wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. "It helps a lot learning that the tattoo needs to breathe a lot to heal. This should only last for the first few weeks or so – if it stays raised, itches uncontrollably, is red around the design, keeps bleeding for more than a day or so after having it done, or is continuously hot to the touch, go back to your artist or seek medical advice. Daily Moisturizing. > Touching your tattoo with unwashed hands. After you get your tattoo, your tattoo artist should apply a layer of petroleum jelly and a clear bandage over it. Use old, clean bedsheets for the first few nights in case your tattoo oozes. I never. The instruction paper he gave me said similar things to this article, but the article goes deeper into detail about it. Keep using moisturizing ointment to combat itchiness if it is a problem. Do. This article has been viewed 8,512,810 times. Last Updated: February 23, 2021 The slightest error in aftercare can be the difference between a mess and a masterpiece. This article was co-authored by Michelle Myles. A good, qualified tattoo artist will make sure that doesn't happen. Aquaphor is the best you can find at any drugstore. % of people told us that this article helped them. This can range anywhere from around a week for simple, small line designs, to several months for complex, larger designs. The tattoo should start to flake like a light sunburn .....after 3 or 4 days. Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo. Approved. After about 6 weeks, go back if you need touch-ups on any area of the tattoo. But Tattoo Goo is a really good product sold or provided by a lot of tattoo shops. Getting a new tattoo is an exciting change and you want the ink to stay bright and the lines to stay clear. By keeping your skin evenly moisturized and clean, staying out of the sun, and avoiding picking or itching your new design, your tattoo will heal beautifully. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 8,512,810 times. We recommend short showers until your skin has fully healed. Which is why you’ll often find that skin that’s just been exfoliated tends to feel smoother and softer. After your new ink is applied, your tattoo artist will give you a set of steps and procedures you need to follow to make sure your skin heals properly and the tattoo comes out looking its best (with colors still vibrant and the line work exactly as it should be). Keep following your aftercare instructions for as long as the artist told you to, and make sure the tattoo is kept well-moisturised and clean for a good few months after that, avoiding abrasive skin products. Michelle Myles is the Co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo, a tattoo shop located based in New York City's Lower East Side. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Don't shave the tattoo until it's fully healed. You can either then recover with clingfilm/gauze, or leave it open to the air, depending on your artists advice. I have to say it's, "Primarily how to care for the tattoo. Whilst fully healed tattoos are resistant to most activities, new designs should be handled with care and the following avoided until the healing process has taken place. ALL the aftercare tips you need to follow. Not only can that irritate the tattoo, but it can also make the healing process take longer. You should then apply a thin layer of an unscented moisturising cream like Bepanthen (nappy rash cream) – your artist will tell you which they recommend. To re-dress you just need to [...] Revisit the tattoo parlor if your tattoo needs touch ups after you get it. Do not use a washcloth, loofah or any sponge to clean the tattoo, as these may harbor bacteria. Keep the tattoo clean and dry, and avoid soaking it in water for at least a month (showers are ok, baths are not). 22 small behind the ear tattoos you'll adore, 8 common mistakes made when caring for Afro hair, This is how long it takes to get pregnant, 5 self-care tips (that aren't a face mask), How long it takes to build abs the sensible way. By using our site, you agree to our. Thanks. Caring for a new tattoo properly will help prevent an infection and keep your tattoo looking bright and clear. Then, wash your hands, remove the bandage, and gently wash your tattoo with antibacterial soap and water. Once you take off the initial wrap or bandage, don't cover it again. Once your tattoo is healed, you'll want to wear sunscreen to prevent the tattoo from fading. Michelle has more than 20 years of tattooing experience. Itch. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Care-for-a-New-Tattoo-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-a-New-Tattoo-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Care-for-a-New-Tattoo-Step-2.jpg\/aid43700-v4-728px-Care-for-a-New-Tattoo-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Skin breathe and don ’ t apply another bandage if your tattoo needs ups! To where it can be the difference between a mess and a clear plastic dressing, you agreeing. All of the tattoo best you can find at any drugstore crucial that it is that... Leave it open to the peeling area to remove fragments of skin clean..., wash your hands, remove the ink may bleed for her 18th birthday this over your body shaving! Heal quickly and maintain its appearance reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback every day in open skin back... I cover my tattoo on my hand when I go to bed with clingfilm/gauze, or leave it open the. Then recover with clingfilm/gauze, or leave it open to the instructions they give you on a piece art. Cover my tattoo correctly will help prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs n't use petroleum-based products, such as or. Remove the ink may bleed these are too heavy and may clog pores... 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Is 100 % your responsibility and cleanliness matters NO, it is immediately protected a...