Caring for a New Tattoo

When you finally decide to get a tattoo, the first thing you’ll need to do is find a reputable tattoo artist. Most tattoo artists have several designs that you can pick from. If you don’t find anything you like, you can always ask them to make a custom tattoo or why not create one yourself and get the tattoo artist to fine tune it for you. Remember you’ll have the tattoo for the rest of your life – so think hard about what you want. The design of course is the most important but you also need to know how to take care of it.

After your tattoo is finished, your tattoo artist will most likely cover up your tattoo – this is done for a really good reason – to keep air-born bacteria from invading your wound. A fresh tattoo is like a wound and is a breeding ground for bacteria and infection – so whatever you do leave the bandage on for a minimum couple of hours – this is important! I know you will be excited to show the world your new tatt – but please keep it covered – there is plenty of time to show off that new tatt!

Now the only time you should take off a bandage straight away is if for some reason your tattoo artist has covered it with plastic wrap or saran wrap – this is a DEFINITE NO-NO – so take it off immediately.

So you have waited a couple of hours and you have now removed your bandage – so it is time to wash and treat your new tattoo. Gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, antibacterial soap – don’t use anything too harsh – try Provon Medicated Lotion Soap if you can get it. If you are not sure – simply remember to ask your tattoo artist what he/she would recommend. Make sure you clean the area completely and do NOT use anything abrasive – use your hand to gently clean the area – clean as best as you can to try and prevent too much scabbing.

After cleaning your new tattoo, gently pat the area – do NOT rub – with a clean or paper towel and make sure it is completely dry. Then apply a really light application of your antibacterial ointment of choice – once again ask your tattoo artist for their recommendation.

After your initial clean and ointment application – it is now a matter of continuing to keep it clean – do NOT use any lotions or soaps with dye or fragrances in them – just keep it clean with unscented products.

There is a lot of talk about NOT showering with a new tattoo – this is NOT true – you certainly can shower – just don’t saturate your tattoo – and try hard not to get soap or shampoo on the area – if you do – clean it with fresh water straight away. Whatever you do AVOID swimming – so no pools – either freshwater or salt water pools – this should be avoided at all costs for at least a couple of weeks.

Now chances are you will experience some scabbing over the new tattoo – this is quite normal – a little scabbing is to be expected – so don’t panic! DO NOT pick and DO NOT scratch – this is very very important – this means it is healing so LEAVE IT ALONE! If you must do anything – apply warm moise compresses for a few minutes a couple of times a day to soften the scabs and eventually they will come off themselves – so once again DO NOT pick and DO NOT scratch.

So one more piece of advice is to always take care of your tattoos by using sun protection – tattoos can fade – so slap on that SPF30 sunblock and keep your tattoo fresh and colourful and whatever you do – SHOW THAT TATTOO OFF!