 Tattoo Aftercare - What to do...and what not to do
Congratulations, you are now one of the beautiful people! Now that you have your shiny new tattoo, you need to take good care of it! The artists has done his/her bit, the rest as they say, is up to you. If you don’t take good care of your new ink it can turn into a real disaster and that disaster can stay with you for life!
The Bandage
Your new tattoo is covered up for a very good reason, it is still an open wound and open wounds are highly susceptible to infections from air-born bacteria, so please keep your tattoo covered for at least 2 hours. You’ll have enough time to show it off to everyone.
The First Wash
Once you have removed the bandage it is best to wash the tattoo. Use only lukewarm water and mild soap (antibacterial or antimicrobial soap are good). Gently wash away any ointment and blood to completely clean the area, rather use your hands (keep em clean though) and avoid using something like a facecloth or anything abrasive. Once your new tattoo is shiny clean you need to dry it, so pat it dry with a clean towel or a paper towel (recommended), once again, pat it dry only, do not rub! Once it is dry follow up with a light application of antibacterial cream or ointment. If you are unsure what is best to use, ask your artist. Once the tattoo has lost all of its scabs you may want to continue to apply some form of lotion to the area to help keep is moisturised, whatever lotion you use it should be dye and fragrance free.
 Bathing, Showering, Hot Tubs, and Swimming
It is fine to get shower with your new tattoo and yes it can get wet, just don’t let it soak. Please do not submerge the tattoo in a bath, try and stay away from the bath or any kind of submergence for at least 3 weeks. Showering will be the best form of cleaning the tattoo (and yourself) clean as long as the tattoo doesn’t get soaked. Swimming of all types should be avoided for at least 2-3 weeks, especially chlorinated pools, so winter would probably be the best time for your large back piece!
Scabbing and Peeling
After a few days, you will notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing. Do not pick the scabs, resist the natural urge we all have (as we did when we were kids) to pick the scabs, leave them alone and they will come off on their own. There will also be itching, similar to sunburn, don't pick, and don't scratch! If it itches, then slap it and if it peels, apply more lotion, remember, under the scabs your new skin is healing, so just leave it alone.
Sun Protection
Woohoo, the tattoo looks gorgeous, it has healed wonderfully and you are now ready to show it to the world (Depending on where you get tattoo’d). Now you need to protect it and look after it, especially from the sun, tattoo’s can fade, why because the sun is one very hot planet and it will fade your tattoo if you don’t take care of it. So when you are outside slap on some strong sunblock, we recommend SPF30 as a minimum, this will help keep your colours rich for years to come.
Anything else?
If you have any other questions simply ask us, we are more than happy to help out in any way possible when it comes to your tattoos.
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