"How to Properly Care for Your New Tattoo: The Ultimate Aftercare Guide"

Tattoo aftercare makes up 70% of the tattoo process. When a tattoo is cared for properly, it will likely not need a touch up. On the contrary, when a tattoo is cared for improperly, it can result in scabbing, scarring, loss of pigment, infection, and/or a lower quality tattoo.

It is extremely important to care for your healing tattoo by following the aftercare instructions provided to you by the shop you received the tattoo at. Although every shop has a different aftercare routine, high-quality and professional tattoo shops will have adequate aftercare instructions, even they are not the same as the last shop you were tattooed at.

THE DAY OF THE TATTOO

The first day you get your tattoo, you will not need to moisturize it as it has been moisturized thoroughly during the tattoo process. On day one, you will simply need to remove your tattoo bandage approximately 2 hours after being tattooed and clean the tattoo gently with fresh paper towel and witch hazel.

After the initial cleaning, you will need to soak a few sheets of paper towel in witch hazel and drape it over your tattoo for 15 to 20 minutes. You should repeat this step once in the morning and once in the evening for about 2 weeks.

Never use a cloth to clean a healing tattoo. Cloth can harbor bacteria and chemicals (laundry detergent) that can be harmful to your tattoo. Always use paper towel that has been stored in a clean environment.

MOISTURIZING YOUR TATTOO

The day after receiving your tattoo, you can begin moisturizing it. There are tons of fancy products to lather on your fresh tattoo, most of them are unnecessary. You don't need an expensive cream or ointment to keep your tattoo moisturized, it is best to use simple products, such as Bag Balm or Aquaphor. You can buy Bag Balm and Aquaphor at a variety of locations, including Walmart, Walgreens, Target, and Fleet Farm.

When applying ointment to your tattoo, you only need to use a thin layer. Use just enough to coat the tattoo to allow it to breath. You should repeat this 2 or 3 times a day until your tattoo is healed.

AFTERCARE TIPS

• Always make sure that your tattoo is free from plasma buildup. A build up of plasma will leave your tattoo crusty, resulting in cracks, scabbing, and light spots in your tattoo. You can use a clean paper towel with witch hazel or water to gently wipe the plasma.

• Never soak your tattoo during the healing process. This means no baths, hot tubs, pools, lakes, or oceans. Of course, showering is fine but don't allow a constant stream to flow over your fresh tattoo. Avoid exposing your tattoo to excessively hot water.

• Do not use A&D ointment, antibiotic ointment, Vaseline, etc. on your fresh tattoo.

• While it may be difficult to refrain from picking at peeling and flaking tattoo, avoid doing so at all costs as it can result in scarring and infection.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

• PET DANDER. Do not allow your pet to touch, lick, or scratch your new tattoo. Pet dander is a primary cause of tattoo infection. Pet dander lives on your furniture, your clothes, your floor, and wherever else your pet exists. Keep this in mind when you have your tattoo exposed while you're hanging out at your house or someone else's. If your tattoo comes in contact with a pet or their dander, clean the tattoo immediately.

• Do not expose your tattoo to unsanitary environments. It should be treated as an open wound because technically, it is. Be mindful of the cleanliness of the environment you're in when your tattoo is uncovered.

• If you must participate in physical activity involving the area of your body that has recently been tattooed, be extremely cautious with your movements. Avoid large movements and heavy use of that body part, especially when exercising or performing physical labor.