The better care you take of your new tattoo the better, and quicker, it will heal up- which means you are less likely to need a touch up and that the colors will be brighter!The following is a suggested method of caring for a new, or fresh, tattoo- it is not medical advise, which can only be dispensed by a licensed physician.
1. Remove the bandage, from your new tattoo, 2-3 hours after getting it and wash it using an antimicrobial soap and warm water. Do NOT rebandage your tattoo after the initial bandage is removed!
2. Blot your tattoo dry using a clean towel- don't use a white one because excess ink from you tattoo can stain any cloth it comes in contact with.
3. Apply a thin layer of a good skin lotion (i.e. Curel® or Lubriderm®) to your tattoo- it's no different than applying lotion to your body under normal conditions. Place an appropriate amount in one hand (Make Sure They Are Clean) and rub your hands together; then massage the lotion thoroughly, but gently, into your tattoo.
4. Apply lotion, in this same way, to your tattoo at least 4-5 times a day. If you use lotion more often it's even better- as long as you don't apply it too thickly.
5. Make sure to keep your tattoo clean! It's no different than any other wound on your body; if you get it dirty and don't clean it off you're risking getting your tattoo infected.
6. If you have any problems, or concerns, please make sure to contact the artist who gave you the tattoo- or the studio where they work. If you can't get any satisfaction, consult a physician and/or you state Health Department. TDH Phone Number: 1-888-839-6676
7. For at least 2 weeks, minimize exposure to sun, and discourage swimming in fresh, salt or clorinated water.
These are GENERAL guidelines to follow- the instructions you receive from your artist may vary, somewhat, and we suggest you follow their suggestions.
If you are having problems, and would like to ask us a question, please email us here!
If you have a LARGE, new, tattoo and would like to view some additional suggestions
These are a couple of suggestions that we use to care for our own big tattoos:
SUGGESTION 1
1. As soon as possible (during the first 4-6 Hoursonly!), after getting the tattoo, soak the new tattoo in the hottest water you can stand- without scalding yourself! Yes, we've actually had one idiot do that!
-This is the ONLY time you can soak it! 2. Make sure that the bathtub is as clean as you can get it!
3. Soak it for about 20 minutes and then wash it with warm water and soap- if the tattoo still feels slick or slimy after being washed, soak it for another 10-20 minutes and wash it again.
4. After soaking begin with the general aftercare suggestions.
Why soak your tattoo? Because the hot water will draw a lot of the lymph, that will cause scabbing, out of your tattoo and can make the healing process easier.
SUGGESTION #2
1. After the initial washing and/or soaking apply a thin layer of Vitamin A&D ointment to the tattoo and re-cover it with Saran Wrap.
2. Wash the tattoo 2-3 times a day for the first 3 days.
3. After each washing, repeat steps 1 & 2- make sure to use new Saran Wrap each time!
4. After 2-3 days, switch over to the general tattoo aftercare suggestions.
* Again, PLEASE listen to YOUR tattoo artist- If your artist is reputable, they'll know how to care for their own work! You can always ask them about our suggestions.
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by Body Adorned |
