How to Care For a New Tattoo

So you finally got that new piece of ink done and it's still tingling a bit from the gun. You can still smell the ink, the petroleum jelly, and the anti-septic solution your artist used to clean your skin. Here are some very basic steps to help your tattoo heal properly so that it looks its best.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Anti-bacterial Soap
• A Clean Cloth
• Moisturizer
• Anti-septic Ointment

1. 
    

   After your artist has finished your tattoo they will cover it with either plastic wrap or a paper towel and medical tape. Leave this on for about an hour. It will keep blood from oozing too bad, protecting your clothing, upholstery, etc. until you get home.

2. When you get home remove the cover and clean the tattoo gently. Use the antibacterial soap and a clean rag to do so. Wet the rag with warm water and lather the soap onto the rag. PAT the soap and water onto the tattoo. DO NOT scrub. It will hurt and can damage the tattoo. Pat the area dry and leave it uncovered.

3. 
    

   Before you go to bed, cover the tattoo in anti-septic ointment. Use just enough to cover the tattoo area with a thin shiny film. Repeat this process after your morning shower. Don't forget to only pat the tattoo with soap and water, do not scrub.

4. As the tattoo starts to heal and dry it will scab over and start to itch. Do NOT scratch or peal away the scabbed areas. This will cause the tattoo to heal incorrectly and your final product will look terrible and have to be re-inked. Allow the scab to fall off naturally.

5. Wear loose fitting clothing that will not rub the tattoo. If you irritate the area it can be uncomfortable or downright painful. It can also cause the tattoo to not heal properly and can even contribute to foliculitus if your artist shaved the area before applying the ink.

6. 
    

   Apply a thin layer of moisturizer twice a day to relieve dry skin and itching.

Tips & Warnings

• The first week or so after the tattoo you will stain sheets and clothing with a little blood and ink. Make sure to break out the old stuff for a while.
• Tattoo artists will normally repair their art is they missed a spot, but will charge you if you caused it.
• If your tattoo starts to have small red marks around it, it could be foliculitus. Consult your doctor for proper care.

[dweaver]

on 10/13/2008 DO NOT USE ANY ALCOHOL! It will dry the skin and the ink, causing the tattoo to fade and leech.

[babigurl1948]

on 10/12/2008 I'm fourteen and I just got my first tattoo 2 days ago and my tattooist told me I needed to have A&D ointment.
Could I use Isopropyl Alcohol?

[bmwbzz]

on 2/5/2008 I have a fair number of tattoos and I would recommend care a little differently:
1. Don't clean the tattoo right away. Wait at least 2 to 4 hours.
2. To clean the tattoo: Take a hot shower (Note: the hot water will hurt) and clean the tattoo with anti-bacterial soap. Continue to do this daily.
3. Don't put anything on the tattoo for 12-24 hours to let it dry out.
4. After the 12-24 hours, use unscented lotion or aquaphor a couple times a day.

Warnings:
- Only use unscented lotion or something you KNOW won't irritate your skin
- DO NOT go swimming or expose the tattoo to sunlight for at least 2 weeks.

[Wildscribe]

on 12/2/2007 Great tips, thank you - I'm planning on getting my first ink soon, so I need all the advice I can get!

[Nessa]

on 11/21/2007 In addition to the antiseptic ointment, I would recommend E-Ointment by Basic Organics. It contains vitamin E, wheat germ oil, and aloe vera. It prevents the dryness and itchiness that prevails when the tat is healing and seems to speed the healing process.