A guide written by an avid tattoo collector(that's my tribal above).  When you've had as much ink as me, you become a pro at the after care.  You have to take care of your tattoo!  It's yours for life!  This may seem a bit wordy, but if you stick to my guide you will never have to worry about tattoo after care ever again.  Follow the steps below to keep your tattoo as new looking as the first day you got it! 

1) AVOID THE SUN!

2)  Keep the bandage on for 2-3 hours.  Not overnight!  It's there to stop the bleeding and keep your clothes clean till you get home.  FYI, you just got inked!...you're tired and soar, go home!...don't "celebrate" by drinking all night.  Start the healing process off right.

3)  Bandage off...wash the tattoo with a soft cloth, luke warm water and an antimicrobial soap (no heavy perfumes, no dishwashing liquid, no shampoo), baby soap or Dial is fine.  Lightly "wipe" your tattoo with a luke warm damp cloth...no scrubbing, build up a small lather, then rinse with luke warm to cool water.  Your tat is fresh and you're trying to prevent infection.  The purpose of this step is to clean the blood and contaminants.  This will set the stage for proper healing over the next 2 weeks.  NO SOAKING!...in a bathtub, jacuzzi, sink, long hot shower, etc...in fact, no soaking throughout the entire healing process.  Pat dry after cleaning with a soft dry cloth.  This step is repeated once a day for the first 3 days.  I repeat...NO SOAKING!  And avoid the sun!

4)  NEOSPORIN TIME!  Like I said before, you're trying to prevent infection...use an antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, Bacitracin, generic neosporin, etc...).  DO NOT USE VASELINE!  This clogs the pores, prevents the skin from breathing and has no antibiotic properties.  Your tattoo artist used Vaseline on the day of the tattoo to prevent the the bandage and or plastic wrap from sticking to your skin.  That's the only time to use Vaseline, just the first day, by your artist.  Don't even think about using it!  Neosporin also clogs pores, but you're trying to increase healing time and prevent infection so it's a necessary step to assure this...i.e. the benefits outweigh the downside.  Only use an extremely thin layer.  Apply about 3 times per day for the first 3 days only.  Try to avoid covering up the piece with anything...it needs to breath.  Only use a protective coating of plastic wrap when stepping out to protect your clothes...otherwise, keep it open to the air...walk around with shorts, no shirt, etc..for as long as possible.  And avoid the sun!    

5)  Moisturize!  Moisturize!  Moisturize!  It's day 4...infection is all but a vivid memory...now's the time to prevent your tattoo from drying out.  Use a hypoallergenic moisturizing lotion or anything organic.  The lotion with the least amount of preservatives and chemicals is always the way to go when skin is involved.  Lubriderm, Keri, Curel...I've used all of these with great results.  Apply 4 times per day...don't "cake it" on...let your skin breath!  Do this for the next 10 days and anytime after if your skin feels dry.  And avoid the sun!

6)  THE ITCH.  At about the 2nd week, your tattoo will begin to itch...sometimes profusely.  DON'T SCRATCH IT!  You have to avoid the urge.  I've done a number of tricks to remedy this...and the best technique was a slap to the affected area.  Yes, slap it!  I've also used Aloe, which is a natural anesthetic, that works pretty well.  Antihistamine creams, like Benadryl, work but can dry your skin out...so try to avoid them. 

7)  Sun is not cool.  The sun can cause a nasty skin reaction with a new tattoo and is the #1 cause of "tattoo fading".   Avoid the sun at all costs!  Not just during the healing process, but for the rest of your life.  This is particularly hard for an avid surfer, like myself.  But, I've managed to keep my tattoos looking vibrant and maintain my surfer lifestyle.  The best protection is clothing.  Next line of defense, sunscreen with mad high UV protection.  If you surf, use a rash guard or a wetsuit.  Just keep your ink out of the sun! 

8)  Your skin will flake and scab.  Don't peel it!  Don't pick it!  This is all part of the healing process.  The flaking will stop after about 2 weeks.  Some areas may scab up because the artist may have went a bit deeper with the gun...don't sweat it...this will heal in time...just put some more lotion on it to help the healing process.  Avoid the sun and don't pick it!

9)  Your tattoo is healed.  Sometimes it may need "touching up".  Generally, you'll have to schedule another appointment with your artist to touch up certain areas.  This is all part of tattooing...be sure to leave a tip for his or her time.  Your tattoo is still going through the healing process even though it looks totally healed.  It may take several weeks to months before the colors come out to there full potential.  Be patient.  Email me if you have any questions!  Peace.  Aloha.  Shakas.

10)  Shot out to all the studios that helped contribute to my "body of work."  New York Adorned, Daredevil Tattoo, Triple X, Westside Ink, Rising Dragon, Sacred Tattoo, 1228 Tattoo, Fun City Tattoo.  You guys rule to the max! 

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