AFTERCARE: TATTOO
DAY ZERO (the day of procedure)
Once the tattoo is done, the artist will wrap the fresh tattoo with cling film and you’ll need to take it off only once you’re back home. Wash the tattoo area thoroughly with cold water and foam of antiseptic soap solution using your fingers. Make sure you wash off any residual ointment, ink, and/or secretions from the tattoo. Dab it dry with a piece of paper towel, and let it be for the day. Please try to stay back for the day with a fresh tattoo as it is highly prone to infections. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after a tattoo session.
DAY 1 & 2
Please apply any anti-microbial ointment 5 times a day, for day 1 and day 2. No need for special washes before applying the ointment; gently brush off the residual dried ointment from the previous application.
DAY 3 ONWARDS
Stop using the anti-microbial ointment and switch over to a mild moisturizing lotion. Apply the lotion 5 times a day, from day 3 onwards till the tattoo completely heals. During this phase, you may find the tattoo to start scabbing and that is completely normal. But make sure not to pull on the scabs, as you might end up pulling out a part of the tattoo as well.
GENERAL POINTERS
You can take quick showers/baths, but make sure the water doesn’t stay there for long and make the tattoo soggy. Do not scrub on the tattoo while it’s peeling, or do not pull on the scabs. Always use a paper towel to dab and dry the tattoo area, avoid towels, etc. Keep the tattoo covered with loose clothing, and away from direct sunlight. The scabbing process might take 3-4 weeks on average, varying from person to person as per their individual healing factors.
The tattoo might tend to itch during the scabbing, and you’ll need to make sure not to itch. Apply lotion or smack on the tattoo for relief.
Avoid swimming pools, sea, ponds, lakes, and/or dipping the tattoo in any common water body to minimize the chances of cross-contamination.
A tattoo is a part of your skin. The better you take care of your skin, the better the tattoo will heal and stay. Keeping the body hydrated, and moisturized, and consumption of vitamin C will help the overall well-being of the tattoo.