Now, you have your fresh new tattoo, and you want to take good care of it! From this point on, your artist is not responsible for any infection or problems you may have with your tattoo if you don't take proper care of it. It is very important that you follow these guidelines. A really beautiful tattoo can turn into a disaster if the proper aftercare is not taken.
Your artist took the care to cover up your new tattoo for a very good reason - to keep air-borne bacteria from invading your wound. Yes, as pretty as your new tattoo is, it is still a wound. Open flesh is a breeding ground for bacteria and infection. Leave the bandage on for a minimum of two hours. Excitement of having a new tattoo will make you want to remove the bandage so you can show your friends, but your friends will just have to wait until later.
After two hours remove the bandage, now wash your tattoo use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial soap are my highest recommendations. Gently wash away any ointment and blood completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth. Your hand is your best tool in this case.
Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a CLEAN paper towel to get it completely dry. Follow with a very light application of A&D vitamin enriched ointment would be my first choice, but if you don't have any, Bacitracin or a similar antibacterial ointment is acceptable.
First 3rd days Wash up to 2 times, pat dry with paper towel apply A & D Ointment 3-4 times in a day.
From 4TH DAY – To till 15days avoid water and continue applying A & D Ointment 3-4 times in a day.
Don’t use soap, shampoo, Dettol, savlon, oil etc. for two weeks….
Avoid direct sunlight and dirt. No Gyming /exercise, swimming, waxing, bleach, steam, sauna bath.Also do not scratch or peel off the tattoo while it’s healing. Come back after 3 to 4 weeks for the artist to have a look at your tattoo.
After a few days, you will notice some peeling and possibly a little scabbing.You will also start to itch, just like sunburn when it begins to heal. The advice here is, don't pick, and don't scratch! If the skin itches, just leave it alone. Your tattoo is almost healed, and now is not the time to ruin it!
After your tattoo is healed, from now on, you will always want to protect it from the sun's ultraviolet rays. These can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast. Before spending a lot of time in excessive heat, protect your tattoo with a minimum 30SPF sunblock. This will keep your tattoo vibrant for many years, and it will continue to be a source of great pride.