Tattoo Aftercare
First 2 Hours…
  • Remove bandage after two hours. It is normal to see blood and ink on the bandage.
  • Wash using mild, antibacterial soap. Do not scrub with washcloth.
  • Pat lightly with a clean towel. Let air dry for 20 minutes. 
  • When dry, apply a thin coat of A&D ointment. Too much ointment can trap germs and lead to infection. The ointment provides a thin membrane that protects the skin while it heals. 
  • Do not re-bandage tattoo. It is normal to see color in the water in the first few washes.

First 2 Weeks…
  • Avoid long showers, baths, swimming, hot tubs, and saunas. Prolonged soaking can loosen scabs and pull out ink. 
  • Wash tattoo with mild, antibacterial soap twice a day for two weeks. Air dry. 
  • After three days, replace the A&D ointment step with unscented lotion and you may apply lotion whenever your tattoo feels dry. 
  • It is normal to see small flakes fall off during these two weeks. Do not pick or scratch tattoo, this will cause scarring.
  • Protect the tattoo from sun exposure while it is healing, do not apply sunscreen to healing wounds. Do not use a tanning bed until the tattoo is healed. 

Forever…
  • Sunscreen! Whether new or old, if you want your tattoo to age nicely, you must use sunscreen. A sunburn will cause fading and can prolong the healing process.

Michigan Department of Health Disclosure Statement /Notice for Filing Complaints
Public Act 375 indicates that individuals shall not tattoo, brand, or perform body piercing on another individual unless the tattooing, branding, or body piercing occurs at a body art facility licensed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Body art facilities are required to be in compliance with the “Requirements for Body Art Facilities,” which provide guidelines for safe and sanitary body art administration.
As with any invasive procedure, body art may involve possible health risks. These risks may include, but are not limited to: transmissions of bloodborne diseases such as HIV and viral hepatitis, skin disorders, skin infections, and allergic reactions. In addition, persons with certain conditions including, but not limited to, diabetes, hemophilia or epilepsy, are at a higher risk for complications and should consult a physician before undergoing a body art procedure. If the tattoo site becomes infected or painful or if the person develops a fever soon after being tattooed, it is recommended to seek medical attention.
You may be allowed to donate blood within the standard deferral period if you present a copy of your tattoo procedure record required under Public Act 375 subdivision (f) to the blood donor facility.
If you wish to file a complaint against a body art facility related to compliance with PA 375 or have concerns about potential health risks, please visit www.michigan.gov/bodyart.