Q&A for How to Care for a New Tattoo

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What are tips for caring for my tattoo on the first day of getting it?

Michelle Myles
Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo
Michelle Myles is the Co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo, a tattoo shop located based in New York City's Lower East Side. Michelle has more than 20 years of tattooing experience. She also operates the Daredevil Tattoo Museum, co-owner Brad Fink's personal collection of antique tattoo memorabilia that he has amassed over the last 27 years of tattooing.

Michelle Myles

Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo

Expert Answer

If your tattoo artist uses a clear plastic dressing, you'll typically leave that in place for a few days. However, if your artist uses a taped-on bandage, remove the bandage after a few hours and wash the tattoo, then apply a light coat of a non-greasy ointment. Don't use anything greasy like vitamin E, aloe, or petroleum jelly. If you're in doubt, follow the care sheet your tattoo artist gives you.

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Question

What are recommendations to not irritate the tattoo as it heals?

Michelle Myles
Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo
Michelle Myles is the Co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo, a tattoo shop located based in New York City's Lower East Side. Michelle has more than 20 years of tattooing experience. She also operates the Daredevil Tattoo Museum, co-owner Brad Fink's personal collection of antique tattoo memorabilia that he has amassed over the last 27 years of tattooing.

Michelle Myles

Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo

Expert Answer

Be careful that your clothes don't rub on it, especially if it's in an area that's more flexible, like your wrist or ankle. Not only can that irritate the tattoo, but it can also make the healing process take longer.

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Question

What advice would you give to someone who just got their first tattoo?

Michelle Myles
Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo
Michelle Myles is the Co-owner of Daredevil Tattoo, a tattoo shop located based in New York City's Lower East Side. Michelle has more than 20 years of tattooing experience. She also operates the Daredevil Tattoo Museum, co-owner Brad Fink's personal collection of antique tattoo memorabilia that he has amassed over the last 27 years of tattooing.

Michelle Myles

Tattoo Artist & Co-owner, Daredevil Tattoo

Expert Answer

Take good care of your tattoo while it's healing. Don't pick at it or scratch it, keep it out of the sun, and don't go swimming for the first 10 days or so.

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Question

Do I cover my tattoo on my hand when I go to bed?

Kiara Hamed
Tattoo Artist
Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013.

Kiara Hamed

Tattoo Artist

Expert Answer

No, it's best not to cover the tattoo after the first couple of hours. Once you take off the initial wrap or bandage, don't cover it again.

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Question

Which is the best ointment or cream to use for a new tattoo? Very confused as I'm getting different answers.

Kiara Hamed
Tattoo Artist
Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013.

Kiara Hamed

Tattoo Artist

Expert Answer

Aquaphor is the best you can find at any drugstore. But Tattoo Goo is a really good product sold or provided by a lot of tattoo shops.

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Question

After how many weeks can I swim in the ocean?

Kiara Hamed
Tattoo Artist
Kiara Hamed is a Tattoo Artist based in Dallas, Texas. She has over nine years of tattoo designing experience. She received her Tattoo Artist Certification in 2010 and a BS in Computer Information Systems from Clark University Atlanta in 2013.

Kiara Hamed

Tattoo Artist

Expert Answer

You can swim in the ocean after 2-3 weeks when the tattoo has completely finished peeling.

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