Note: the following information is my personal tattoo aftercare routine. Please consult a medical professional for medical advice. Everyone has individual circumstances, skin types, existing medical conditions, and has received a tattoo by people with various degrees of proficiency. No two people are likely to have the exact same healing process, but a good healing process is absolutely essential. What works for me may not be appropriate for you. If you have allergies, be aware of the contents of any ointments or lotions you may use on your healing tattoo.
Thunder Tattoo's After Care Routine:
After leaving the tattoo shop, leave the bandage on for approximately 2 hours or so. This varies, of course, depending on how far from home the tattoo shop was, and how the artist "bandaged" the tattoo.
If a gauze-type bandage was applied, go for the two hours, if a plastic wrap-type bandage was applied, try to take it off as soon as possible.
At this point, the new tattoo is a essentially a wound. A large one, perhaps. An open wound is a breeding ground for bacteria and infection.
After the two hours or so, wash the tattoo. Use warm water (not hot) and clean the tattoo with a liquid soap. No washcloths, just a gentle hand washing. Regular hand soap in the shower may have bacteria on it, so use a plain, unscented anti-bacterial liquid hand soap instead.
If the tattoo feels slimy, it's oozing plasma, and this should be rinsed off as best as possible without over rubbing the area. Plasma left to dry creates scabs, and scabbing should be avoided completely.
After cleaning the tattoo, gently press a double layer of paper towel against it, allowing it to absorb the water. (regular towels, although clean, may not be bacteria free) Gently remove the paper towel by peeling it back slowly from the skin. Make sure the tattoo is dry.
Apply a very, very thin layer of A & D ointment over the tattoo, completely covering it. To ensure a very thin layer, run the side of a finger over the tattoo to leave a smooth, thin layer of ointment on it (really, really thin).There are other appropriate ointments that can be used, but Thunder Tattoo only uses A & D ointment for after care. (this is not the only acceptable ointment by any means)
Apply and maintain a thin layer of A & D ointment for a minimum of 5-7 days. After this time, use an unscented, fragrance free, additive free lotion. Thunder Tattoo uses Lubriderm.
Avoid hot showers, hot tubs, and swimming during the healing process. Avoid water but shower and clean the tattoo routinely, just don't soak the tattoo for any prolonged period of time, and always dry it completely after washing. Be cautious of contact with water for the first couple of weeks (minimum).
After 2 or 3 days, the tattoo may peel slightly, such as a sun burnt area of skin might peel. It may also itch, but don't scratch! Some people "slap" the itching area, but Thunder Tattoo suggests just ignoring the itch instead.
Do not expose a healing tattoo to the sun. No sun at all. After the tattoo has healed, it is susceptible to fading if exposed to the sun. The exposure is cumulative, so "just a little" exposure here and there does add up over time. Use sunblock SPF 30+ whenever the tattoo will be exposed to the sun (unless you don't care if it fades!).
If you have questions or concerns about your tattoo, call the shop where you got the tattoo and discuss your concerns. Also, there is lot of good information on the internet, just be sure to poll different sites so you can compare/contrast the useful from the uninformed information.
Thunder Tattoo's After Care Routine:
After leaving the tattoo shop, leave the bandage on for approximately 2 hours or so. This varies, of course, depending on how far from home the tattoo shop was, and how the artist "bandaged" the tattoo.
If a gauze-type bandage was applied, go for the two hours, if a plastic wrap-type bandage was applied, try to take it off as soon as possible.
At this point, the new tattoo is a essentially a wound. A large one, perhaps. An open wound is a breeding ground for bacteria and infection.
After the two hours or so, wash the tattoo. Use warm water (not hot) and clean the tattoo with a liquid soap. No washcloths, just a gentle hand washing. Regular hand soap in the shower may have bacteria on it, so use a plain, unscented anti-bacterial liquid hand soap instead.
If the tattoo feels slimy, it's oozing plasma, and this should be rinsed off as best as possible without over rubbing the area. Plasma left to dry creates scabs, and scabbing should be avoided completely.
After cleaning the tattoo, gently press a double layer of paper towel against it, allowing it to absorb the water. (regular towels, although clean, may not be bacteria free) Gently remove the paper towel by peeling it back slowly from the skin. Make sure the tattoo is dry.
Apply a very, very thin layer of A & D ointment over the tattoo, completely covering it. To ensure a very thin layer, run the side of a finger over the tattoo to leave a smooth, thin layer of ointment on it (really, really thin).There are other appropriate ointments that can be used, but Thunder Tattoo only uses A & D ointment for after care. (this is not the only acceptable ointment by any means)
Apply and maintain a thin layer of A & D ointment for a minimum of 5-7 days. After this time, use an unscented, fragrance free, additive free lotion. Thunder Tattoo uses Lubriderm.
Avoid hot showers, hot tubs, and swimming during the healing process. Avoid water but shower and clean the tattoo routinely, just don't soak the tattoo for any prolonged period of time, and always dry it completely after washing. Be cautious of contact with water for the first couple of weeks (minimum).
After 2 or 3 days, the tattoo may peel slightly, such as a sun burnt area of skin might peel. It may also itch, but don't scratch! Some people "slap" the itching area, but Thunder Tattoo suggests just ignoring the itch instead.
Do not expose a healing tattoo to the sun. No sun at all. After the tattoo has healed, it is susceptible to fading if exposed to the sun. The exposure is cumulative, so "just a little" exposure here and there does add up over time. Use sunblock SPF 30+ whenever the tattoo will be exposed to the sun (unless you don't care if it fades!).
If you have questions or concerns about your tattoo, call the shop where you got the tattoo and discuss your concerns. Also, there is lot of good information on the internet, just be sure to poll different sites so you can compare/contrast the useful from the uninformed information.
