Caring for a tattoo is vital to the health of your new tattoo, and cannot be ignored. Many people believe that after the needlework is done, their tattoo is a lock, but this is far from reality. The fact is that if you don’t care about your new tattoo, it can easily disappear, lose its saturation, scale, scar, or you can get infected with the disorder on your body.
But if you ask a dozen tattoo artists how to take care of a new tattoo, you will probably get a dozen different answers. The conclusion is that no one knows what exactly will work for everyone, so it’s best to follow a conservative, consensus-based follow-up procedure.
Before delving into any specifics, it is important that you follow the tattoo artist’s instructions precisely. If their manual contradicts this article, always refer to their instructions. But in the absence of directions, that's what you need to know.
Tattoo Aftercare Do &
- Use approved skin care moisturizer / healing cream
- Leave your original bandage over your tattoo for at least four to six hours, but not more than 12 hours
- Do not keep your tattoo in direct contact with water (including shower)
- Hold a moistened tattoo
- Rub your skin dry when the tattooed area gets wet.
- Do not expose your tattoo to sunlight until full recovery.
- Do not immerse your tattoo in water and especially avoid chlorinated water.
- Do not let your tattoo dry completely.
- Do not overwork your tattoo
- Do not pick up a scab tattoo
- Do not cover your tattoo with a dressing after removing the original dressing.
- Do not scratch, bruise, or allow anything to be rubbed with a tattoo.
1) Four to six hours after you leave the tattoo parlor, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. You want your hands to be free of dirt, germs, or anything contagious.
2) Carefully remove the bandage that was placed over your tattoo in the living room. With a mild antibacterial soap, wash the tattoo thoroughly, removing any greasy coating, ink residue, blood, etc. You know that the area is clean when it just feels like moist skin. Be very gentle with your skin. Keep your skin dry - do not clean or wipe it.
3) Apply a thin layer of moisturizing / healing ointment. Popular saloon recommended brands include A & D ointment, neosporin and bacitracin. There are also tattoo products designed exclusively for the care of the sick, and include Tattoo Goo, H2Ocean Aftercare and Black Cat Tattoo Cream. If you have a big, expensive tattoo or a deep-colored tattoo that you want to protect, they are probably worth the investment.
4) Apply a thin film of antibacterial / healing ointment to the tattoo three or four times a day. You will want to use enough to moisten the area of the tattoo, but not so much to leave the bands or allow it to grow. Your goal is to moisturize the area only, so start with a small amount and process it with your fingers.
The problem with moisturizing the skin is a fading ink. If you cover up Neoporin's thick coat and keep it moist during the day, your tattoo may heal a little over a week, but the ink will disappear. If, however, you quickly envelop the area three to four times a day, your tattoo may take two to three weeks to heal, but the colors will be set correctly. The lesson to be learned quickly heals does not necessarily mean proper healing.
5) Cover the tattooed area with light, loose-fitting clothing, and remember your tattoo. Do not scratch or choose your tattoo! If you must, gently slam your skin or use alcohol to treat any itching or irritation.
Although it may seem like a few steps to follow, they are quite simple. The bottom line is that you need to pay attention to your tattoo and allow the body to heal itself as naturally as possible. You will do your best to help this process, but you do not want to rush him - just help him. If you can do this and be diligent with your care for 2-3 weeks, you will be blessed with a rich tattoo that you can enjoy for years.
By following these steps, you will ensure that your tattoo heals quickly and correctly, and will help the ink to set and stay bright and bold. Then you can enjoy your new tattoo for life.
