The following are the tattoo aftercare instructions I got from my favourite artist, and since I constantly lose this piece of paper, I decided to type them up so I can always access them, forever, from anywhere, until the end of time. All my tattoos have healed beautifully, by following these directions, and picking phenomenal artists, of course. And I thought I'd share them with you, my loyal followers and blog readers. (HAH.) The { } are my personal suggestions.
Keep bandage on for 1-2 hours depending on the amount of bleeding. {Or however long your artist tells you to.} After removing bandage DO NOT re-bandage. Air is the best tattoo healer.
Once the bandage is off wash tattoo gently with warm water and antibacterial {read: orange Dial} soap. Pat area dry with clean towel. Avoid cloth as it may harbor certain harmful bacteria.
After tattoo is washed apply a very thin layer of ointment. We suggest A&D ointment. {I love A&D.} If your skin tends to be sensitive you may have a slight reaction to this ointment. In that case, switch to Bacitracin, Bag Balm, or Tat Wax {or something like it, but NEVER NEOSPORIN, because Neosporin destroys the ink}. Only apply thin layer of ointment when tattoo appears dry, approximately 2-4 times a day, but this may vary with different skin types. {I just do it when the ointment rubs off on something.}
Keep using ointment for 3-4 days after you get tattoo. After that switch to a light nonscented lotion {I swear by Gold Bond Ultimate Healing}. Your skin may appear to peel or flake after 4-5 days. This is normal. {I switch to lotion when it starts peeling.} Let your skin peel naturally, do not pick, scratch or rub area. {If you do, you will rip chunks of ink out and they will charge you for the touch-up because you can't follow directions.} After tattoo has peeled completely your tattoo is healed to the point that you do not have to worry about aftercare anymore.
While tattoo is healing, DO NOT submerge area in any water. No swimming, hot tubs, baths, etc...Showers are fine. Also, keep new tattoo out of direct sunlight, as that may fade the colors. After tattoo is healed always use sunblock when out in sun. This will ensure your tattoo will stay bright for a lifetime. {I wear SPF 85.} Wear loose clothing while tattoo is healing, and avoid any clothing that will rub or put pressure on tattoo. Also avoid sleeping on new tattoo, to prevent sticking. If this should happen use warm water and peel stuck material off gently.
{The rest of it is specific to my artist except:} Tattoos cannot be touched up until 3-4 weeks after they're healed.
