Tattoo aftercare is just as important and crucial as the tattooing process itself. I often tell clients, "Your new tattoo is only 50% complete, and the other 50% is how well you take care of it during the healing process". There are many studios and artists around the world with their own method of aftercare; however, the instructions I give are what I have found to work best with my style of tattooing.
You can remove the bandage about 2 hours after your tattoo session.
- Wash your hands! (This should be common sense)
- Gently wash the tattoo using only your hands with warm water and a non-scented antibacterial soap.
- Using a clean paper towel, gently pat the tattoo dry.
- Choose between:
- A & D Ointment
- Bacitracin
- Aquaphor
Apply a VERY THIN coat of whichever ointment you prefer over the tattoo.
- Repeat this process a minimum of 3-4 times a day. Periodically check your tattoo throughout the day. Your tattoo should NEVER dry out. If necessary, it is ok to repeat this process more often than 3-4 times a day.
In about a week your tattoo will begin to peel (ex. like a snake shedding it's skin). Don't help it. This is normal. Use the ointment for another day or two after the peeling starts, then switch to a non-scented lotion. Keep your tattoo moist with lotion until it resembles the non-tattooed skin next to it.
Your new tattoo should never scab. If your tattoo scabs, it's because you neglected the aftercare instructions. If you follow the instructions, it is IMPOSSIBLE for your new tattoo to scab. I promise!
