How you take care of your new tattoo is incredibly important! Proper aftercare will determine how your tattoo will look once it is fully healed.
After your appointment, keep your tattoo wrapped/covered until you get home. (Leave the wrapping from your artist over your tattoo.) Once home, with clean hands, remove the wrapping and cleanse the area with unscented antibacterial soap. Pat dry and apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor, A&D Ointment, or unscented lotion.
For the next two weeks, cleanse the area with unscented antibacterial soap and apply a very thin layer of Aquaphor, A&D Ointment, or unscented lotion 2-4 times daily. DO NOT COVER AGAIN OR SMOTHER THE AREA WITH MOISTURE. Do not submerge the area in water. Shower regularly but avoid baths and swimming. Avoid direct sunlight on tattoo area.
Never let anyone touch a fresh tattoo! Bacteria can cause infection. Always wash hands before treating tattoo area. During the healing process, tattoo area may become itchy, DO NOT SCRATCH OR PICK SCABS. For at least two weeks, no swimming, soaking, tanning, hot tubbing, or abrasive actions on tattoo area. Avoid any body wash or lotion with fragrances as well as spraying any perfume/cologne on tattoo area.
Once the tattoo has fully healed, it is recommended to wear sunscreen over it when spending long periods in direct sunlight. (Do not put sunscreen on a tattoo that is not yet fully healed) To keep tattoos looking bright and new long term, keep them moisturized and avoid sunburn.
