TATTOO AFTERCARE
1. Most tattoo artists will cover your tattoo with a bandage, gauze or cling wrap. Leave this covering on for one hour to prevent any bacteria from entering and to allow any blood to clot.
2. With clean hands, remove the bandage and wash gently with warm water and a mild anti-bacterial soap (Dial Gold or SoftSoap). Make sure you remove all traces of blood. Do not use a washcloth on your tattoo as it will be abrasive. Pat the tattoo dry with a soft clean cloth. Do not rub it dry. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your tattoo. It needs to stay moist in order to heal.
3. Cover the tattoo with a very thin layer of A & D ointment. Do not use Vaseline, petroleum jelly, Bag Balm, bacitracin or Neosporin; they will fade the color of your tattoo.
4. Once the tattoo's initial covering is removed, do not cover it again during the healing process. The tattoo will need to be exposed to the air in order to heal.
5. Wash the tattoo 3 times daily for the first 3 - 5 days. Apply ointment only after cleaning the tattoo. Make sure your hands are clean for every application of ointment. The introduction of bacteria or dirt will cause the tattoo to become infected.
6. After 3 - 5 days of using ointment, switch to a moisturizing lotion. Use a fragrance-free lotion to prevent irritation. Lubriderm and Eucerin are two good lotions to use.
7. Do not swim, soak in a hot tub or bath for two weeks after getting your tattoo. Chemicals like chlorine and the bacteria found in most lakes will cause the tattoo to fade and/or an infection. Soaking the tattoo will also cause the scab to come off faster, and along with it, some of the ink.
8. Do not tan for at least two weeks after getting your tattoo. After two weeks have passed you can lie in the sun or go to the tanner as long as you use the highest SPF sun block on the tattoo. Sunlight will fade the ink, especially bright colors or black. If you expose it to too much sun you might end up having to get it redone in a few years to brighten up the color.
9. Like any other wound to the skin, your tattoo will itch during the healing process. DO NOT SCRATCH IT. Scratching or picking will remove the scab and possibly some of the color from the tattoo. Slap the skin or apply some lotion to relieve itching.
Following these simple steps will ensure that you end up with the best result with minimal complications.
1. Most tattoo artists will cover your tattoo with a bandage, gauze or cling wrap. Leave this covering on for one hour to prevent any bacteria from entering and to allow any blood to clot.
2. With clean hands, remove the bandage and wash gently with warm water and a mild anti-bacterial soap (Dial Gold or SoftSoap). Make sure you remove all traces of blood. Do not use a washcloth on your tattoo as it will be abrasive. Pat the tattoo dry with a soft clean cloth. Do not rub it dry. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your tattoo. It needs to stay moist in order to heal.
3. Cover the tattoo with a very thin layer of A & D ointment. Do not use Vaseline, petroleum jelly, Bag Balm, bacitracin or Neosporin; they will fade the color of your tattoo.
4. Once the tattoo's initial covering is removed, do not cover it again during the healing process. The tattoo will need to be exposed to the air in order to heal.
5. Wash the tattoo 3 times daily for the first 3 - 5 days. Apply ointment only after cleaning the tattoo. Make sure your hands are clean for every application of ointment. The introduction of bacteria or dirt will cause the tattoo to become infected.
6. After 3 - 5 days of using ointment, switch to a moisturizing lotion. Use a fragrance-free lotion to prevent irritation. Lubriderm and Eucerin are two good lotions to use.
7. Do not swim, soak in a hot tub or bath for two weeks after getting your tattoo. Chemicals like chlorine and the bacteria found in most lakes will cause the tattoo to fade and/or an infection. Soaking the tattoo will also cause the scab to come off faster, and along with it, some of the ink.
8. Do not tan for at least two weeks after getting your tattoo. After two weeks have passed you can lie in the sun or go to the tanner as long as you use the highest SPF sun block on the tattoo. Sunlight will fade the ink, especially bright colors or black. If you expose it to too much sun you might end up having to get it redone in a few years to brighten up the color.
9. Like any other wound to the skin, your tattoo will itch during the healing process. DO NOT SCRATCH IT. Scratching or picking will remove the scab and possibly some of the color from the tattoo. Slap the skin or apply some lotion to relieve itching.
Following these simple steps will ensure that you end up with the best result with minimal complications.
