What should I do after i get a tatoo?

Answer 1

If you went to a reputable artist, they should've given you aftercare instructions. You can try calling the studio and asking if you don't remember or can't find them. If you get instructions from your artist, follow them as well as you can.

However, if you went to a scratcher or can't get in touch with your artist, try searching 'tattoo aftercare' [remember, two t's in a row in 'tattoo'] on any internet search engine. Basic steps are usually:

-Leave the bandage on for at least a couple hours to as much as the next morning [it tends to be a matter of taste]. If you have big problems with clothing or sheets sticking to the tattoo you can bandage it but it's generally recommended to just leave it uncovered so it can breathe. If you do bandage, use new, clean, sterile gauze. Wear clean clothes and use clean sheets [basically, try to keep whatever comes in contact sanitary]. After all, a new tattoo is basically an open wound; you want to minimize the chances of infection.
-For the first three to five days, wash with antibacterial liquid soap [preferably unscented if you can find it] two or three times a day. PAT dry [do NOT rub] with either a freshly washed towel or a paper towel.
-After washing, gently apply a small amount of ointment [NOT rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide] and then blot. Only put enough to moisten the skin, not enough to make it greasy. Vitamin A&D ointment is usually the most suggested; though it doesn't have healing additives it tends to work quite well. Neosporin [or other compounds with the same active ingredient] usually arent advised because minor allergic reactions are fairly common; your tattoo can develop bumps and the ink will leech out of them, leaving a polka-dotted tattoo.
-Do NOT bathe or swim for at least the first few days. Showers are okay, but keep them short [under ten minutes if possible] and try not to have the water hit the tattoo directly. The moisture and steam will cause scabs to loosen and/or fall off prematurely, which will pull ink out of the tattoo and slow healing.
-After the first three days to a week the first layer of scabbing should have fallen or peeled off. Before this, keep following the same rules and DON'T scratch or peel the outer layer. Allow it to fall off naturally. This is one of the most important aspects of healing.
-After the layer falls off, apply an unscented lotion [Lubriderm usually works well] as often as necessary to keep the tattoo moist [but not too much, like the ointment]. You should be able to shower/bathe/swim normally without issue.
-If your immune system is normal enough and you follow these steps, the tattoo should be adequately healed to treat like normal skin after a few weeks. When it's exposed to the sun, use a strong sunblock to keep the ink from fading and you shouldn't need touch-ups as often.

Remember, how you treat the tattoo as it first heals has a HUGE impact on how great it will look for years. Do NOT try to take shortcuts. Depending on the size and location as well as the way your body works, your tattoo might 'weep' some ink and clear fluid [lymph] for anywhere from the first few days to sometimes as much as the first couple weeks. Don't worry, this is normal. However, make sure you can differentiate between lymph and pus. If you suspect an infection, go back to your studio or to a doctor. You don't want to take chances.

Answer 2

After you get the tat take off bandage about an hour after. Let the tat breathe. For the next several days use AD ointment 2x daily. Just make sure you lightly coat the tat with the ointment you don't want to put to much on. After about 3 days start to use lubraderm about three times a day for about 2 weeks. Good luck and don't pick the scabs.

Answer 3

have four so this should be easy for me don't submerge it in water don't even get it too wet you should wash it a two or three times a day max and keep some bag balm or tattoo goo on it at all time to keep it that way and when you wash it only use antibacterial non scented soap. don't pick or scratch it no matter how much it itches if you do you may pull the ink out. keep it out of the sun as much as possible it will cause fading in the ink. if you do that then it should be fine and if you use lotion instead of bag balm or tattoo goo which is my fav make sure its unscented!

Answer 4

Ink wizard topical stuff you get at the tatt parlor is the best thing i found.

Answer 5

Prepare for a long- term bout with regret!

Answer 6

keep it clean, put some antibiotic cream, avoid greasy food for a couple of days

Answer 7

Get your brains tested.

Answer 8

shave ur head & go crazy....
like britney spears

Answer 9

umm.....get another one?