Before and after care
The first few days/weeks (for a new tattoo) are probably the most important for your new tattoo. This is why it is highly important that you care for it properly. Getting a new tattoo is like having a minor medical procedure done. Your skin is penetrated by rapidly moving needles that deposit ink beneath the top layer. Once completed, your tattoo is in fact an open wound, prone to infection and requiring care.
Before getting your tattoo done:
Considering you’re about to spend quite a fair amount of money on your new piece of body art, it’s smart to learn how to:
- Prepare yourself and your body for your tattoo-the more comfortable and prepared you are, is the longer you will be able to sit.
- Look after your tattoo once you’ve had it done; help avoid infections, so you’ll heal without any damage.
- Invest in aftercare lotions and an anti-bacterial wash.
- It’s always great to consume Vitamin C. before and after getting your tattoo. You can do this by eating foods that contain Vitamin C like broccoli, citrus fruits, and kale. Vitamin C is known to assist in wound healing which will help you in the long run with your tattoo.
- Drink a lot of water, it is extremely important to maintain your fluid levels while being tattooed, as dehydration will intensify the discomfort, give you a headache, and make you feel ill.
- The night before is not a party night. You will need to get a full night’s sleep.
- Make the effort to be a considerate and hygienic client. Don’t be the funky-smelling customer of your tattooist’s nightmares. So, before you leave home, make sure you…
a) Brush your teeth
b) Shower with anti-bacterial soap
c) Wear fresh, clean clothes.
d) Bring Tic-Tacs or breath mints.
e) Don’t overdo deodorants, perfumes, or colognes.
f) Tie your hair up in a ponytail.
Proper pre-care and aftercare will help with the entire tattoo healing process and help prevent fading and loss of ink.
Tattoo Aftercare Procedures and Products
Next to actually getting your tattoo, effective tattoo aftercare is the most important aspect of the process. The healing of your tattoo can take up to a month, sometimes more.
Follow the aftercare steps below.
- Purchase a good aftercare cream or lotion prior to your appointment.
Ink Fixx – Salve or lotion, Tattoo Goo – Salve or lotion, After Inked – Lotion
- Keep your tattoo wrapped from when you leave the tattoo studio, until you get home and into a clean environment.
- Wash all plasma and ink off, with an antibacterial soap, within one to two hours.
- Apply aftercare cream sparely.
- Wrap your tattoo when you’re wearing irritating or tight clothes that may rub and damage your tattoo. Also wrap the tattoo for bedtime for the first three to five days.
- Ensure there is plenty of time where your tattoo is not wrapped and is exposed to clean, fresh air.
- Avoid dirt and infection.
DO NOT:
- Go swimming or soak in a hot tub or bath
- Use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on your tattoo
- Itch, pick, or scratch the tattoo
- Participate in activities that will make you sweat.
