When you’re done getting tattooed, your new piece will look almost like it will when it’s done healing, although a bit brighter. But keep in mind, your new tattoo is still an open wound and requires quite a bit of care over the next few weeks as it scabs and heals. Remove your bandage about 30 minutes to an hour after you leave the tattoo shop and wash your new tattoo with unscented antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Gently wipe the tattoo with a wet paper towel and either let it air-dry or pat it dry with fresh paper towels. Then allow your tattoo to breathe in the open air for at least 30 minutes (but even 5 minutes will help the healing process). Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo. After your tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment. We’ll supply you with Black Market Aftercare, our own organic, all-natural salve that’s handcrafted and specially formulated to quickly heal black and grey tattoos. Moisturize with the balm once a day for one week to make sure it doesn’t dry out, moisturizing as needed after that if it becomes irritated until it’s fully healed. Plus, before you leave the shop, we will bandage your tattoo with our medical-grade bandages, give you extra bandages to go, and provide a detailed care guide covering everything you need to know to care for your tattoo, prevent scarring, and help it heal comfortably.