep Clothing Off the Tattoo When Possible

Tight clothing, socks, bra straps, waistbands, and rough fabrics can rub against your fresh tattoo and cause irritation or scabbing. Choose soft, loose, breathable clothing and allow the tattoo to breathe whenever you can.

5. Never Submerge a Healing Tattoo in Water

Avoid soaking your tattoo for any reason. This includes:

• Baths or jacuzzi tubs
• Pools and hot tubs
• Oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, yes, even fjords
  Showering is fine. Just keep the tattoo clean, rinse gently, and pat dry.

6. Pets and Bedsheets—Keep It Clean

We love pets too, but animals carry bacteria in their fur and paws. If your pets sleep in your bed, change your sheets and keep them out of the bed while your tattoo heals. Clean bedding reduces your risk of infection significantly.

7. Avoid Sunblock, Tanning, Spray Tans, and Fragrances While Healing

Until your tattoo is fully healed, do not use:

• Sunscreen (use only after healing is complete)
• Spray tans or self-tanning products
• Perfumes, scented lotions, or essential oils
• Pools, hot tubs, or any natural bodies of water

Once healed, sunscreen becomes mandatory for long-term tattoo care.

8. Long-Term Tattoo Care = Healthy Skin + Sun Protection

Tattoo aftercare doesn’t end when it heals—the skin holding your art is with you for life. To keep your tattoo vibrant:

• Moisturize daily
• Drink plenty of water
• Use mineral-based sunscreen every time you’re in the sun
• Avoid excessive tanning or UV exposure

UV light is the number one cause of tattoo fading.

Tattoo Aftercare Is Forever

Taking care of your new tattoo today means it will still look stunning 5, 10, or 20 years from now. Protect your investment, protect your skin, and if you ever have questions, just ask your artist at Lamar Street Tattoo Club.