Aftercare
After having a fresh new tattoo there is a need to take care of it. At this point on, any artist has not even a single responsibility for any side effect or problem, you might have with your tattoo if you don’t take proper care of it. There are a few guidelines and following them is very important. A really beautiful tattoo can turn into a disaster if proper aftercare is not taken.
Leave That Bandage Alone!
A Tattoo artist Advice to take care to cover up a new tattoo for a very good reason – keeping air-born bacteria from invading wounds. Yes, as pretty as your new tattoo is, it is still a wound. You should not remove the bandage before 2 hours in excitement otherwise it will cause a problem for you.
Wash And Treat
After removing the bandage, there is a need to wash the tattoo. Use light hot water and antibacterial soap to gently wash away any ointment and to completely clean the area. You should not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a clean towel or paper towel to get it completely dry. This was followed by a very light application of ointment. Backtracking would be the first choice in ointments, but if you don’t have any, A & D vitamin enriched ointment (silver x) (medical grade – not the kind used for diaper rash) is also acceptable. There is no need to use Vaseline or Neosporin on your tattoo. You must keep your tattoo clean, however, a long shower, swimming in the beach, pool, Hot Tubs, and Saunas must be avoided for 4 weeks. Short showers are best, under ten minutes if possible.
SCABBING AND PEELING
After a few days, there will be some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Little is sometimes normal and there is no need to panic. There might be an itch also like sunburn. We advise you, please don’t pick and don’t scratch!. If the skin itches, slap it. If it is peeling, put lotion on it. And if it is scabbing, just leave it alone. Your tattoo is almost healed, and now is not the time to ruin it!. Protection from the Sun after your tattoo is healed, from now on, you will always want to protect it from the Sun’s ultraviolet rays. These can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast. Wait until it is fully healed to go back in the sun and make sure you put on a high-quality SUNBLOCK (not sunscreen). But, do not apply sunblock while the tattoo is healing. The tattoo is under your skin, and your tan will form above it. If you are too dark, some colors (white, yellow, pink, and orange) may not show as brightly as they could. Before spending a lot of time in excessive heat, protect your tattoo with a minimum of 30 SPF sunblock. This will keep your tattoo vibrant for many years, and it will continue to be a source of great pride.
DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo. DO NOT use alcohol or peroxide. DO NOT pick or scratch a tattoo. DO NOT soak a tattoo in the tub or shower – get in, get clean, get out! Stay out of pools, hot tubs, oceans, etc. for two weeks keep tattoos out of direct sunlight and/or tanning beds.