A tattoo lasts a lifetime and is a great way to express yourself.After your tattoo is done, you have to be cautious for a few weeks to make sure you don't harm your skin.Maintaining proper care of your tattoo is necessary after the initial healing period.If you keep your tattoo clean and hydrated, it will continue to look great.
Step 1: Before touching your new tattoo, wash your hands.
An antibacterial soap is the best way to kill germs on your hands.You need to scrub your hands to make sure you clean under your nails.You should lather the soap for at least 20 seconds before rinsing and drying your hands.If you can dry your hands with a paper towel, use it.Since they are open skin, fresh tattoos are more prone to getting infections.If you don't know how long to wash your hands, sing "Happy Birthday" twice while you scrub.
Step 2: After at least 1 hour, remove the wrapping from your tattoo.
Your tattoo artist will help keep your skin moist by covering your tattoo with a large bandage or plastic cling wrap before you leave.Wait at least 1 hour after getting your tattoo to wash it.When you are ready, peel the wrapping off the tattoo and throw it away.It is normal if you see beads of ink on the surface of your skin.Don't try and remove the bandage or plastic from your skin.Wait until you can peel the wrapping off.If you have plastic wrap over your tattoo, take it off as soon as you can since it will prevent it from healing quickly.The tattoo artist may tell you how long to leave the wrapping on.If you have any questions, contact them.
Step 3: You can rinse your tattoo with water.
Slowly pour the water over your tattoo by cupping your hands underneath the faucet.Rub the water over the tattoo to make it feel damp.Don't put too much pressure on your tattoo since it may hurt.It is possible to wash your tattoo in the shower.If you use hot water, it will burn or irritate your tattoo.Don't fully submerge your tattoo for at least 2 weeks after getting it because standing water could potentially cause an infection.Hot tub, swimming pools, and baths are not recommended.
Step 4: You can clean your tattoo with soap and water.
A standard liquid hand soap does not contain abrasives.Slowly lather the soap on your tattoo.You should cover the tattoo with soap before rinsing it off.You are more likely to scar your skin or cause the color to fade if you wash your tattoo with a cloth.
Step 5: You can dry your tattoo with a towel.
Don't rub your tattoo with the towel because it will irritate your skin and cause scarring.Pull the towel straight up if you gently press it against your skin.Wait until the tattoo is completely dry.You can use either a fabric or paper towel.
Step 6: There is a thin layer of healing on your tattoo.
You can use a healing salve that is dye-free since it could irritate your skin.You can apply a thin layer of the ointment over your tattoo.When your skin doesn't look shiny, work in circular motions.Don't put too much cream on your skin since it could slow down the healing process and keep air out of your tattoo.petroleum-based products are usually too thick and don't let air through to your tattoo.Ask for a recommendation from your tattoo artist.Specialty products may be made specifically for tattoos.
Step 7: Don't expose or cover your tattoo with loose clothing.
If you put a bandage over your tattoo, it could keep your skin from healing.If you can, try to keep it covered as much as possible.If you want clothes made from thin fabrics, such as cotton or linen, then go for it.Heavy or tight-fitting clothes can irritate your skin even more.Since air can reach your tattoo, be careful not to sleep on it.If you have a back tattoo, try sleeping on your side or stomach.Your tattoo may get stuck to your clothing in the first few days.Don't try to remove the fabric from your skin.Put the clothing in the water and peel it off.If you have a tattoo on your foot, try to go barefoot as much as you can and use soft slippers or shoes with loose laces to help your skin breathe.You should not wear sandals for 3-4 weeks after you get a tattoo.
Step 8: Don't pick or scratch your tattoo.
If you have skin on your tattoo, it is normal to peel it off over the first week.Since you could scar your skin or make the tattoo fade faster, do your best not to scratch or itch your tattoo.If your skin feels dry, lightly tap it with your fingers or put a cool compress on top of it.It is normal for your tattoo to form blisters, but do not pick them off.Allow them to fall off on their own.
Step 9: You should wash your tattoo at least twice a day.
Before touching your tattoo, make sure you wash your hands.Wet your tattoo with warm water and lather in liquid hand soap.Don't peel or scratch your skin while you clean your tattoo.Before touching your tattoo, rinse it with clean water.If you have a new tattoo, try to avoid doing dirty activities for the first few weeks.
Step 10: Rub it 3 times a day for a few days.
Your skin stays clean if you wash and dry your tattoo.Rub it into your skin and it won't look shiny.Aim to use it in the morning, midday, and evening.If your skin dries out more throughout the day, use more healing salve.It is normal for your tattoo to be hazy or less crisp than when you first got it.It will look better after you heal.
Step 11: If your tattoo feels dry, switch to a fragrance-free lotion.
It can irritate your skin if you use lotions that have added scents.Whenever you notice your skin is drying out, use a small amount of lotion.It's a good idea to rub the lotion on your skin.You can use scented lotions after your tattoo heals.This usually takes a few weeks.
Step 12: For at least 4 weeks, keep your tattoo out of the sun.
When you go outside, wear clothing that covers your tattoo.If you can't hide your tattoo, stick to shaded areas and stay out of the sun as much as possible.If your tattoo is not completely healed, you should not put sunscreen on it.
Step 13: When you are outside, apply SPF 30 sunscreen to your tattoo.
When you go outside, make sure to protect your tattoo from the sun's harmful rays.Rub a sunscreen that has at least 30 SPF on until it is clear.Reapply your sunscreen after 2 hours.Unless the tattoo is completely healed, don't apply sunscreen to it.If you use tanning beds or lights, they can fade your tattoo.
Step 14: When your skin dries out, keep your tattoo moist.
You can use any type of lotion after your tattoo heals.If you want your tattoo to look vibrant, Rub the lotion into your skin until it is clear to keep it hydrated.If you notice that your skin looks dry or cracked, you can apply lotion 2–3 times daily.Your tattoo may look dull if you don't use lotion.
Step 15: If you notice skin irritation or a rash, see a doctor.
If there are dark red patches, painful bumps, or open sores on your tattoo, they could be signs of an infection.Let the dermatologist know what your symptoms are.Your skin heals properly if you schedule an appointment as soon as possible.Increased pain on the tattooed area could be a sign of an infection.You could cause permanent scarring if you pick or peel your skin.
Step 16: If your tattoo starts to fade, you should visit the tattoo artist.
It's a good idea to check in about 2 months after you get your tattoo.If you see areas that need more ink or a small touch up, schedule an appointment with them.As the tattoo ages, pay attention to the color.If the ink is fading or getting lighter, it's time for your artist to touch it.The first touch-up is free for tattoo artists.If you have had your tattoo reworked multiple times, your artist may not be able to work on your skin because it will be more sensitive.