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I just recently got a tattoo and my artist told me what he always does: Wait about an hour or longer to take the bandage off, wash it with the OG Dial anti-bacterial and warm water, and put just a small amount of Aquaphor. My neighbor, who is convinced that they are the “queen of ink”, said my artist was wrong and the correct way was to keep the bandage on for 8 to 10 hours, use warm water and no soap and use neosporin. Now, I’m not a complete idiot but wouldn’t the tattoo fester if the bandage is on for that long? And I also have heard several times that neosporin fades the ink I suppose the question is what is the correct system for post-ink care?
I’ve heard so many ways. My artist said wait an hour or so and uncover it. Wash it gently with warm water & unscented soap. They gave me ink fixx to use on it for 5-7 days, then said to buy an unscented lotion. And apply a small amount 2-4 times a day. That’s just what the artist at the shop i went to said to do.
If that’s what your artist has said to do, then that’s what I would do, not what your know-it-all neighbor says.
There is many different ways that different artists will state for aftercare. However, If you follow your artist instructions, you can’t be accused of him/her for not doing proper aftercare. With me, I leave bandage on for 1-2 hrs. Then wash and add A&D ointment for the first 24 hours. Then I switch to aquaphor. I was the ink 2-3 times a day with Antibacterial Soap, and Pat it dry with a towel. Then, I let it air dry for 30-45 minutes before I put any ointment on it. That is the process that I prefer, and my tattoo artist first turned me onto. There are other processes. S.Niel has a link to his parlor site and has good aftercare instructions on there. You may want to give that a read.
http://www.newcovenantinktattoo.net
I don’t personally like the idea of Neosporin, as it helps your body fight infection. (Your body treats the ink/pigment as an infection.) Therefore, it would help your body fight the ink/pigment. In my opinion.
Sherav also has a nice Blog on Tattoo Aftercare here.
I’ve heard Neosporin is too strong an antibiotic to be used for general tattoo care, and should only really be used in the case of infection. But, like already said, each to their own, different people heal different ways.
Also, 8-10 hours seems too long a time to keep the tattoo bandaged, that creates the warm, dark, moist place that bacteria love.
Thanks for the bump peeps!
I also noticed a typo I need to fix 😮
I am currently testing a variety of products with my backpiece and will be adding to my fater care with the pro’s and cons I found with each one.
As it is I am itching to death!
The main issue with polysporin is it is high zinc nitrate amongst other things that can cause red lumps in some ppl.
All antiseptics can lift ink if used too much but polysporin is incredibly strong and should only be used lightly until the scab forms or the tattoo seals up.
I would only recommend 8-10 hours of a wrap if you are bleeding heavily if the bleeding has ceased let the air get to the tattoo and wash it carefully.
You will find everybody is different in their healing so may need to experiment with what is right for you.
Take Care
Matthew
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