Caring for Your New Tattoo
Just as your doctor would give you aftercare instructions when you have a medical procedure, so will your tattoo artist after you get your new tattoo. While you might be excited in the moment after getting your ink, these aftercare instructions are extremely important, as they help you avoid some of the complications that can sometimes occur.
Your tattoo artist will probably have specific directions that you should definitely follow. They may tell you verbally, but they should also hand you a list of preprinted instructions. Below are the main measures you can take in caring for your new tattoo.
1. Keep Your Tattoo Covered.
Each tattoo Artist has slightly different aftercare instructions. While some don't cover newly inked tattoos with a bandage, most will. Artists vary on their advice as to how long you should keep the tattoo covered. You've presumably chosen a tattooist because you trust their skill and judgment, so just make sure you listen carefully to his or her instructions for aftercare. You should always, however, keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight (particularly while it's still healing).
2. Remove the Bandage in Water.
You absolutely do not want to take a bath or otherwise submerge your new tattoo, but we do recommend taking off the bandage under a warm shower stream. This will facilitate removal of dead skin and ointment and also ensure that you'll be in a clean place when your tattoo gets exposed to the world! However, you don't want to take a "hot" shower or use a washcloth on the tattooed area. Clean your tattoo lightly and thoroughly with your fingertips and gentle unscented soap, such as glycerin soap. Work up a good lather to remove all debris. You may have to wash several times to ensure all the ointment comes off.
3. Lightly Pat or Air-Dry.
Don't rub your tattoo dry. You need to either let it air-dry on its own or gently pat it dry with a clean towel or, better yet, clean paper towels. You don't want to expose your tattoo to any unnecessary friction (which will likely feel uncomfortable anyway), and that includes not wearing clothing that will constrict the area for several days.
4. Don't Let it Dry out.
With clean hands, be sure to apply unscented moisturizing lotion to your tattoo frequently-at least three to five times per day for at least the first ten days. Many tattoo Artists recommend a mild and sensitive moisturizer, but you should check in with your artist to see what brand he or she recommends. Do not use petroleum jelly. Do not use rubbing alcohol or peroxide. Do not use lotion that has aloe vera or vitamin E in it. Do not let any moisturizer "pool" on the tattooed area all lotion applied should be absorbed.
5. Let Skin Shed Naturally.
As your tattoo heals, it will likely become itchy, even if you moisturize it regularly. In the first two to seven days, it will behave in a similar way to a sunburn. The tattoo will peel or shed a layer of skin on its own —and should not have any help from you. So whatever you do, don't rub, scratch, or pick at your tattoo. Let the skin fall off naturally, including in the shower. No need to do extra scrubbing of your tattooed area when the shower softens your skin. Just like you did immediately after getting your tattoo, clean the inked area with a very light touch.
6. Take Extra Precautions for at Least Two Weeks.
You need to treat your tattooed area with special care for at least two weeks after the procedure. This means taking extra care in the shower, being selective about the clothes you wear, not scratching or picking at it, and applying unscented lotion regularly. Also, you should not do anything that will soak the tattoo— no swimming, baths, hot tubs, or saunas for at least two weeks.
You also should not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight during this time frame. If you have to be out in the sun, keep your tattoo covered. This is good practice anyway, because sunlight can cause the ink to fade over time. You should regularly keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight or apply sunblock to it any time it will be exposed.
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact us or your tattoo artist, who can make recommendations for you, If your tattoo becomes inflamed or infected, consult your doctor immediately.
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