How to take care of a tattoo

Listen to your tattoo artist. If you've done your homework and chosen a good tattoo artist, he or she will provide detailed instructions and you should follow them carefully. Think of your tattoo as having a warranty; if you don't follow the artist's instructions, you might void the warranty and he or she won't give you free touch-ups.

Leave the bandage on. You should leave it on anywhere between two hours to 24 hours. Make sure a thick, absorbent, non-stick ABD wound dressing is used. The bandage is there to protect your tattoo from airborne bacteria, which can penetrate through your broken skin.

Soak the bandage with warm water when removing it. This is optional, but recommended if the bandage is stuck to your tattoo and offers resistance.

Wash the tattoo. Most artists recommend lukewarm water and mild, unscented liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap.Use your hands (not a wash cloth) and gently remove all traces of blood so it doesn't scab. (don't rub) dry with a clean towel or a paper towel.

After the initial washing, don't use antibacterial soaps anymore.

Some tattoo artists recommend letting the tattoo "air out" for about ten minutes before going to the next step.

Apply ointment. Many tattoo artists advise that you use ointment for 2-3 days. Ointment lasts longer than lotion, reducing the number of times you need to apply it and thus lessening the amount of rubbing. Apply a thin layer that's just enough to make the tattoo shine or else you'll suffocate it. Apply it twice a day. Switch over to lotion when your tattoo artist says so.

Don't use petroleum based products.

Most tattoo artists will recommend using lotion that has no scent, color or sparkles.


2Continue washing and applying ointment or lotion as directed by your tattoo artist until the tattoo heals. The tattoo might look cloudy for a few days as it heals. This is called "onion skin." You'll know you have "onion skin" when the tattoo looks clearer when wet.
Your tattoo is likely to peel, with small flakes of colored skin falling off. Don't pull off the flakes, or else you might pull the ink out. Let them fall out on their own. This is likely to happen within the first 4-7 days. There might be a second flaking, this time clear, within two weeks. Full healing will take 4-6 weeks.

DO'S


CLOTHING

Do wear loose cotton clothing.


WARNING SIGNS

Do consult your GP or Tattoo Artist if you experience signs of infection or irritation.


HYGIENE

Always ensure you have clean hands before touching your new tattoo or applying Forever Ink Balm.


SKIN ALLERGIES

Do consult your GP before having a tattoo if you have any skin allergies.
DON'TS


EXERCISE

Don't exercise heavily whilst your tattooed skin is recovering.


SUNLIGHT / TANNING

Don't use tanning beds and avoid sun bathing whilst your tattoed skin is recovering.


COSMETICS

Don't apply any cosmetics apart from Forever Ink Balm to the tattooed area whilst the skin is recovering.


SCRATCH OR PICK

While your tattooed skin is recovering is may form a light scab - this is part of the healing process and you should not
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