Propper tattoo aftercare instructions?

Question

Ok, I'm getting my second tattoo in a couple weeks. When I got my first tattoo (very small btw), my artist told me to keep it bandaged for about 24 hours almost. Actually, I'm really not sure, it could have been less. All I can remember is that I got the tattoo in the afternoon around 2:00 and I didn't remove the bandage until the next morning. I also bought this really good tattoo ointment from him called "Ink Fix". I think I applied it 3-4 times a day for 3 weeks or something. Anyway, the tattoo came out really good after it healed.

This time I'm going to a different tattoo place and artist. I took a business card from there other day, but the instructions were totally different. It says that I have to keep the tattoo bandaged for only 2-4 hours this time. The card also said to apply a different ointment for only 3 days instead of 3 weeks, then to switch to any white/skin lotion without fragrances for the additional ten days. I could be wrong, but I only thought it was ok to apply an unscented lotion after the tattoo is completely healed. This tattoo is also big (8 inches big). I don't know, is there a very specific way to take care of tattoos??

Answer 1

no no no you don't have to have your tattoo covered for that long a couple hours really. its more for the bleeding than anything and that usually stop within the first couple hours.

i usually use luberiderm. and make sure to keep it moist. that's very important.

but your aftercare-kit you got will work just fine. its made for that purpose.

wen you get home after you get your tattoo make sure to wash the tattoo of with the soap and softly scrub of excess ink.

if you have anymore question when you get it, feel free to ask me anything.

Answer 2

That tattoo goo is exactly what you want.

There seems to be no exact science to this bandaging I seem to get told different things each time I go to a different studio.

Answer 3

after the tattoo's done. keep it covered 3-5 hours.

remove carefully wet the back of the gauze to remove it if you have too (you cant have that sticking to your skin)

rinse with cool water.

use a curel or unscented lotion frequently.

never scrub, or put hot water on the tattoo.

just make sure to keep it clean, moist, and out of the sun the first while.

and DO NOT pick it if it itches, it WILL itch, and it will peel. but don't freak out, it's normal.

Answer 4

I have been tattooed over ten times and used these instructions with perfect results.  I take the bandage off after about an hour and gently clean it.  Then I use A&D ointment for about three days (applying it a couple times a day just to keep it moist) And after that just a good unscented lotion like Vaseline intensive care for a few weeks.

Good luck!

...oh and I tried the tattoo goo for one of my tattoos and I didn't love it.  I think the A&D works better and its cheap :)

Answer 5

there is this book called inked and it goes throgh the whole procedure of getting a tattoo, from picking out your tattoo to the aftercare, it gives many ways to do aftercare but it says to listen to your artit because they know what works best. I also remember hearing that you only leave you bandage on for a couple of hours so that the air can get to it and it can heal faster.