Advice from an Expert Tattoo Artist on Caring for a Brand New Tattoo
Aftercare of your tattoo is very important if you want your new tattoo to heal correctly and look fabulous.
Many people believe that once their tattoo is done, it’s a lock, but that is far from reality. The truth is that unless you properly care for your new tattoo, it could easily lose color, flake, scar, or you could wind up with an infection. It’s important that you follow these directions exactly. Here’s what you need to know.
Tattoo Do’s * Definitely use an approved aftercare moisturizer, healing cream or vitamin E oil * Do leave your bandage over the tattoo for at least five to six hours and no more than 12 hours * Keep the tattoo out of contact with water (this includes the shower & bath) * Do lightly pat your skin dry if the tattooed area happens to get wet
Tattoo Don’ts * Don’t allow your tattoo to be exposed to sunlight until fully healed * Don’t allow your tattoo in be submerged in water…especially chlorinated water * Your tattoo should not dry out completely * Do not over moisturize * Avoid picking at your tattoo scabs * Always cover your tattoo once the initial bandage has been removed for the first several days * Be careful not to allowanything to rub against your tattoo and cause friction
Tattoo procedures for aftercare
1) 6 hours after you leave the tattoo parlor, wash your hands well with an antibacterial soap. You want to ensure that your hands are free from dirt, germs, or anything infectious.
2) Remove the bandage carefully that was placed over your tattoo at the parlor. With a very mild antibacterial soap, carefully wash the tattoo area to remove any greasy covering, ink residue, blood, etc. Be extremely gentle with your skin. Gently pat your skin dry…and do not.
3) Apply a thin layer of moisturizer, healing ointment or vitamin E oil. Popular brands recommended at parlors include A&D Ointment, Neosporin, and Bacitracin. There are also tattoo-specific products that are designed exclusively for aftercare, and they include Tattoo Goo, H2Ocean Aftercare, and Black Cat Tattoo Cream.
4) Three to six times a day, apply a thin film of anti-bacterial healing ointment or vitamin E oil to your tattoo. Use enough to moisten the tattoo area, but not enough to leave streaks or allow it to build up. Remember that over moisturizing your tattoo may cause fading of the inks. If you use too thick a coating to keep your tattoo moist throughout the day, the inks will probably fade. However, if you lightly coat the area three to four times per day the colors should set properly.
5) Cover the tattooed area with light, loose fitting clothing. Don’t scratch or pick your tattoo! If you must, gently slap the skin or use rubbing alcohol to relieve any itching or irritation.
While there might seem to be quite a few steps to follow, they are very simple to follow. The bottom line is that you need to pay attention to your tattoo. The body wants to heal itself as naturally as possible. Do not try to hurry the healing … just help I along. If you stay very diligent with your care for several weeks, you will have a fabulous looking tattoo that will be perfectly gorgeous for years.
Following these steps will definitely ensure that your tattoo heals quickly, the inks will set and stay deeply colorful…and you will enjoy your new tattoo for your lifetime.
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