When Should You Wash Your Tattoo?
The first wash – After usually no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the bandage and wash the tattoo. After thorough hand-washing, a person can gently wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and warm water using their fingers. The moisturizer on the skin will come off, and the tattoo may appear as if it is oozing ink or a thick, sticky substance.
- This reaction is not usually a cause for concern, as it is just the excess fluid and ink from the tattoo process;
- After washing, a person should pat the skin with a clean paper towel and allow it to air-dry for up to an hour;
When the area is completely dry, they can apply a thin layer of moisturizer to the tattoo, but leave it uncovered to allow the skin to breathe.
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How long after getting a tattoo can you wash it?
When should I wash my new tattoo? – The first wash of your new tattoo is essential, you are supposed to wait at least 5 hours, and then you can wash the tattoo if you absolutely need to, but 24 hours is the consensus recommended timeframe. After 5 hours, it becomes safe to remove the tattoo bandage and clean it effectively. 
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How do you clean a tattoo?
Ensuring you undertake great tattoo aftercare is essential if you want a great-looking that will stand the test of time. One of the most important tasks to get right throughout your healing process is cleaning your tattoo correctly and effectively. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean a tattoo carefully and properly to help prevent infection and promote fast and efficient healing throughout the aftercare period.
To clean a tattoo, wash your hands thoroughly before proceeding to wet the area with a mixture of lukewarm water and skin-sensitive antibacterial soap. Rub the tattoo in circular motions using your fingertips before rinsing the soap off and patting the skin dry with a clean paper towel.
Once completely dry, apply a suitable moisturizing lotion to the area.
What should I do after my Tattoo appointment?
What It really means to get your tattoo wet – To clarify from the start, dermatologist Heather Richmond , MD, tells us that there’s a difference between cleaning your tattoo, letting it get a little wet, and completely submerging it in water. Of course, you’ll eventually be able to do all three of these things without worry — but you have to give your tattoo time to heal first.
- Within the first few hours following your tattoo appointment, your artist will likely tell you to remove the bandage they applied at the shop and clean it;
- Doing so will remove any remaining fluid or blood from the area;
Richmond says the amount time that you should wait before this initial cleaning may vary, so just listen to your artist and follow their instructions.
How often should you moisturize a new tattoo?
How often should I moisturize my new tattoo? – Once you get a new tattoo, adequately moisturizing is just as essential as proper cleaning. Knowing how often to moisturize a new tattoo can be the difference between a long term healthy tattoo and one that fades.
- Generally, it is ideal to apply a good quality tattoo cream on the tattooed area once every 6-8 hours, or sooner if it’s seeming overly dry;
- With a brand new tattoo you should aim to apply tattoo cream 2-3 times a day;
Using the moisturizer more frequently than this may create adverse effects on the tattoo. If you’ve over-moisturized your new tattoo, no sweat. Here’s a quick guide on how to fix an over moisturized tattoo ! 
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