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Whether you've just had your first tattoo done, or your hundredth tattoo, here you'll find how I recommend you take care of your new tattoo!
Every Tattoo Artist may have different aftercare instructions, this is just what I personally recommend!
The First Day - First Week
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If you have a bandage on your tattoo:
I recommend leaving the bandage on for at least 24hrs, but it can be left on for up to 5 days.
When you are ready to remove the bandage, let warm water run over top of the bandage. The warm water will help loosen up the adhesive. I recommend being in the shower when taking it off.
Peel the bandage away from itself, not overtop of itself. Or, roll the bandage off by starting at one of the corners.
After the bandage is off, or if you did not have a bandage on:
Wash your tattoo with a liquid antibacterial soap. I recommend the Dial Gold Soap.
You are going to need to wash your tattoo 5-10 times per day.
Only ever touch or wash your tattoo with clean hands.
Things like rags, loofahs, etc can be harmful to your tattoo, and contain bacteria.
After you've washed the tattoo, pat it dry with a paper towel, then apply a thin layer of a white, unscented lotion, or your favorite tattoo aftercare glide. Make sure to wipe off the excess, as we only want a thin layer to keep the tattoo moisturized.
Continue to apply the ointment after every wash.
Washing your tattoo, keeping it clean and moisturized, is a very important part of the healing process. Your tattoo is an open wound, so it will continually 'ooze' as it heals. If it beings to develop scabbing, that can harm the outcome of your tattoo. Scabbing can lengthen the healing process, affect the integrity of the tattoo, and cause scarring.
Keeping it clean will help prevent scabbing and infection.
Never touch your tattoo with unclean hands
Always wash your hands before cleaning your tattoo.
Do that process for the first week.
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After the first week:
Now you can lighten up on the washing, just washing a few times a day if needed, and switching to an unscented lotion.
Your tattoo will get very itchy.
It is normal for a tattoo to be itchy during the healing process.
Do not scratch or pick at your tattoo.
Bacteria resides underneath your nails. Remember that your tattoo is an open wound. If your tattoo does end up scabbing, picking at them will transfer bacteria from underneath your nails, risking infection and affect the integrity of the tattoo.
Do not submerge/soak your tattoo.
Don't submerge or soak your tattoo until it is completely healed. Meaning no swimming, no hot tubs, not bath tubs, etc.
Do not tan.
If you use a tanning bed, or go out in the sun to tan, wait until your tattoo is completely healed!
Always apply sunscreen to your healed tattoos. The uv rays will break up the ink underneath your skin, causing your tattoo to fade quickly. You've paid good money for this! Don't let the sun destroy it.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out! You can contact me or visit me at the shop, I will be happy to help.
Do not ask your friends, and do not ask google. Neither of those are professionals.
The Second Week
