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Tattoo History
Tattoo Overview
Tattoo Deciding
Tattoo Design
Tattoo Meaning
Finding Tattooist
Final Decision
Tattoo Science
Getting Inked
What Next
Tattoo Q&A Before
Tattoo Q&A After
Tattoo Safety
Becoming Tattooist

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What Happens Next

When you leave the tattoo shop with a spring in your step you should also have clear aftercare instructions in your head. Aftercare is the source of a great deal of arguments; ask a dozen people about tattoo aftercare and you'll get two dozen opinions. At least. Listen carefully to what your tattooist tells you but also take in the advice of other people who have tattoos.

Remember, you are responsible for your tattoo now; the tattooist has done his/her job. The better you care for your tattoo in the next few days and weeks, the better it will look for the rest of your life.

Immediate Aftercare

Leave the bandage on for as long as your tattooist told you. Some recommend overnight or even twenty-four hours but most will say between three and six hours. It's really tempting to have a peek, especially if you want to show it off to your friends and family, but resist the urge.

When the time comes to remove the bandage, do so very gently. The bandage may be stuck to your skin but don't panic and try to tug it off. Just wet the bandage with some warm water until the moisture loosens it and then carefully pull it away.

Don't forget to always wash your hands before you touch your tattoo or the surrounding area. Wash up afterwards too.

When the tattoo is uncovered, use warm (not hot) water and some gentle soap or baby bath to thoroughly clean the area. Pat (don't rub) the area dry with a soft, clean towel. Don't soak the area in the bath or shower.

Some tattooists will recommend that you leave the tattoo open to the air for around ten minutes at this point while others will tell you to treat the area with ointment immediately. A few minutes spent showing off your new tattoo to friends and family won't hurt.

Apply a thin layer of whatever ointment your tattooist has recommended. These days, that's usually an anti-bacterial cream that you get from the pharmacist. Some tattooists will suggest other products, occasionally even Preparation H. There are also specific products available for healing tattoos (like Tattoo Goo) that may be recommended.

If you know you have an allergy to the recommended ointment or that there is the potential for a reaction, discuss it with the tattooist before you get inked. If you get a rash or the area goes red, stop using the cream immediately. Keep the area clean and wait for the reaction to go down before you start applying something else. If the reaction persists, seek medical advice.

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