Everyone is into tattoos nowadays. These beautiful works of art are not just for eyes to see, they can be used to express oneself,or they can be a constant reminder of past memories and experiences.
Now, you maybe excited to get your own tattoo, but before going to a tattoo studio, please be reminded that getting a tattoo is not focused mainly on the design or the artist, it’s very important to also learn about tattoo aftercare. Below are some tips on to properly take care of a fresh tattoo.
First Things First
The first thing you need to do before getting a tattoo is to buy all the materials you will need for tattoo aftercare. Doing it the other way around can put you at risk of contaminating you new tattoo. The material needed are: cotton towels or lint free paper towels, Antibacterial soap (liquid preferred) and a tattoo aftercare lotion (Afterinked).
Cotton Dressing
Fresh tattoos are usually wrapped in clear plastic wrap or cotton bandage, always go for the cotton bandage because a cotton bandage lets the fresh tattoo breathe, allowing faster wound healing. Also the cotton bandage absorbs excess ink and blood, unlike plastic wrap where the new tattoo gets to be soaked on all the gooey stuff, not really hygienic.
Gentle Wash
After the bandage routine, go straight home and wait for at least two hours before removing the bandage. If the bandage sticks, soak it with warm water until it peels off easily. Then wash with your antibacterial soap using warm water and make sure to wash off all the blood and excess ink and lotion.
Tattoo Aftercare Lotion
Now Pat dry using your cotton or paper towels, then air dry for a few seconds, and apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare lotion. Make sure to buy a lotion that is specifically made for tattoos, because these products help accelerate the healing process and helps make the tattoo look more vibrant.
Now, you will notice that your new tattoo will ooze an amber coloured liquid, this is called plasma and it’s a part of normal wound healing. When plasma dries up, it turns into a thick scab, we don’t want this in tattoo healing. So, wash often until the oozing stops.
That’s it, in a few weeks your new tattoo will still form a thin scab. Continuously applying the tattoo aftercare lotion will soften the scab until it naturally fall off. After that, you’re ready to show off your new tattoo.
Protected by Patchstack