Tattoo aftercare is vitally important to the health of your new tattoo, and it must not be ignored. Many people believe that once the needlework is done, their tattoo is a lock, but that is far from reality. The fact is that unless you properly care for your new tattoo, it could easily fade, lose saturation, flake, scar, or you could wind up with an infected mess on your body.
But if you ask a dozen tattoo artists how to take care of a new tattoo, you’ll probably get a dozen different answers. The conclusion is that no one knows precisely what will work for everyone, so your best bet is to follow a conservative, consensus-driven aftercare procedure.
Before getting into any specifics, it’s important that you follow your tattoo artist’s directions precisely. If their guidance conflicts with this article, always refer to their instructions. But in the absence of directions, here’s what you need to know.
Tattoo Aftercare Do’s
* Do use an approved aftercare moisturizer / healing cream
* Do leave your initial bandage over your tattoo for at least four to six hours, but no more than 12 hours
* Do keep your tattoo out of direct contact with water (this includes the shower)
* Do keep your tattoo moisturized
* Do pat your skin dry when the tattooed area gets wet
Tattoo Aftercare Don’ts
* Don’t expose your tattoo to sunlight until fully healed
* Don’t submerse your tattoo in water, and especially avoid chlorinated water
* Don’t let your tattoo dry out completely
* Don’t over moisturize your tattoo
* Don’t pick your tattoo scabs
* Don’t cover your tattoo with a bandage once the initial bandage has been removed
* Don’t scratch, bruise, or allow anything to rub against your tattoo with friction
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