Tattoo Aftercare: Caring for your new tattoo

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Tattoo Aftercare:
Caring For Your New Tattoo

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Proper tattoo aftercare of your new tattoo ensures that it will heal properly, keep is free from infection, keep its vibrant color, and the tattoo stays beautiful your whole life. Tattoos last a lifetime and following a few simple aftercare instructions will make the difference between your tattoo being “eye catching” or an “eye sore”.

After reading this entire page on tattoo aftercare...Click on this link to get artwork for your next Tattoo Design. Why not have your own collection whenever you need it?

After choosing your particular artwork and understanding proper tattoo aftercare, look at the body placement page to decide on your tattoo's location.

New Tattoo with plastic wrap

The best tattoo aftercare advice for your new tattoo will come directly from your tattoo artist.You trusted him/her to tattoo you, then you should trust his/her advice about caring for your new body art.

Below I have listed the routine that I follow every time I get a new tattoo (and I have quite a few), and all my tats are as beautiful as the day I got my first one 15 years ago.

Step 1. After getting your tattoo it will be covered in a bandage or wrap. DO NOT REMOVE the covering until 2 to 4 hours has elapsed. This allows the blood to clot and also keeps bacteria from entering your tattoo causing infecton. Remember the tattoo is theoretically a wound… so treat it that way.

Step 2. After you uncover your new tattoo, wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap. Then wash the tattoo area gently by hand with anti-bacterial soap and warm water removing left over ink and blood.

DO NOT USE A WASHCLOTH.
DO NOT SCRUB THE TATTOO.

DO NOT USE ANY ALCOHOL BASED PRODUCTS TO CLEAN YOUR TATTOO.(This will dry it out, which is not a good)

Step 3. Put a thin layer of ointment(just enough to make it shine). Rub it into the area well until it is barely noticeable. Use a paper towel or tissue to dab off the excess. Remember a dry or over moistened tattoo is not good. Apply ointment 2 times a day or when it feels dry,for 2 or 3 days.

DO NOT RE-BANDAGE THE TATTOO, IT MUST BREATHE TO HEAL PROPERLY

Recommended types of ointment for initial use are:

• A & D ointment

• Tattoo Goo

• Ink Oil

• Vitamin E Oil

• Neosporin

DO NOT USE VASOLINE OR PETROLEUM BASED PRODUCTS

aftercare - Curel Lotion Step 4.

After 2 or 3
days switch to
a skin moisturizing
lotion like Lubriderm,
Jergens, Curel,or
other similar products.
Make sure the
lotions that you
choose are fragrance
and color free.

DO’s and DON’Ts of new tattoo aftercare:

• DO keep the tattoo moist.
• DO wash your hands before touching tattoo.
• DO keep the tattoo area clean and bacteria free.
• DO take aftercare advice from your reputable artist.
• DON’T scratch, pick, or peel off dry skin or scabs.
• DON'T use a washcloth.
• DON'T scrub the tattoo.
• DON'T use any alcohol based products to clean your tattoo.
• DON’T swim in pools, oceans, lakes, at least for two weeks.(bacteria and chlorine are enemies of your new tattoo)
• DON’T sit in a Hot Tub, Jacuzzi, or Sauna (for at least two weeks).
• DON’T take extended baths or showers (for at least two weeks).
• DON’T sunbathe or tan in tanning bed. (for at least two weeks).
• DON’T expose your tattoo directly to sun or UV-rays. The sun is your tattoo’s enemy (even for older tattoos).The sun will cause the color to fade. If you must be in the sun for extended periods of time or lay in a tanning bed, use SPF 30 or higher to protect your tattoo.

• DON’T shave the area on or around the tattoo until healed.

We all want to show off our new tattoos to our friends and family and you should, but if you don’t take proper care of your tattoo… you will hide it from everyone.

REMEMBER…YOU SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON YOUR NEW TATTOO. DON’T TAKE SHORT CUTS OR SPARE EXPENSE ON AFTERCARE.

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Tattoo Aftercare: Caring For Your New Tattoo

DO’s and DON’Ts of new tattoo aftercare:

Tattoo Aftercare:
Caring For Your New Tattoo