Keep Your Ink Looking Good!
So you took the plunge: you’ve gotten your first tattoo! In order to keep that ink looking bright and beautiful and healing well, there are a few important tips you should know.
Your artist may bandage your tattoo, or may apply plastic to it to protect it immediately after the tattoo is done. If you’ve done your homework and chosen a reputable, licensed tattoo artist with a clean and professional shop, simply follow the aftercare instructions which should have been given to you at the time of your appointment. If you have any questions, remember to call your artist: they are usually very happy to help and want your tattoo to be the best it can be.
First of all, your tattoo will scab over soon after you get it. This is normal and expected. DON’T pick at the scabs! Wash your tattoo gently with mold soap and water, then massage in a moisturizing agent like Tattoo Goo or one of the many products on the market especially for this purpose.
Some loss of color is normal once the tattoo is fully healed (a process which takes between three and six weeks). At this point, you should have your first “touch up” appointment. A reputable artists does touch ups in the period after the tattoo – usually up to a year – for free or for very low cost; be wary of any artist who does not include free/cheap touch-ups as part of the aftercare of your tattoo (or who tries to push you to have it touched up before it’s healed).
Once it is healed, cover it with sunblock when you go out, if it’s on a part of your body exposed to the sun. This will help your tattoo to stay vibrant looking for years to come.
image: youthspark