Tattoo Aftercare

   You just got a new tattoo, if you want to keep it looking good then you will need to maintain it. 

   Your new tattoo is an open wound and is vulnerable to dangerous infections. So treat it with care and it will continue to look good for years to come.

 When you leave the shop, you may have a clear bandage or Saniderm. Depending on the type of product you have you can leave it on for 2 hours to 4 days.

 Consult with your artist about how long you should leave your wrap on. When you finally remove your wrap you may find it stuck to dried blood. Do not force it off, you can use warm water and mild soap to carefully remove it. 

   Then you will need to wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap. Stay away from anything that is scented. Scented lotions and soap can interfere with the healing and cause your colors to fade. Additionally, any irritants or allergens in perfumed soap and lotion can cause infections and scarring that can damage your tattoo. 

   Pat it dry gently with a clean towel and do not rub your skin. It is injured from needle trauma and will take 3-4 days to scab and up to four weeks to fully heal. Keep your tattoo out of the sun or the tattoo may fade and possibly get infected. 

  After you have cleaned and dried your tattoo then you can apply a thin layer of moisturizer. Aquaphor or something recommended to you by your artist. Only apply a thin layer, your skin needs to be able to breathe to heal appropriately. 

   Repeat these steps three times a day for up to two weeks. 

After two weeks you can apply a scentless lotion that won't irritate your skin.

Stay away from aftercare products provided by Amazon. Almost 90 percent of products sold on Amazon contain irritants and allergens. Only use Aquaphor or something recommended by your artist. 

   If you think you have an infection go to the doctor immediately. Prompt care by a medical professional can save your tattoo and possibly your life. 

Don't pick at your scabs, you can pull up ink that will ruin your new ink. 

   Keep it clean, keep it slightly moist, keep it out of the sun, and your tattoo will look good for years.