So many people get a new tattoo and think that as soon as leave the chair, the work is done. The fact is, the next three to five days after the needlework are crucial to ensuring that the tattoo turns out well. Without proper aftercare and attention, new tattoos can easily fade or blemish. Or worse, they could scar or become infected -- a double whammy.
But herein lays the problem: no one is sure what aftercare procedure is the best for everyone. But there are many similarities among the aftercare procedures, and professionals agree that healing a tattoo fast does not necessarill mean healing a tattoo well. So the best approach is one that covers all of the common denominators in the programs, as well as other low-risk steps.
Before getting into any specifics, it's important that you follow your tattoo artist's directions precisely. If their guidance conflicts with this article, always refer to their instructions. But in the absence of directions, here's what you need to know.
Tattoo Aftercare Do's
Do use an approved aftercare moisturizer / healing cream Do leave your tattoo covered with the initial bandage for the recommended minimum time period (usually four hours or more), and do remove the bandage in no more than 12 hours Do prevent your tattoo from becoming wet Do keep your tattoo moisturized Do pat your skin dry when the tattooed area gets wet Tattoo Aftercare Don'ts
Don't expose your tattoo to sunlight until fully healed Don't submerse your tattoo in water, and especially avoid chlorinated water Don't let your tattoo dry out Don't over moisturize your tattoo Don't pick your tattoo scabs Don't cover your tattoo with a bandage once the initial bandage has been removed Don't scratch your tattoo or allow it to bruise Tattoo Aftercare Procedure
1) Your shop should give you directions on how long to keep the original bandage (or film) on your tattoo. Absent a timeframe, wait at least four hours after leaving the shop, and then wash your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. Like when you were a kid, sing the alphabet song while scrubbing to make sure you wash long enough!
2) Carefully remove the bandage that was placed over your tattoo at the parlor. With a gentle antibacterial soap, carefully wash the tattooed area, removing any of the ink residue, greasy covering, blood, etc. You can tell that the area is clean when it just feels like wet skin. Be very gentle with your skin. Pat your tattoo dry -- do not brush or rub dry.
3) Apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream to the tattooed area. Don't gob the ointment on; rather, drop some small beads on your tattoo, spread it around with your fingertips, and work it in. The area should be moist, but there should not be any buildup or streaks. If you have an expensive or deeply saturated tattoo, you might want to skip typical ointments like Neosporin, and jump directly to tattoo-specific creams like Tattoo Goo, H2Ocean Aftercare, or Black Cat Tattoo Cream.
4) Three to four times per day, apply a small layer of anti-bacterial ointment to your tattoo. You will want to use enough to moisten the tattooed area, but not so much as to leave streaks or allow it to build up. Your goal is to moisturize the area only, so start with a small amount and work it in with your fingers.
The problem with over moisturizing the skin is that the inks can seep and fade from moisture, and that moisture includes more than just water. If you slather on a thick coating of Neosporin and keep it saturated throughout the day, your tattoo might heal in just over a week -- but the inks will fade. If, however, you lightly coat the area three to four times per day, your tattoo might take two to three weeks to heal, but the colors will set properly. This is a tough lesson for many to learn. In some cases, letting the body heal at its own pace makes more sense to your tattoo.
5) Keep your tattoo covered, and out of exposure to sun, moisture, and other danages, but don't cover it tightly. Ideally, a loose, breathable fabric can be worn. Don't scratch or pick your tattoo! If your tattoo begins to itch unbearably, 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 quite simple. The bottom line is that you need to be mindful of your tattoo, and allow the body to heal itself as naturally as possible. You will do everything you can to assist that process, but you don't want to rush nature. If you can do that, and stay diligent with your care for 2 to 3 weeks, you will be blessed with a deep tattoo that can be enjoyed for years to come. - 17944
But herein lays the problem: no one is sure what aftercare procedure is the best for everyone. But there are many similarities among the aftercare procedures, and professionals agree that healing a tattoo fast does not necessarill mean healing a tattoo well. So the best approach is one that covers all of the common denominators in the programs, as well as other low-risk steps.
Before getting into any specifics, it's important that you follow your tattoo artist's directions precisely. If their guidance conflicts with this article, always refer to their instructions. But in the absence of directions, here's what you need to know.
Tattoo Aftercare Do's
Do use an approved aftercare moisturizer / healing cream Do leave your tattoo covered with the initial bandage for the recommended minimum time period (usually four hours or more), and do remove the bandage in no more than 12 hours Do prevent your tattoo from becoming wet Do keep your tattoo moisturized Do pat your skin dry when the tattooed area gets wet Tattoo Aftercare Don'ts
Don't expose your tattoo to sunlight until fully healed Don't submerse your tattoo in water, and especially avoid chlorinated water Don't let your tattoo dry out Don't over moisturize your tattoo Don't pick your tattoo scabs Don't cover your tattoo with a bandage once the initial bandage has been removed Don't scratch your tattoo or allow it to bruise Tattoo Aftercare Procedure
1) Your shop should give you directions on how long to keep the original bandage (or film) on your tattoo. Absent a timeframe, wait at least four hours after leaving the shop, and then wash your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. Like when you were a kid, sing the alphabet song while scrubbing to make sure you wash long enough!
2) Carefully remove the bandage that was placed over your tattoo at the parlor. With a gentle antibacterial soap, carefully wash the tattooed area, removing any of the ink residue, greasy covering, blood, etc. You can tell that the area is clean when it just feels like wet skin. Be very gentle with your skin. Pat your tattoo dry -- do not brush or rub dry.
3) Apply a thin layer of antibiotic cream to the tattooed area. Don't gob the ointment on; rather, drop some small beads on your tattoo, spread it around with your fingertips, and work it in. The area should be moist, but there should not be any buildup or streaks. If you have an expensive or deeply saturated tattoo, you might want to skip typical ointments like Neosporin, and jump directly to tattoo-specific creams like Tattoo Goo, H2Ocean Aftercare, or Black Cat Tattoo Cream.
4) Three to four times per day, apply a small layer of anti-bacterial ointment to your tattoo. You will want to use enough to moisten the tattooed area, but not so much as to leave streaks or allow it to build up. Your goal is to moisturize the area only, so start with a small amount and work it in with your fingers.
The problem with over moisturizing the skin is that the inks can seep and fade from moisture, and that moisture includes more than just water. If you slather on a thick coating of Neosporin and keep it saturated throughout the day, your tattoo might heal in just over a week -- but the inks will fade. If, however, you lightly coat the area three to four times per day, your tattoo might take two to three weeks to heal, but the colors will set properly. This is a tough lesson for many to learn. In some cases, letting the body heal at its own pace makes more sense to your tattoo.
5) Keep your tattoo covered, and out of exposure to sun, moisture, and other danages, but don't cover it tightly. Ideally, a loose, breathable fabric can be worn. Don't scratch or pick your tattoo! If your tattoo begins to itch unbearably, 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 quite simple. The bottom line is that you need to be mindful of your tattoo, and allow the body to heal itself as naturally as possible. You will do everything you can to assist that process, but you don't want to rush nature. If you can do that, and stay diligent with your care for 2 to 3 weeks, you will be blessed with a deep tattoo that can be enjoyed for years to come. - 17944
About the Author:
Ben has a growing collection of body art and helps match people with their perfect tattoos. If you're looking for a high-quality tattoo finder, visit Ben's site for access to the largest collection of pictures of tattoos on the web! You'll find hip tattoos, shoulder tattoos, foot tattoos, tattoo crosses, sleeve tattoos, lower back tattoo designs, and more.
