Tattoo Aftercare

By Kent Bartley

Tattoo aftercare isn’t too difficult, really just some basics to stick to. Tattoos applied properly aren’t puncture wounds and don’t require any major medical attention…just some basic points to remember.

1. BANDAGE-Remove bandage after 2-3 hours don’t take it off early to show people ! it is still fresh and may bleed ever so slightly, and this is an important time which we want to keep it covered and clean from dirt and germs. There is NO need to reapply bandaging, it is really important to let the skin breath to aid in healing .

2. WASHING-Wash tattoo after removing bandage, try to wash with a CLEAN hand using your fingers to gently remove any ink or blood that has dried on the surface, and pat dry with clean towel.

3.MOISTURIZING-There are a lot of different products used to aid in the healing of a tattoo and many of them will work as well as the next. I try to keep it simple and use what works. The two most common would be to apply a very THIN layer of either Vitamin A & D Ointment, or hand lotion such as Lubriderm. Some people like one over the other but what it comes down to is that you use a thin layer to lightly moisturize the skin to aid in healing. What you apply to your tattoo is not going to make it heal, only aid in healing by lightly moisturizing. Excessive amounts of ointments or lotions will only smother your skin and if it cant breath and allow the skin to heal, it will only cause problems. You may notice a lot of artists will use Vaseline while they are working, and its good to use then, but is not something used for aftercare. That’s because Vaseline is 100% petroleum. Pure Petroleum will not absorb well, that’s why we apply it to a new tattoo so the bandage wont stick. And will likely cause issues if used excessively. Vitamin A & D ointment is only 50% petroleum.

Things to avoid would be…
1. Soaking your tattoo, its good to wash it daily, but don’t soak it, that’s the same as applying too much ointment, making the skin too soft and mushy, and can make the color actually ooze out little by little. Quick showers are fine.
2. Tanning is really horrible for a tattoo new or old. Burning the skin while its healing will result in a lot of pigment loss.
3. Although tattoos get flaky may itch while healing , one must avoid picking and scratching a new tattoo . Removing the top layer of new skin will also remove the ink right under and cause scarring and “patchy” color.
4. Rivers, streams and oceans must be avoided because they harbor numerous bacteria. Not to mention the soaking issue mentioned above.
5. Slapping a tattoo is generally a bad thing. There is nothing to support the old saying of “you have to slap it to set the ink in” that’s just an excuse to slap peoples tattoos, its not necessary and not sanitary…
6. The most common mistake with new tattoos is to listen to what your friends tell you instead of your artist.

Keep in mind, I actually do this for a living !

If anyone has any issues with healing , feel free to contact me ASAP !
(503) 669-4191