How to Care for a New Tattoo

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Choosing a reputable tattoo artist is only part of the equation. Even the best tattoo can be ruined by poor aftercare. Guidelines vary from artist to artist, but here's an overview of what you need to do to keep your tattoo clean, bold and clear.

Steps

Listen to your tattoo artist. If you've done your homework and chosen a good tattoo artist, he or she will provide detailed instructions, and you should follow them carefully. Think of your tattoo as having a warranty; if you don't follow the artist's instructions, you might void the warranty and he or she won't give you free touch-ups.
Leave the bandage on. Recommendations vary as to how long you should leave the bandage on: anywhere between two hours[1][2] to 24 hours (if a thick, absorbent, non-stick ABD wound dressing is used).[3] Your tattoo artist will give you a timeframe. The important thing is to not expose your tattoo until that time has lapsed. That means avoiding the temptation to flash your new tattoo to your friends, even if just for a second. Be patient. The bandage is there to protect your tattoo from airborne bacteria, which can penetrate through your broken skin.[1]
Soak the bandage with warm water when removing it. This is optional, but recommended if the bandage is stuck to your tattoo and offers resistance.
Wash the tattoo. Most artists recommend lukewarm water and mild, unscented liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap.[1] Use your hands (not a wash cloth) and gently remove all traces of blood so it doesn't scab.[2] Pat (don't rub) dry with a clean towel or a paper towel.
- After the initial washing, don't use antibacterial soaps anymore.[1]
- Some tattoo artists recommend letting the tattoo "air out" for about ten minutes before going to the next step.[4]
Apply ointment. Many tattoo artists advise that you use ointment for 2-3 days. Ointment lasts longer than lotion, reducing the number of times you need to apply it, thus lessening the amount of rubbing.[3] Just remember that more is not better. Apply a thin layer, just enough to make the tattoo shine, or else you'll suffocate the tattoo.[2] Apply it twice a day.[2] Switch over to lotion when your tattoo artist says so.
- Don't use petroleum based products.[1]
- Most tattoo artists will recommend using lotion that has no scent, color, sparkles, etc.
Continue washing and applying ointment or lotion as directed by your tattoo artist until the tattoo heals. The tattoo might look cloudy for a few days as it heals. This is called "onion skin". You'll know you have "onion skin" when the tattoo looks clearer when wet.[4] Your tattoo is likely to peel, with small flakes of colored skin falling off. Don't pull off the flakes, or else you might pull the ink out; let them fall out on their own.[2] This is likely to happen within the first 4-7 days. There might be a second flaking, this time clear, within two weeks. Full healing will take 4-6 weeks.[3] Until the tattoo is fully healed, keep the following in mind:
- Avoid soaking the tattoo. Take short showers, don't go swimming, don't go in saunas, etc. Soaking can draw out ink.
- Keep the tattoo away from sunlight until it's fully healed. Don't apply sunblock; cover it up with loose clothing.
- Do not scratch or pick at the tattoo. You might pull off pigment and reopen your tattoo to infection. If it itches, spray it with rubbing alcohol or slap it with your (very clean) hand to sting it and take away the itch.[2] Alternatively, you can massage in lotion.[3] Avoid friction, especially on hands and feet.
- Don't shave the tattoo until it's fully healed. If you shave around it, don't let the shaving cream or hair irritate or infect the tattoo.
- Avoid salt water completely.[4]

Video

Tips

Even after your tattoo has healed try to avoid exposing it to the sun without sunscreen. Sunscreen with a 30 SPF or higher will work the best - though SPF numbers over 30 do not provide much further advantage than an SPF of 30. Sunlight over time fades tattoos.

Warnings

Disease and viruses may be spread through the tattoo process when a dirty needle is used. This is why it is important to find a reputable shop. Remember, you will get what you pay for.
Do not use products like Neosporin: if you read the label they tell you they are not for puncture wounds (and remember, your tattoo is just thousands of little puncture wounds). This will cause the skin under and around your tattoo to heal too quickly.
Do not let your tattoo "dry out" while it is healing - about three weeks.
Even after your tattoo has healed, it may feel a little bumpy. This is because the ink still needs to "settle." This usually takes about four weeks.

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