A tattoo is a decision that you make for yourself, and your body. Just like when you make any major decisions in your life, you should educate yourself about the pros and cons of each choice. Knowing what to do will help you avoid many problems down the road. Knowing the right way to take care of your new ink can make a world of difference in how long it takes to heal.
Tattoos aren’t just for sailors or inmates anymore. Tattoos are mainstream, whether you like them or not. They are an art form, which is why the rules about the “proper” way to do them exist. Remember these rules when choosing your next tattoo in order to have a good experience and keep your new permanent art looking nice for years to come! Tattoos attract attention. And once you get one, everyone will want to know what they mean.
A tattoo is a permanent change to your body that you will have to live with for the rest of your life. Tattoos are painful, expensive, and they are made even more so by improper aftercare. A tattoo can be a lifelong commitment to what has meaning for you. When you decide to get a tattoo, you’re making a big decision. This is because this is a very permanent choice and it’s advised that you don’t rush into something like this without taking some time to seriously weigh all of your options.
Don’t remove the bandage too soon
When you get a new tattoo, don’t remove the bandage too soon. Make sure your tattoo is completely healed by letting it breathe under the bandage for three to five days. The recommended removal time depends on the healing pace, but never sleep in your tattoo or expose it to water. Allow the healing process about a quarter-inch of air around the tattoo itself, and make sure that it is not exposed to any bright light for at least a day, as this can damage new skin cells.
Wash gently
Wash your hand tattoo with warm water and mild soap, no bleach products. Dry your Tattoo with a microfiber towel, rubbing in a circular motion to ensure the towel reaches the interior of the Tattoo’s corners. Do not twist or wring. After washing and while still damp, apply a small amount of A Piercing Salve to the inside of the jewelry. Dab dry only! Be sure to store each piece separately in its own small baggie filled with saline solution (preferably one that comes with your jewelry).
No scratching
Don’t scratch your tattoo. Tattoos are created using needles, so it’s no surprise that they can get caught on things like clothing, bedding or even shower curtains. That’s why it’s important to gently brush your new tattoo every day so you don’t accidentally damage it.
Avoid water
To properly care for your tattoo, avoid water and humidity at all times. You should shower with a mild soap like Basis or Dove. Avoid harsh skin products such as alpha-hydroxy acids, which can sting the skin and slow healing. Also, do not scrape or scrub your skin while it’s healing; Patting the area with a washcloth is sufficient to remove excess body oils and sweat. While showering, keep the tattoo away from water by covering it with a surgical mask to prevent the ink from running onto freshly healed areas.
Moisturize
The first step to great skin, and great tattoos, is moisturizing. Keep your skin healthy and your ink vibrant with our lightweight moisturizer formula – tattooed skin can crack easily and be susceptible to infection, but our product helps protect against the elements and keep your skin protected and moisturized. The tattoo includes essential ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, proprietary herbal blend, Apricot Seed Oil & Sunflower Seed Oil.
Ditch the tight clothing…for now
It’s normal to feel anxious during the first few days of your new tattoo. Feeling apprehensive about how it will heal is common, too. The good news is, you’ve got this. Everything that your body needs to recover properly is right there with you. All you need to do is take care of it—and, during the first two weeks of healing, avoid wearing anything tight against your tattoo.
Block those UV rays
Tattoos will fade over time, but according to experts applying sunscreen can help prevent this. Make sure you always use SPF 30+ sunscreen every time you go outside for longer than 20 to 30 minutes so your tattoo stays vibrant.