NEW TATTOOS

After you get a new tattoo........

After you get a tattoo, the artist will put a bandage on it. It's best to leave it on for at LEAST 2 hours, unless your artist has covered it with saran wrap or some sort of plastic. It should be removed within an hour because the plastic will suffocate your tattoo, leaving the wound open for a ground of breeding bacteria.

Step 2 Vitamin A & D cream/ointment

Once you leave the tattoo parlor, be sure to get Unscented bar soap, Vitamin A&D cream(found in the baby cream aisle), unscented lotion, and sunblock (SPF 30+). After removing the bandage, wash you tattoo with your hand and the unscented soap. I used Dial, but some say it's too harsh, so you could you use Satin or Provon antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Step 3 Fragrance Free Lubriderm lotion

When done washing it, put a thin layer of the A & D cream on your tattoo. Do this twice a day for 2 days. After that, put the unscented lotion on for 2 weeks. Lubriderm is usually recommended, but if it stings you could also use Eucerin.

Step 4 Don't itch it!!

After several days, you're tattoo will start to itch and scab. As much as you want to itch, don't, instead slap it! You could apply warm moisture compression to the scabs for 5 minutes 2-3 times a day to soften them. They should come off on their own. (Do not apply ointment or lotion to a softened scab - wait for it to dry).

Step 5 Avoid taking long showers.

As far as showers go, don't take too long in them for the next 2-3 weeks. If you get shampoo or soap on the tattoo, quickly rinse it off. Avoid hot tubs, baths, and swimming for 2-3 weeks as well. Don't saturate your tattoo in the shower. All could cause serious damage to the tattoo.

Step 6 Use sunblock when going out in the sun

One thing to keep in mind, avoid sunlight exposure to your tattoo. It could cause it to fade. Cover it up with loose clothing and if you are to have some sun exposure, use sunblock with a minimum of 30 SPF.

Keeping these tips in mind should keep your tattoo looking great and new for years to come.