The artist that did your tattoo will have something very definite to say about the care of your new tattoo, and it is probably a good idea to listen to him/her. Many shops will have an information sheet listing care instructions. The information provided in this section may or may not be the same method your artist offers.

Generally, tattoos heal in about 2-3 weeks after the procedure, during this time, the tattoo should be kept clean, dry, and out of direct sunlight. Many artists recommend the light use of moisturizing lotion on the tattooed area during the healing process. Individual artists may also recommend the use of a topical antibiotic ointment during the first few days of healing.

Care will vary depending on the exact procedure but for a general guide please refer to our aftercare page here.

A new tattoo is an injury to your skin. It's a lot like a scrape. Typically, when the artist finishes, he or she will cover the new tattoo with some sort of bandage. In the old days, this might have been gauze, but now we have non-stick bandages that are much better. Some will use clear plastic sheet, such as Saran Wrap (TM). This is all right, and has the advantage that you can look at your new tattoo without having to lift the bandage.

After a couple days of stubble and bristly skin, the urge to shave can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, at this point, shaving is about as brutal on your tattoo as a weedwacker. The wound is still fresh, and especially if you have any scabbing or raised areas, you run the risk of damaging your artwork by running a razor across it. Chemical hair removers are just as bad if not worse - you never want to put anything like that on a fresh tattoo. Of course, you can shave the area around the tattoo.

You should wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day with a liquid antimicrobial soap such as Provon (availoable at Artifex). Perfume and dye-free antibacterial soap may be used, but tends to be drying to the skin. After a few days (or when your skin begins to look dry or starts peeling), apply a gentle hand lotion such as Curel, Cetaphil, Merry Hempsters Vegan Lotion, Moisturel or St. Ives Collagen and Elastin Lotion as often as needed.

Once it is healed, there is very little that will screw up a tattoo. The one exception is prolonged exposure to sunlight. (the other is scarring, but that is patently obvious). Well, unfortunately it is. The newer inks are better at resisting fading but whatever you do, if you spend lots of time in bright sunlight your tats will fade (over a lifetime, not over a week). Best to try and keep them out of bright sunlight.