How to Care For Your New Tattoo.

Following these instructions will result in a faster healing process and ensure an attractive tattoo. Try to remember that the life of your tattoo depends on the care it receives within the first 6 weeks.

Make sure that you thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your new tattoo. Contact with dirty hands or clothing is a major contributor of infection and can ruin your tattoo.

Once your new tattoo is exposed, wash it thoroughly with antibacterial soap,(Phisohex is a good one) and warm water. Be sure to rinse away any & all secretions and be sure that all soap residues are rinsed off.

After washing your new tattoo, lightly pat dry with clean towel, apply a small amount of Bacitracin ointment, Neosporin or A&D ointment and massage it into tattoo.
Don't apply a thick coat as your skin must be able to breathe.
If a rash occurs, use Lubriderm or Dermassage lotion may be applied.

Depending on the nature and extent of your new tattoo, it may be necessary to wear clothing heavy enough to protect it, particulary if you work around grease, oil, dirt, metal, etc.

Make sure that the clothing that touches your tattoo is soft and clean.

Your new tattoo will develop a layer of crusty dry skin, Do not peal this off. Apply a recommended skin ointment three times daily until the dry crusty layer falls of on its own.
After the crusty dry skin has fallen off, there will be a period of adjustment for the new skin. It is advisable to use a skin lotion during this time.

Things Not To Do.

1.) Don't let your new tattoo dry out.

2.) Don't reapply bandage because the tattoo needs to breath to speed up the healing process.

3.) Don't use Vaseline, petroleum jelly, alcohol, or peroxide.

4.) Don't scruff up, rub, scratch, or pick at your new tattoo.

5.) Don't expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight for 2 weeks. After that, you can use sun block (SPF 35 or above) to help keep tattoo from fading.

6.) Don't submerse your tattoo in water for 2 weeks. This includes baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, and saunas.

7.) Saltwater and chlorine act as a bleach and can ruin your tattoo and too much water exposure can cause wrinkling and puckering of skin which can also damage your new tattoo.

The healing process usually takes from 2 to3 weeks, but can vary from person to person.

Download Tattoo After Care PDF