Welcome to Tattoo

The Tattoo Aftercare Page

Welcome to our site where we have collected recent news and resources for Tattoo Aftercare.

Latest Tattoo Aftercare News

Tattoos: Understand risks and precautions - MayoClinic.com

You could be the proud owner of a new tattoo in a matter of hours — but don't let the ease of getting tattoos stop you from making a thoughtful decision about permanent body art. If you first take steps to protect yourself from possible risks, what ...

Open Question: new tattoo? aftercare?

i got my third tattoo but my other 2 were on my wrist and my lower arm, so i could still wear my 6th form uniform without getting in to trouble, i just rolled up my sleeves so the cardy didnt rub, but my new ones on my upper arm and i have to wear a jumper or cardy for 6th form..i have it on monday which is 2 days after i got it, so will long sleeves be ok or will they irritate it? cos if they are going to ruin or make it sore i will just not wear my cardy and hide :') please let me know ALSO the skin under the tattoo is a bit swollen and looks like its gonna be a massive bruise, is that ok as none of my others did this, but they were small and this one took over and hour to do! just wanna check its all ok :D more

Open Question: Aftercare for a tattoo, told two different things.?

I got my first two tattoo's done at a local shop. For aftercare, I was told to put a cream with bacatracin (I probably horribly misspelled that)... such as neosporin or A&D, and then after like 3 days, switch to a simple non scented lotion evey 4-5 hours. I recently got another tattoo, at a different shop, and the guy mentioned nothing about the bacatracin, and simply said that I should put unscented lotion on it. Should I put something like A&D or neosporin on the tattoo? Or just lotion, and nothing else. I mean, It's been a week now and I only used lotion and it looks like its almost finished peeling, and it didn't peel very much. So for future reference, should I just use simply lotion? more

Resolved Question: iJust Got A Tattoo On My inner Wrist On 3/18/10?

well i have a couple of questions? i just got a tattoo on my inner wrist that says "loyalty" & i bought the a&d aftercare what should this next weeks so it would heal good? a little help please more

Open Question: Healing ankle tattoo and 8 hours in boots?

So Wednesday I got a new tattoo going from ankle to ankle, and today I had off of work so I just wore low cut socks with sneakers while I was out. I work on cars, and working in a garage means you need to wear boots. I have six healed tattoos so I'm no noob when it comes to tattoo aftercare, but this one is tricky and I'm not sure exactly what to do. I've been thinking the best way would be to put a gauze pad around it and then wear high enough socks that the pad is covered, and then half way through the day change pads and moisturize. I just can't see socks alone cutting it with a 2 day old tattoo while being on my feet walking around all day.No offense Richard but that's pretty much exactly what not to do. Neosporin will draw the ink out of the skin, and tattoos shouldn't be rebandaged in a way that doesn't let them breathe, which is why I'm hoping gauze will allow that. Thanks anyway for the suggestions.Thanks Bree, Jessica, and Al, yea that's pretty much the only way I see this working well. I figure the gauze should cushion it enough and not have it stick like just a sock, and I'm definitely staying boot and sock free the second 5pm rolls around lol. I'll probably even throw sneakers and low cut socks in the car so I don't have to spend a minute more then I have to like that. I just really hope I don't fuck up my new ink, I like it alot =( more

Voting Question: tattoo on top of feet and around the ankle advise please?

i want a tattoo of birds of paradise flower on the top side of my foot then the hibiscus flower round my ankle all one tattoo not sure how to pull it all together. also its my first tattoo so just wanting any advise please about tattoo to the feet/ankle aftercare healing ETC. any advise i'm a little scared so anyones first hand experiance would help thank you more

Resolved Question: Aftercare of a tattoo...?

So I just got my 9th tattoo last week. All of my artist's I've ever had has given me different advice. I also find on the internet there are a lot of different opinions and way to care for your tattoo when it's healing. So I want to know what worked best for you. For all 9 of my tats except one I've always used polysporin. The one I didn't I used Tattoo Goo only because they gave me a free little jar when I got it done. But now people are saying polysporion is bad for tats because it sucks the color out of them. Yes, a few of my tats have lost color but I believe that was due to the artist not the polysporin. I have 2 solid black tattoos I got done that I used only polysporin on and they still look great now. I am concerned because this new solid black one I just got is quite large and was quite painful so I want to do the best I can for it because I have no urge to go back for touchups. Some people say use A&D, and some say A&D will suck the color out too. I find a lot of people are now saying after the 3rd day just use unscented moisturising cream. What do you guys think? What did you use on ur tats and how'd they turn out? more

Resolved Question: Tattoo aftercare help please?

Hi, I recently got a tattoo and wanted to ask some stuff about caring for it. I know I should avoid baths and swimming for a while, and that if it scabs I shouldn't touch it. But i also heard that its normal for the 'top layer' of ink to come off? If so, then can I put water on it to clean the ink flaking or will that involve a loss of colour? I also wanted to know the best ways to retain the colour in a tattoo... thanks. =)EDIT: Another thing, would it be good if I used Aloe Vera or Sunscreen instead of the cream? more

Resolved Question: Information about hip piercing?

Hello! :) I have a tattoo on my right hip. I was hoping to maybe get a hip piercing on my left hip, I find that they are very sexy! Here are my questions... How long does the piercing take to heal? Any aftercare tips I should know? When can you change the piercing? When can you swim/bathe with the piercing? Rejection rate? Thanks. :) more

Resolved Question: tattoo peeling too fast?

i got a 2.5hr tattoo on my shoulder march 4th ending at around 330~pm. it's now march 10th at around 1am, so it's been only six days since my tattoo. i have been incredibly careful taking care of it, following the artist's aftercare instructions, and NOT picking or scratching, only wearing strapless bras and not sleeping on it. and my concern is that it looks like it's almost done peeling already! i thought it would take two weeks or so, but the skin underneath has a "waxy" look to it. is it going to go for round two of peeling or once this is done in a few days, is that it? i've heard so many people say that theirs peeled for weeks! mine's still crazy itchy and i imagine it will keep peeling little bits for a couple more days, but .. i wonder if there's something abnormal about this :( thanks in advance. more

Resolved Question: Aloe vera gel on tattoos instead of lotion?

I got a tattoo about a week ago. I have been following the aftercare given to me by the artist. She said to use A&D ointment for the first 2 days and then switch to any type of lotion on the market. I thought it was weird that she said to use any type of lotion because I have heard that it should be unscented and undyed but I just used anything because that is what she said to do. So then I decided that the lotions were irritating my skin and so today I put some 100% pure aloe vera gel on the tattoo instead of lotion because I thought that it would do the same thing but it wouldn't irritate my skin. I'm just confused though because some sites say aloe vera is good for the tattoo but other sites say never to use aloe. Does anyone know more info about this? I'm allergic to lots of things so I thought the aloe would be a good natural thing for me to put on it instead of lotion. I don't currently have any undyed or unscented lotions or I would just try those. So is it okay to use the aloe or should I avoid aloe? Can someone help? more

Resolved Question: What is a Lotion Brand that is Safe for Tattoo Aftercare?

I know that it has to fragrance and petroleum free, but I want to know a specific brand of lotion. I know how to apply it and when to apply it, so I don't need instructions, just the brand of the lotion. more

Resolved Question: Can someone please give me information on this?

I have a few questions about piercings. 1 I want to get an industrial piercing this summer when I go to Wildwood, NJ, now how much do you think this will cost? 2 I have 6 piercings in my right ear and 4 in my left, I want my industrial to be in my right ear because that is my more dominate side.. The 6 piercings I have in that ear are the 4 ear lobe piercings and 2 cartilage piercings, could I get the industrial in my right ear? 3 How is the pain? I don't think it will be that bad, I mean I did my cartliage and it didn't hurt that bad. I just want a second opioion. 4. Could you provide me with anyother information you know? like Aftercare, good places to go in Wildwood NJ.. I had the Oxegeon Tattoo place on the board walk in mind. Thanks in advanced! more

Resolved Question: Is it bad to go in a sauna with a new tattoo?

I'm hoping to get my next tattoo soon (paw prints on my ribs for my dog who is near the end of her life, my only pet, love her more than life) I know most of the aftercare instructions because of my last small tattoo but recently my friends and I have been going in the sauna at their house and I was wondering if I can still do this with a new tattoo or how long i'd have to wait before i did use a sauna? more

Resolved Question: Foot tattoo - pain, aftercare and healing time?

I am getting a foot tattoo - 3 large stars and 6 smaller ones, and some little dots around it. I wanted to know how bad is the pain, what is the best way to look after it (ointments etc) and how long will it take to heal? I can wear dolly shoes for the whole healing time :) I have my nose, belly button and conch pierced too, I am aware it's going to be a lot more painful! It's going to be my first tattoo and I'm a 17 year old female. Thanks :) more

Resolved Question: What would happen if I didnt moisturize a tattoo?

I put the A&D lotion on it for the first two days like the aftercare instructions said. It said after that to have it heal on its own and keep it out of the ocean, pool, etc. However, I keep hearing it has to be moisturized? Will it heal normally if I dont? It is in its peel phase now (3 days after I got it). more

Resolved Question: Is this okay? or will it ruin my tattoo?

Okay i just got a tattoo this afternoon. I was given the aftercare sheet and speech and everything. But they said i may want to cover it up for the night so it doesnt ooze ink and plasma all over my bed. For now i have it covered in ointment and wrapped in non-stick gauze. Is that safe for the tattoo? more

Resolved Question: Is my cartilage piercing healed?

I got my ear cartilage pierced 17 days ago. The first two days it did the normal bleeding and crusting, but has been blood and matter free since then and never hurts except for the occasional pressure when I touch it or sleep on it. My aftercare sheet that the tattoo shop gave me said cartilage piercings take 3-6 months to heal, but it also says one way to tell if a piercing is healed is if it doesn't crust or secrete matter anymore and to continue cleaning it three weeks after it stops crusting and such. So my question is...at this point is it best to give it just 3 more weeks and then change the earring OR to wait out the 3 full months just to be safe? Thanks! more

Resolved Question: I bought the H2Ocean aftercare 3 piece set, does it work well?

Recently had a tattoo expo in town and bought the 3 piece set of H2Ocean aftercare products for this tattoo I'm getting Monday (a birthday gift to myself). It includes a foam soap, tattoo cream 'ocean care', and tattoo aftercare 'ocean foam'. Heard good things about it and the sales guy said it can heal a tattoo in 5 days. Opinions or experience with this? I used Aquaphor on my first tattoo and it caused horrid bumps so I'm trying new lotions. Curel as a moisturizer did wonders, but I doubt I can use it from start to end healing... more

Resolved Question: Can my tattoo be completly healed only after 1 week?

I got my outline and shading of my tattoo on 2/20/2010. It is a big piece on my rib cage that took 7 hours. My tattoo had little flaking, no scabbing or peeling, as if it would be a sunburn. Today my tattoo looks completely healed and a part of my skin. There are no raised spots and looks perfect. Is this possible that is completely healed in this short of time, or do you think I will peel? I have been following my aftercare sheet to a T. The tattoo no longer hurts when it is touched. What do you think? I go in for the color on Saturday or Sunday.My official appointment is scheduled for color on 3/6, but my artist said if I feel like I am heeled well enough by this Saturday or Sunday to give him a call. more

Resolved Question: Back of neck tattoo aftercare?

Let me preface this question by saying that I am getting a tattoo, do not tell me not to do it because I am going to anyways, now I plan to get a tattoo on the back of my neck(still undecided on what to get) but when i google tattoo aftercare there are a lot of conflicting answers about what I should do to care for it afterwards. I'm wanting to know anything you know about the process and aftercare ie; can i get it wet, use soap or lotions, how long the healing takes , things like that Thanks a lot for any helpto dead in hollywood- i said i was undecided on what to get(i have ideas with meanings but am unsure of what to choose), not that i was going to go get some meaningless permanent mark on my body to seem cool. and even if i was that would be my choice, dont jump to conclusions or judge others when you dont know the whole storyto john- you did exactly what i asked people not to, i am well aware of everything you said more

Resolved Question: Can I use a face moisturizer on my tattoo as an aftercare lotion?

I just got my tattoo on Friday, Feb. 23rd. Is it safe to use a face moisturizer on my tattoo as an aftercare lotion? It's oil-free, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free. There isn't any artificial coloring or anything. It also has SPF 15 which I'm not sure if thats good for a tattoo... I was just curious because I don't have the time to go to the store and buy lotion. Thanks! more

Resolved Question: question about Tattoo aftercare?

so I got my tattoo 5 days ago and my tattoo artist told me to use vaseline to keep it moist 24/7, now im wondering how long should i keep on using it? i cant ask him though coz hes out of town right now thanks in advance more

Voting Question: New Tattoo Aftercare Question?

Hey, Ive just recently got a tattoo and it is begin to get very small scabs in certain parts and i realise that it might all scab over but i was just wondering if i should keep applying my bepanthen cream or not apply any cream at all during this stage as i realise if you knock the scabs it can knock the ink off. The bepanthen cream i am using at the minute is quite thick, so should i keep applying it or switch to a gel bepanthen which is thin (however im not sure if it is petroleum or alcohol based with it being a gel) or not apply anything at all? more

Voting Question: Tattoo aftercare question?

I got my tat a few days ago, and I bought this moisturizer for it....do I clean it EVERY time I apply moisturizer? more

Resolved Question: New Tattoo Aftercare Questions?

Hi, Ive recently got a brand new tattoo this afternoon, and now at bed time ive got a couple of questions regarding aftercare that wern't included on the aftercare sheet i was given by my tattoist, they are: - Should the tattoo still be bleeding and leaking plasma/lymphs a good few hours after? - The Tattoo is on my shoulder so i have some difficulty reaching it when applying my bepanthen cream, i noticed that it began to leak a little (not sure if it was blood or lymphs and ink or both), is this normal? - The Tattoo looks weirdly dark and slightly light in parts almost scaley, it isnt noticeable until i looked close up however i wasnt sure if this was normal as its the skin healing or not but its only been a few hours (about 11-12) Also if anyone else could suggest some other things that i might experience or see with the tattoo over the next few days/weeks i would be appreciative. Thamks very much. more

Resolved Question: 2 tattoo questions.. 10 points best answer!!?

I got a foot tattoo last Saturday (6 days ago), and it's in black ink (it's a word). Okay, my question is is I know that tanning or a lot of exposure to the sun is very dangerous during the healing process, but when can I go tanning again? All the tattoo people told me was the cleaning instructions, aftercare, not to go tanning, and not to wear socks for a while. So, when exactly can I go tanning? Also, I heard that tanning will bring out your tattoo (if it's just black ink), but not a LOT of tanning. So, should I cover it with a towel when I go, apply sunblock, or nothing? Also, I was told not to wear socks unless absolutely necessary and to have my tattoo exposed at all times necessary (bc just the skin and oxygen will speed the process up), and I have. It itches a lot because it's healing and I'm following all the aftercare instructions, and it LOOKS healed, but I know it's not fully healed yet. So, WHEN can I wear socks again? more

Resolved Question: Is my tattoo healed yet?

I got my first tattoo on Monday afternoon. It's a small 10p sized heart outline on my hip. I'm just wondering of it is healed or not. I've followed the aftercare instructions fully. However, I have not had any scabbing, but am not sure if this is just because it is only a small outline. It is no longer red and the ink has stopped coming off on a dressing (if i cover it). I am still keeping it moisturised with Bepanthen but want to know if it is now ok (3 days later) to not have it covered up (the top of my jeans partially cover it so i was worried about them rubbing it). All appears fine, i'm just not sure as there has been no scab yet!So I guess what i'm actually asking is, is it ok to now treat it like normal (still putting some bepanthem on to moisturise) without being worried that trousers will ruin it? more

Resolved Question: Can I get help with my tattoo aftercare?

I got my first tattoo two days ago and the guy told me to use vitamin A and D ointment 3 times a day for a bout 2 weeks, That's it. I was wondering if there is any other way to help heal the tattoo faster? If i get head and shoulders on it, will that mess the tattoo up? or should I just keep using the ointment 3 times a day until the tattoo heals? Thank you more

Resolved Question: tattoo artists, what is your policy on aftercare instructions?

i am in the tattoo section of yahoo a lot because i happen to like tattoos, and while i know that i am no expert on the situation, i do know a fair amount about tattoos, so i like to help people out. but i notice a slightly alarming trend. there are LOOOOOTSSS of questions about aftercare (should i use this lotion? im putting it on this often. oh my god there are bumps! my tattoo is peeling off what should i do??? etc) so it got me thinking. i have six tattoos, ive dealt with three different artists to get them. the first one i got she explained in great detail what to do to take care of it, even had the aftercare instructions printed on the back of her business cards. second artist didnt talk much during the actual giving of the tattoo, and even though he was in a hurry, he broke it down for me, and gave me what i believe were very thorough instructions. third artist who now does all my tattoos, says to me after each one "i know you know how to do this already, but blah blah blah" then he gives me at least the crash course in tattoo aftercare, and i have heard him and the other artists in the shop give complete instructions to people who get their first tattoos there. so in my experiences, 100% of the time after i get a tattoo, even though they know i have others, i STILL get aftercare instructions. basically im curious then, why there are so many aftercare questions? am i just lucky and got awesome artists who know the drill and tell everybody? or are customers not paying as much attention as they should? more

Voting Question: Tattoo after care question~?

Heya, So I got my tattoo yesterday, and on my aftercare sheet, it told me to use savlon after twenty-four hours~ But when I went to get some, there were two kinds: - Savlon healing cream & Savlon antiseptic cream. I went for the Savlon anti-septic cream so my tattoo would heal in its own time cleanly, does anyone know if I picked the right one? more

Voting Question: can your tattoo look better when it is touched up with good ink?

I got some tattoos that are alrigh tattoos. the look good. the artist though did not use the best ink money can buy. if I get my tatoos touched up and use skin candy ink and good aftercare products with the same artist will the look of the tattoos be better and last longer. more

Resolved Question: Tattoo Aftercare........?

Can somebody give me some details about tattoo after care? I've heard so many contradictions. This is my first tattoo so I'm not sure what to expect, the tattoo artist did mention some aftercare stuff but I was kinda shocked I'd just got a tattoo, I was so nervous and I wasn't really listening. My bad. Also how long does it take to heal? more

Resolved Question: My skin rejects ink on my fresh tattoos?

I have 3 fairly large tattoos, and with each one, the ink seeps out and fades rapidly. I used A&D and did everything my artist said, but the ink just wont stick very well. I know that it's suppose to seep a little the next day, but not like this. What are some better products out there? I just got one touched up, but yet again, I'm having this problem. I know how to take care of them, and I know what not to use.(So please spare me the step by step aftercare) Another problem is, I can't find any place that has tattoo goo around here. I'm new to Austin, tx anyone know where to get some tattoo goo?( I hate buying things online, but if need be, I will.) Or a better product other than A&D that wont take the ink out? Or what other people have done with my same problem... let me know, please. I love my art and want them to stay fresh looking until I'm old and wrinkly. more

Resolved Question: tattoo aftercare, need help please............................................................................?

I just got my first tattoo and im not sure what to do, the artist just told me to take the wrap thiing off after 2 hrs, after that what do i do? shower? use soap on the tatto area? use lotion? will any kind of regular lotion be ok? kinda confused more

Resolved Question: How long to keep it covered?

I did get aftercare instructions from my artist and I understand that the obvious answer is "listen to your artist" and I am. I am just curious as to how long other tattooed folk keep their dressing on their new tattoo? My artist has told me to keep it covered with a dressing for 72 hours....which seems excessive to me. Its only practical for me to keep it on for 48 due to work committments. Only constructive comments please :o) more

Resolved Question: Have I done something wrong? Is my navel piercing infected? When can I change my ring?

Okay. For my fifteenth birthday a few weeks ago, my mom took me to get my navel pierced. The Mystic Tattoo shop we went to was very clean and my mother read through everything in the consent form she had to sign. So while I was in the chair, my piercer showed us how everything was brand new, still in the packages. I picked out a blue ring, and he did it. It didn't hurt, a shot hurts worse, in fact. So for the past four days, it has been normal looking and painless, except if I accidentally hit it or something. So I'm wondering why it's getting red around the top jewel and itchy as heck now. Its bugging me so bad, I have to force myself not to think of the itching. And I know that's a sign of healing, but I'm worried, especially about the redness. I've been cleaning it once everyday with the H2Ocean foam soap we bought at the shop, and spraying with the H2Ocean aftercare spray once when I wake up, once before I go to sleep, and several times (3-5) during the day. I try not to touch it, but it's hard not to. Whenever I do, I wash my hands before & after. So...Does it look infected? Healing? Is this normal? http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad69/DeadlyKissesXOXO/005.jpg http://i922.photobucket.com/albums/ad69/DeadlyKissesXOXO/007.jpg Also, if it's not asking too much...how many weeks or months would you recommend I wait before changing my ring? I realize bellybutton peircings take 6 months to a year to heal completely, but...a guesstimate of when I can change it would be greatly appreciated. So will any and all feedback. =) Thanks. more

Resolved Question: im getting a tattoo down the center of my back.....?

im getting a tattoo down my spine... and i have other tattoos but i have a few questions for people who have similar tats... I hate taking my shirt off in public... so would it be okay if i just took off my shirt and put my zipper down hoodie on backwards? (so it would be open in the back?) also what should i expect for the aftercare? like i know the basics because of my previous tattoo but im guessing since its going to be large and on my back its going to be a bigger responsibility.... thanks in advance :Dand its NOT a tramp stamp... its going down my WHOLE back from the top on my neck and down. and besides... its MY body and i do want I want. more

Resolved Question: Tattoo Aftercare help!?

I got a tattoo on my wrist yesterday and today its really pink around the lettering, and its cracking and peeling pretty bad also my tattoo artist told me to use tattoo goo and when i put it on the skin that's peeling gets moved and i worrying about damaging, another thing is it feels like an open cut (yes i know a tattoo is cutting the skin open) is this all normal i have had a tattoo before but it was on the back of my neck so i didn't really see the healing can someone help thanks so much! more

Resolved Question: Is it normal to break out on your tattoo?

I just got my first tattoo about two weeks ago. I followed the aftercare instructions to the T. now I am noticing that I am starting to break out on and around my tattoo. I was my tattoo twice a day and apply lotion at least four times a day. every time I apply lotion I even wash my hands. I notice that one pimp even messed up an outlining part of my tattoo. should I stop putting on lotion on my tattoo? for those of you who think I should switch brand, I already did so and the problem continues more

Voting Question: tattoo healing- is this normal?

ok so i recently got a tattoo, just a day ago, and when i put the ointment on then lightly press a paper towel for a sec to it to get off excess ointment, like the aftercare instructions say, there is a black imprint of my tattoo on the paper towel when i pull it back off, is this normal? or is it like "leaking" or whats going on?okay thank you!yes i got it done at the absolute best place in town more

Resolved Question: I just got my new tattoo Friday and today is Wednesday?

I got my first tattoo friday and today is Monday.the tattoo artist didn't give me any aftercare instructions.I used a+d ointment on it for the first four days and switched to lubriderm unscented lotion the scab is steel there and Ive been avoiding getting it wet in the shower. I'm just wondering if I'm taking all the nesscery steps so that my tattoo could heal correctly. more

Voting Question: Is it normal for my tattoo to be flaking the color of the ink?

I got my tattoo on Saturday and it is now Tuesday. I kept the tattoo taken care of just like the aftercare sheet said to but now whenever I wash my tattoo I notice little flecks of black on my hand. In one small area it looks like the ink completely came off. Is it normal for this to happen? Should I be worried or should I just wait for it to heal and get it touched up. This is my first tattoo and I am concerned. more

Resolved Question: Is getting a foot tattoo in winter a bad idea because of after care?

I am planning on getting a long awaited tattoo on my foot-ankle on Wednesday and I am leaving for Vegas fri. Will it be an issue walking... And wearing shoes? Or any other special aftercare? It'd winter so I will definately be wearing boots more

Resolved Question: HELP! I GOT A FINGER TATTOO! WHATS THE AFTERCARE PROCEDURE?

soo i got a new finger tattoo.. and iv never got a finger tattoo... http://s211.photobucket.com/albums/bb312/surfinboy360/?action=view&current=0123001505.jpg&newest=1 i have 2 concerns.. 1st.. since its on my hand.. im afraid since i wash my hands regualarly that it will peel off... what are the steps i should take to keep my finger tattoo clean? 2nd... should i keep a waterproof bandaid on it? I WANT IT TOO STAY LOOKING AMAZING FOR A LONG TIME.. I ALREADY GOT LUBRIDERM FOR IT! AND PUT IT ON 4/6 TIMES A DAY... ANY ADVICE?! more

Resolved Question: HAND/FINGER TATTOO AFTERCARE! HELP! how do i clean it?!?

Resolved Question: Tattoos don't seem to work on me?

I've had three tattoos so far and only one of them has 'worked.' My first tattoo (chest) went fine and looks great but my other two didn't go well at all. My second (knuckles - which has been sorted out and looks fine now) and third tattoo (wrist - has been worked on three times and it still terrible) both looked awful - The problem is they're all patchy. When the scabs fell of there was no ink in some places and it was really faded in other places. I don't know if it's me or the tattooist, but my second and third tattoos were by two different people. I followed their aftercare instructions - soak in hot water about an hour after the tattoo is done, apply bepanthen once a day until fully healed! Can anyone help me that knows about tattoos? I plan to get A lot of tattoos but if this keeps happening I don't think I could have the patience.Can't go back to the tattooist that did my chest tattoo as he charges for touch ups, even on tattoos he has messed up. Also his store is closing down due to something drug-related. more

Resolved Question: tattoo aftercare pleaseeee HELP!?

i had my tattoo dont yesterday, iv bought bepanthon cream that they told me to get, they wrapped it in cling film, i got home and changed the cling film and applied the cream after about 5 hours after tattoo, and then once b4 i went to bed, i left the cling film on for work, as i work with kids and didnt want to infect it with all the germs etc... what i want to no is, is it better to keep it moist and have as little scabbing as possible....or do i want it to scab... also how many days do i keep cling film on for? any more tips please tell.... also my tattoo is on my hip/belly if this helps x more

Voting Question: Tattoo removal aftercare..?

Sorry, I had a large amount of laser removal done on my chest and back (I go back in 1 month for my arms), so every month I will be having a different area of my body lasered. It's a great clinic with both ND:YAG & Alexandrite lasers in Toronto. But I'm a little confused about the aftercare - as I was told by the clinic "leave on bandage for 3 days, only remove and replace if necessary, do not clean area with soap or apply ointment" This sounds a little unsafe - and I heard that aftercare is just as important as the laser itself in the removal process.. while another person told me.. 1) wash once per 24 hours 2) after cleansing, apply hydrogen peroxide to area 3) pat excess hydrogen peroxide with towel, and apply ointment (polysporin, etc.) 4) re-cover with gauze So I'm a little confused at what I should do - I mean I trust the clinic, but they're the only clinic I know who have said not to clean the burned area, and not to apply ointment. And this other persons hydrogen peroxide recommendation sounds unsafe (doesn't it bleach skin?) Any recommendations or guides I should follow? more

Resolved Question: Tattoo care after 7 months?

I've had my tattoo on my wrist for 7 months now. When I had it done I used Bepanthen as an aftercare product. Im now wondering what I can use now to keep the colour (black) etc. Whats ideal, Im tempted to get some Tattoo Goo. Help! Thanks more

Voting Question: Just had my second tattoo done and am not sure about aftercare?

I had my first tattoo done two years ago and i honestly can't remember much about the aftercare. I've had bepanthan nappy cream recommended but my question is; should i leave the cling film on? put the cream on? or put the cream on and then recover with cling film? more