You'd been thinking about getting a tattoo for a long time, and now that you've taken the plunge you're excited about what you're seeing. You know that the pain you went through getting the tattoo was nothing now that you see the results. Don't make the mistake, though, of thinking your job is complete. Without the proper care, your beautiful new tattoo can end up being your worst nightmare.
A new tattoo is fragile. It is prone to infection, it could lose some of its beautiful color, or you might lose the design completely unless you take the proper precautions to take care of it. After finishing your design your tattoo artist took certain steps to protect it. And before you left, he gave you instructions for its care. If you're smart, you'll …show more content…
He did this for your protection. The tattoo was created by poking a needle into your flesh. It broke through your skin and drew blood with every poke. Therefore, at this point in time, your new tattoo is more of an open wound that a finished work of art.
While some artists may tell you that you can remove the bandage after a minimum of two hours, most will advise leaving the bandage on overnight. That way you continue to keep your wound free from dirt, lint, and air-borne bacteria.
Step Two - Removing the Bandage
In the morning, it'll be time to remove the bandage. Prior to getting the tattoo you should have purchased a liquid-based antimicrobial or antibacterial soap that is also very mild. After removing the bandage you will want to gently wash the tattoo and the area around it with the soap and lukewarm water. Take care to wash away any remaining dried blood or ointment applied by the artist.
The best way to wash the tattoo at this point is with your hand alone. If you use a washcloth, it might damage the tattoo. After carefully washing the entire area, dry it completely using firm pats and a paper towel or a clean bath towel.
Step Three - Taking Care of the
A new tattoo is fragile. It is prone to infection, it could lose some of its beautiful color, or you might lose the design completely unless you take the proper precautions to take care of it. After finishing your design your tattoo artist took certain steps to protect it. And before you left, he gave you instructions for its care. If you're smart, you'll …show more content…
He did this for your protection. The tattoo was created by poking a needle into your flesh. It broke through your skin and drew blood with every poke. Therefore, at this point in time, your new tattoo is more of an open wound that a finished work of art.
While some artists may tell you that you can remove the bandage after a minimum of two hours, most will advise leaving the bandage on overnight. That way you continue to keep your wound free from dirt, lint, and air-borne bacteria.
Step Two - Removing the Bandage
In the morning, it'll be time to remove the bandage. Prior to getting the tattoo you should have purchased a liquid-based antimicrobial or antibacterial soap that is also very mild. After removing the bandage you will want to gently wash the tattoo and the area around it with the soap and lukewarm water. Take care to wash away any remaining dried blood or ointment applied by the artist.
The best way to wash the tattoo at this point is with your hand alone. If you use a washcloth, it might damage the tattoo. After carefully washing the entire area, dry it completely using firm pats and a paper towel or a clean bath towel.
Step Three - Taking Care of the