What is the best way to wash your new tattoo?

Question

I'm getting a new tattoo in a couple of weeks. I found a good lotion and ointment to help heal it, but now I'm trying to find a good fragrance free body wash or bar soap. Does anyone know of a good one? Also, hot, warm or cold water to wash it & how often?

Answer 1

Most good tattoo artists will give this information.  Ask them.  This also protects you if the tattoo goes wrong or fades.  By following their advice, they are liable not you.

Answer 2

well no bar soap.  that's a big no no.  bar soap will harvest bacteria so u will be wanting to use soft soap that works the best.  you should wash your tattoo about three times a day for the first 3 to 4 days.  make sure u don't scrub at it just a gentle wash.  make sure u also pat it dry till the flakes and scabs all fall off.

Answer 3

wash your tattoo with the hottest water you can stand to open the pores. Then gently clean the tattoo, being careful not to scratch or scrape the sensitive area. Then rinse with the coldest water you can stand to close the pores back up.

This site is helpful

http://tattoothai.blogspot.com/2008/08/h...

Answer 4

Ive always read that liquid soaps work best. Like Dial softsoap. I would suggest an antibacterial soap too, but you might want to check with a tattooist first, I'm not sure if the antibacterial chemicals would affect the tattoo or not.

Edit: If I were you I would stick with sand3219's answer, It actually looks like the best answer you've gotten so far.

Answer 5

Wash your hands for 30 seconds with antibacterial soap, splash water on your tat (no soaking, no direct streams of water), using fingers (no cloths), gently rub the soap on the tattoo, (if it is slimy - it is plasma, and wash it off), it probably will sting the 1st day or so. Splash off soap (medium temp. water, - although I have heard that ancient Japanese used as hot as they could stand), pat dry with clean paper towel (no cloth towels), throw away, air dry for a minute, apply a light coating of Lubriderm or other unscented, no colors lotion, be sure there is no petroleum or lanolin in it. (Lubriderm has healing properties and you should not have any allergic reactions). air dry (Lubriderm will sting for the 1st few times), pat off any seepage until it settles (usually about 10 -15 mins.). Do not cover it, loose clothing if you have to, no sun, no sunblock until it heals, leave it alone, no picking at it, etc. The 1st 3 days you should wash it 3 - 5 times or more. It may leave ink transfers on the paper towels, your clothing, and the sheets, (do not be alarmed by this) - then continue this excellent aftercare until it is completely healed to feeling like regular skin and does not hurt to bump it. If you need a touch up, get it  at this time, and start all over again.

Sunblock forever after it heals. This site link is helpful: http://tattoo.about.com/

Good luck with your ink!

Answer 6

Get some sort of antibacterial soap with no fragrance, And I always washed mine at least twice a day with cold/warm not hot water. But make sure its not cold, the purpose is to clean out any germs and what not. Don't worry if you see colour dripping when you wash it, this may happen for a week or two.

Well you should be fine considering you already know how to moisturise it! Make sure you put on your lotion/ ointment constantly and especially after washes.

Goodluck hun!! =)

Answer 7

Lol, you sound more prepared then I did! I just used whatever was in my shower at the time and they came out fine. Just don't use any exfoliating beads or anything. Oh yeah, wash it twice a day in warm water.  

Answer 8

they sell that stuff right at the tattoo shop! the brand is called "Tattoo Goo"