Getting a tattoo is a dream of many, but not all are fully aware of the care and maintenance that comes with it, especially on the first few days. If you plan to get a custom tattoo soon, it is essential that you understand how to do the aftercare, for that will affect how your tattoo will look. If you are clueless about this topic, this article will help you. 

The Proper Way to Care for Your Tattoo

Once you get your first tattoo, expect that your tattoo artist will do the primary care that it needs. You will see them apply a petroleum-based ointment over it and wrap it with a bandage or plastic wrap. That would help keep the fresh wound away from bacteria and germs.

After that, they will instruct you on what you should and should not do. Here are some of them:

What You Should Do When You Have a New Tattoo

Wash Your Hands

Take note that you should wash your hands every time that you come in contact with your tattoo. That way, you will prevent dirt from going into the wound.

Keep It Out of the Sun

If you are outdoors, protect your tattoo with clothing. If you are going to the beach on your summer vacation, buy a swimsuit that will cover your tattoo.

Keep Your Tattoo Clean

After a few days, once your tattoo is healed, only use warm water and mild hand soap to cleanse it. Let it air dry before putting on any clothing.

Moisturize Your Tattoo

After cleaning it, use a bit of lotion or unscented cream. Avoid using a lotion that contains alcohol, as it can cause the ink to run and fade.

What You Should Not Do with Your New Tattoo

You Should Not Scrub, Scratch, or Pick at Your Tattoo

You also should not stretch the skin around it, which can easily lead to the tattoo's infection and/or deformation.

You Should Not Go into the Water for at Least Two Weeks

Note that the two weeks are not just limited to swimming or showering. It includes baths, hot tubs, and even swimming in a kiddy pool!

While Waiting for Your Tattoo to Heal, Do Not Touch it

Doing these will only lead to infection and other serious problems that can scar your tattoos during the healing process.

Do Not Apply Lotions or Gels to Your Tattoo

Your tattoo is still a fresh wound, so you should avoid putting any lotion or gels on it. Wait at least three to five days before using lotion or unscented cream on your tattoo. Note that the ointment that your tattoo artist will apply may differ from that you can buy over the counter, so follow what they recommend.

How to Take Care of the Tattoo Ink on Your Skin

In addition to caring for the fresh wound, you should also know how to care for your tattoo ink. You see, there are many products available in the market today that can help you do this. 

Tattoo aftercare products are formulated especially for this purpose and have ingredients that are safe for the skin and will not cause any harm to the tattoo itself.

Conclusion

Getting a tattoo is a fun and exciting experience for most people. However, getting a tattoo is one thing, and caring for it will be a whole different experience. Your tattoo artist will help you not just with the primary healing but also in making sure that the ink on your skin remains the same. 

Secondary care is your job, so you’ll have to take responsible steps. That way, your tattoo will continue to look the same for a long time. Following your tattoo artist's instructions and using a product to keep your tattoo in good condition will help you achieve that.

Do you plan on getting a custom tattoo in Denver soon? If you do, Certified Tattoo is an award-winning tattoo studio with more than 30 excellent artists in three different shop locations. We are Colorado’s premium tattoo shop—schedule a tattoo consultation today.