Tattoo Care 101

Tattoos were once considered taboo. The only ones who were adorned with such art were army men, sailors or those who starred in freak/side shows. But today, our society has opened up to tattoos alot. Many see it as beautiful art that will never be lost or kept at home. We are all canvases and tattoos can paint our life stories to others. They can mark special occasions and life lessons, they can help us heal and bring closure to our life's. Some still see tattoos as ugly markings but not as many as the previous decades. Tattoos can be seen on a wide variety of people nowdays, soliders, politicans, pastors, models, housewives, musicians, computer whizses, the young and the old. Tattoo's can connect us to others through stories and life expierences but if a tattoo isn't properly cared for, it can be an exspensive embarassement you have for life.

A fresh tattoo is an incredible feeling, but right after leaving the shop you must start taking the proper steps to help it heal properly. The tattoo artist is not responsible for any infection or problems with your tattoo if you don't take proper care of it. It is important to follow these little guidelines in order to keep a beautiful tattoo from turning into a disaster.

The Bandage Is There For A Reason!

Your tattoo artist took the time and care to cover up your fresh tattoo for a good reason- keeping any airborn bacteria from invading your fresh wound. As pretty as a tattoo may look it is still considered a wound. Open flesh is a breeding ground for bacteria. Leaving the bandage on for atleast 2 hours can prevent any bacteria from making a home in your new tattoo. Getting tattoos comes with the excitement of showing it off but your friends can wait just a little bit.

The only exception to the rule is if your artist covered your tattoo with saran wrap or any kind of plastic. It is extremely detrimental to a tattoo and should be removed immediately. This will only suffocate your tattoo and are better off without it.


Washing and Treating

After the bandage is removed you need to wash your tatoo. Using lukewarm water and mild antibacterial soap gently wash the area. Avoid using a washcloth or sponge, it can be too abrasive. Your hand is the best tool to use. Once you have finished washing it, pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Follow the washing with a light application of A&D vitamin enriched ointment. DO NOT use neosporin. While it's great for cuts and scrapes it can cause  little red bumps and when those bumps fade away so does the ink and you will end up with a polka-dotted design.  Also avoid using Peroxide. This is great for killing infections but this will pull the ink right out of your tattoo and leave it incredibly haggard looking.

It Puts The Lotion On It's Skin

There are specialty made products for tattoos such as Tattoo Goo or H2Ocean. While it's not necessary to purchase these, many over the counter items work just as great but it is all up to you. Use whichever product for 3-5 days. After that, continue to keep it clean.  After a few days you will notice some peeling and a little scabbing. This is very normal, yet if you see an excessive amount of scabbing this could indicate a poorly-done tattoo. Apply a warm, moist compress to your tattoo for 5 minutes for 2-3 days can soften the scabs until they eventually fall off. But remember NEVER pick the scabs. This goes the same for itching. DO NO scratch/pick a tattoo.Tattoos itch like a healing sunburn. When it itches slap it! or apply non-fragranced lotion to the skin.

Protection From Rays

After your tattoo has healed and from now on you should apply a sunscreen to your tattoo. The sun's ultraviolet rays can fade and damage an awesome tattoo fast. Sunscreen can keeps your tattoos vibrant for many years.