Get Up Edina!

TIPS ON AFTER CARE OF TATTOOS
By Joanna Wallace

So you just got your first tattoo, and you keep reiterating what your artist said in your head over and over, but you aren't 100% sure....Then he mentioned aftercare products other than the ones he gave you...Then those special lotions...Then your friend said to use something that your artist said not to do...All of those contradicting views and do's and don'ts aside, this is what I've found to do for after care from most artists and people with dozens of tattoos.

When your tattoo is done, whether its saran wrapped or bandaged, keep it that way for at least a few hours after it has been done. Even over night if you feel like it. Make sure there's lots of A&D on there and remember, DON'T FUCK WITH IT! Keep it on, and just try not to think about it. Your artist covered it up for a reason- to keep all those germs out. This is just like an open wound, you wouldn't leave a fresh wound open to germs that could infect it, would you?

When you decide to remove the wrap, take it off gently and wash it with lukewarm water and non-scented anti-bacterial soap. DO NOT SCRUB! Pat dry and put a dab of A&D or Bacitracin (or what you prefer) on top of your new ink. Make sure to keep it very moist and reapply if it gets patchy or dry. Personally, I like A&D (medical kind, not baby rash kind) the best because it doesn't really absorb as fast as Lubriderm or Jergens because its very thick, making for less applications and touch ups. Don't use Neosporin. This was not made for tattoos, just scrapes. It usually has weird after effects and tends to pull ink. You'll find over the next couple of days, it might get a sort of gummy film on it. Wash this off! This is breeding ground for germs and could get infected, which would not be good. Make sure to wash it 3-5 times a day for the first week. You want to be OCD with this thing. Its the fanciest scrape you ever got, right?

After the first couple days, your tattoo will probably start to scab a little and peel. IT IS CRUCIAL..CRUCIAL!!! that you don't pick at it. I know, its so tempting and itchy, but don't! This could damage how even the ink may come out and will make your healing time last longer. Instead of itching, slap at it (it does work!) and apply lotion. Move away from the thicker stuff and move onto an unscenting moisturinzing lotion. Apply this like there is no tomorrow. If you put it in the fridge, it seems to help, especially if it is stinging.

Your scabs will eventually start falling off and should be completely gone within two weeks of your visit to the parlor. If you need touch ups, then would be a good time to get them, because you want the ink to "age" all at the same time. Don't be afraid to go back, as most artists don't charge for touch ups. Ask them before you actually do commit to get your tattoo.

After all your touch ups are done and your tattoo looks great, from here on out, I would suggest putting sunblock on them every time you leave the house. Make it a habit! Also, don't shave over your tattoo. I've gotten some weird effects on my tattoos and it hurts! I also have some friends who get them all the time and its a constant battle for them.

Now that your tattoo is beautiful and healthy, go back and get more! Do it over again! The more you go back, the less it hurts (at least to me). Good luck!