Tattoo aftercare is probably the most essential part of the process of having a tattoo. A tattoo artist can do so much in perfecting your preferred artwork but the pinnacle of the whole process of getting a new tattoo lies on how you take care of your fresh tattoo.
Below are simple tattoo aftercare tips to keep your fresh tattoo looking brilliant and scab free.
- Don’t remove the bandage! When your artist is done with your tattoo, it is standard operating procedure to apply liberal amounts of a tattoo aftercare lotion and wrap the tattoo with a bandage to prevent any contamination whatsoever. Remember a fresh tattoo should be treated like an open wound and cleanliness is critical to keep the artwork as crisp as possible. Don’t be tempted to show off your new tattoo to your friends. Any skin infection can lay havoc to a fresh tattoo, so keep it covered.
- It is best to keep the bandage on for two hours. This allows most of the fluids to seep out of the tattoo and be absorbed by the bandage. Now it’s alright to slowly remove the bandage, this allows the skin to breathe, allowing the wound to heal much faster.
- With the use of a mild antibacterial soap, wash off any excess tattoo aftercare lotion. Try to wash anything slippery, you might not see it but there could be plasma build up underneath the lotion. Wash thoroughly until you feel your actual skin. Gently pat dry with a soft cloth. Do not rub.
- Apply liberal amounts of tattoo after care lotion. This will keep the skin nice and moist. It also contains natural antibacterial properties. Re-apply when tattoo feels dry.
- Now allow the wound to breath, do not re-bandage. Continue washing 4 to 5 times a day for the first week. Avoid prolong sun exposure.
- It is expected for the tattoo to itch as it heals, it is important to resist scratching or itching. You can slap it, but never scratch it.
- In the later stages of healing you might be surprised to find your tattoo peeling, this is natural. Never pull or forcibly peel this off, let it naturally fall off. Total healing takes about 4 to 5 weeks.
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