TATTOO AFTERCARE
If you've never been tattooed or are considering getting your first one, you're probably preoccupied with lots of exciting questions and possibilities. What design do you want? Where should it go? What artist do you want to go to?–and much less with what happens after your appointment. But as any experienced tattoo artist will tell you, good tattoo aftercare is just as critical for the appearance and longevity of your tattoo. Proper tattoo aftercare can reduce your risk of scarring or infection. Discover how long to keep your tattoo covered, ways to keep it from fading or drying out.
Aftercare for Your Tattoo
So, how can you make sure that new tattoo is something you don’t end up regretting? Follow these steps while your new tattoo heals.
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Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in a thin layer of moisturizer and a bandage.
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Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water and be sure to pat dry.
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Apply a layer of antibacterial ointment twice a day, but don’t put on another bandage.
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Gently wash your tattoo area twice a day with soap and water and gently pat dry before reapplying the antibacterial ointment.
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Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean it to keep it moist.
You should repeat this process for 2 to 4 weeks. Also try not to wear clothes that will stick to your tattoo, and avoid swimming and the sun for about 2 weeks. And take cool showers. Scalding hot water will not only hurt, but it can also fade the ink. If your tattoo scabs a bit or develops hard layers, don’t worry. It’s normal. But never pick, scratch, or peel it. You could get an infection or remove the color.
More Aftercare
When you leave the tattoo shop, your ink will look like a million bucks. It will be bright and shiny. That’s not going to last. The tattoo will fade over time. Always put sunscreen on it, especially in the summer, to keep the colors bright -- SPF 45 or higher is best.
And moisturize it daily, especially if it’s on an area of your body, such as your hands, where it can fade quickly.
Tattoo aftercare begins as soon as your artist finishes your piece and ends when it is fully healed, which can take weeks or months depending on the size, location and style of tattoo. Your artist will cover your new tattoo before you leave the studio and send you home with tattoo aftercare products and instructions that will ensure your tattoo heals correctly and stays as clear and crisp as possible. You should always follow your artist’s specific aftercare instructions, but here are some general guidelines on things to do and avoid during tattoo aftercare. Dermatologists think that everyone who gets a tattoo also gets instructions on how to take care of it to prevent infections and serious complications.
The client shall consult a health care practitioner at the first sign of infection or an allergic reaction, and report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction, or adverse reaction resulting from the tattoo to the artist and to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Tattoo and Body Piercing Program at (512) 834-6711.