1. Do exactly what you tattooist tells you. If he is a real professional he will know which method works best for his work, and for his customers 2. Keep the tattoo clean after the dressing has been taken off. It is an open wound, do not forget that! Most tattooists recommend hand-washing the tattoo very carefully with an anti-bacterial soap. Allow it to air dry or very carefully pat dry with kitchen roll. 3. You can expect your newly done tattoo to be sensitive, red and swollen. Most people find that this goes after a day or so, some a little longer (this is dependant on the size, placement and style of the tattoo). If it is still angry and swollen by the third day, contact your tattooist. 4. Your tattoo will weep in the first couple of days. The fluid be coloured the same as your tattoo. This is normal, and it does not mean that your tattoo is coming out!! 5. Keep your tattoo moist; allowing it to dry out will result in a thick scab forming. This is not desired; it slows the healing process and will possibly damage the tattoo. Your tattooist will recommend a cream to use. 6. Do not overdo the cream! The tattoo must be allowed to breathe if it’s to heal properly. A thin layer two to three times a day is enough. 7. After a few days to a week, a thin layer of skin will start to peel or flake away from the entire tattoo, much like the peeling you get from sunburn. Again, this is totally normal. It is essentially the scab coming off. Do not pick it or play with it! It will itch during this time, do not scratch! Your tattoo will still be very sensitive and you may end up scratching or picking it open. No-one wants holes in their tattoo. 8. Do not soak your tattoo for at least two weeks after it’s been done, so no bathing or swimming (sauna is also not recommended). Showering is totally fine, in fact washing your tattoo under the shower is probably the easiest way to do it. Your tattooist may advise you to avoid these things for a longer period of time; it depends on which aftercare he uses. Do what he says! 9. Do not go on a sunbed or expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for at least two weeks! UV rays damage the skin, and fade tattoo colour. 10. Your tattoo will take one to three weeks to heal. This is again dependent on the aftercare method, size, position, and style of the tattoo. A full colour tattoo will typically take longer to heal than a grey shaded piece. If you get a rash, or any kind of unusual symptoms on or around the tattoo you should contact your tattooist immediately.
Posted on: Mon, 02 Sep 2013 13:24:53 +0000
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