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There are many different methods out there for proper healing of Tattoos. Firstly, be sure you are getting your work from a licensed tattoo artist, not your friends apartment.

As Sailor Jerry once said, "A good tattoo ain't cheap, and a cheap tattoo ain't good."

This sticky is meant as a guide, and by all means, listen to your tattoo artist in regards to aftercare. Only take advice from a professional! Your health is at risk when dealing with new open wounds and punctures. Improper instructions and methods can lead to serious infections, illness, even gangrene or limb removal.


exclaim Wash your tattoo with a fragrance free anti-bacterial soap (like Dial, or Satin) and warm water. Never use a washcloth (as this can harbor bacteria), only use your fingertips. Do NOT scrub. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a disposable paper towel.

exclaim Apply a very thin layer of the A&D ointment (Preperation H is even better. It has Shark Liver Oil in it, SOOO GOOD for healing. Aquaphor is OK too) provided by your artist. Wipe off any excess. Repeat this procedure with clean hands as often as your artist recomended, for the next day or two. (Any excess ointment on your wound can cause infection or scabbing)

exclaim After approximately 24 hours (or as indicated by your artist), begin applying a thin layer of Lubriderm "Original Formula" lotion provided by your artist 3-5 times daily until your skin is completely healed (approximately 1-4 weeks)

exclaim Healing time can vary from client to client. It is very important that you follow your instructions carefully.

exclaim DO NOT soak your tattoo in any bodies of water, including oceans, lakes, rivers, hot tubs, swimming pools, or bathtubs. These all harbor large amounts of harmful bacteria and will promote infection and complications.

exclaim DO NOT expose your tattoo to the sun or sunlamps for at least 3 weeks. To preserve the vibrancy of your tattoo, after your tattoo is completely healed, use a high SPF sun screen over your tattoo every time you expose it to the sun.

OK PRODUCTS TO USE ON HEALING TATTOOS:
arrow A&D
arrow Preperation H (the ointment kind, not the creme)
arrow Aquaphor
arrow Dial
arrow Satin
arrow H2Ocean (the lotion only)
arrow Lubriderm "Original Formula" lotion
arrow Eucerin "Original Formula" lotion (although personally, I find this is a little too greasy)

Use any of these products lightly. Do not slather on a ton of lotion or ointment. Just keep it moisturized with a thin layer.

Picking/scratching your tattoo will lift the healing color right out of your skin, leaving you with a misshaped, blotchy, ugly tattoo.

Going into the sun while your tattoo is healing will remove color as well.

Keep it covered under loose clothing (no tight clothes, your tattoo needs to breath), and if you're home alone, wear nothing at all. Seriously.