Immediate Aftercare
At Vida Loca we know that the first thing you want to do after having your tattoo is to show people the new ink. Whether it's your 1st or 30th it doesn't matter, you want to show to people. However, for the first 3 to 5 hours you must make sure that you keep it covered as the tattoo is still an open wound and is at risk to infection.
There are two main ways you can cover the tattoo, the first is a bandage, these are pretty much available everywhere but it keeps the tattoo covered. When an artist finishes your tattoo they will clean it off then bandage it up for you. (maybe take a picture in between). The other method to cover your tattoo may be to use plastic wrap. This is generally used if the tattoo is too large or difficult to wrap.
After the first 4 hours
Now you can remove the bandage and show everyone your new ink, but make sure that you clean it first! A great soap to use is something that is unscented liquid soap as this is great for sensitive skin. When washing only use your clean hand and ensure that you don't scrub the tattoo. If using a wash cloth only pat the tattoo with lukewarm water and not hot water. Though hot water will feel nice it's important to stand clear of this for the first couple of day as it opens the pores and may make the colouring of the tattoo blotchy or uneven. Many artists will recommend that you use cold or cool water in the first couple of day with a cool compress at the end of the washing to close the pores.
Once you are all washed and ready to go, use a clean cloth or towel to pat the tattoo dry (remember not scrubbing). Now apply some cream, expose it to the air and show it off.
For the first few days to the end of two weeks
Make sure that you keep the tattoo clean and apply the cream / ointment at least 3 to 4 times a day. Which cream? ask you artist as they will recommend the right kind for you. Try to avoid wearing tight clothing in the area of the tattoo as this may rub off scabs or agitate the tattoo. Furthermore, avoid large pools of water (baths, swimming pools etc) as mentioned above. The gym or anything that leads to excessive sweating could damage the healing process of the tattoo. In regards to showers, these are fine but make sure you keep them cool and don't spend too long in them.
Repeat the process of keeping the tattoo clean and applying the right cream to help it heal. Remember not to scratch or pick at the tattoo as it is an open wound . Hard layers are normal and picking these off could damage or remove the color.
The Recap
1. When you remove the bandage, clean tattoo with unscented liquid soap
2. Apply cream 3 - 4 times a day
3. After a cool shower pat the tattoo dry
4. Avoid direct sunlight
5. Do not rebandage tattoo
6. Do not pick or scratch tattoo
7. Avoid any excessive sweating
8. Avoid tight clothing on the tattoo
9. Clean, cream and repeat
10. Once healed, get your next tattoo!!
There are two main ways you can cover the tattoo, the first is a bandage, these are pretty much available everywhere but it keeps the tattoo covered. When an artist finishes your tattoo they will clean it off then bandage it up for you. (maybe take a picture in between). The other method to cover your tattoo may be to use plastic wrap. This is generally used if the tattoo is too large or difficult to wrap.
After the first 4 hours
Now you can remove the bandage and show everyone your new ink, but make sure that you clean it first! A great soap to use is something that is unscented liquid soap as this is great for sensitive skin. When washing only use your clean hand and ensure that you don't scrub the tattoo. If using a wash cloth only pat the tattoo with lukewarm water and not hot water. Though hot water will feel nice it's important to stand clear of this for the first couple of day as it opens the pores and may make the colouring of the tattoo blotchy or uneven. Many artists will recommend that you use cold or cool water in the first couple of day with a cool compress at the end of the washing to close the pores.
Once you are all washed and ready to go, use a clean cloth or towel to pat the tattoo dry (remember not scrubbing). Now apply some cream, expose it to the air and show it off.
For the first few days to the end of two weeks
Make sure that you keep the tattoo clean and apply the cream / ointment at least 3 to 4 times a day. Which cream? ask you artist as they will recommend the right kind for you. Try to avoid wearing tight clothing in the area of the tattoo as this may rub off scabs or agitate the tattoo. Furthermore, avoid large pools of water (baths, swimming pools etc) as mentioned above. The gym or anything that leads to excessive sweating could damage the healing process of the tattoo. In regards to showers, these are fine but make sure you keep them cool and don't spend too long in them.
Repeat the process of keeping the tattoo clean and applying the right cream to help it heal. Remember not to scratch or pick at the tattoo as it is an open wound . Hard layers are normal and picking these off could damage or remove the color.
The Recap
1. When you remove the bandage, clean tattoo with unscented liquid soap
2. Apply cream 3 - 4 times a day
3. After a cool shower pat the tattoo dry
4. Avoid direct sunlight
5. Do not rebandage tattoo
6. Do not pick or scratch tattoo
7. Avoid any excessive sweating
8. Avoid tight clothing on the tattoo
9. Clean, cream and repeat
10. Once healed, get your next tattoo!!