10. You can’t close your pores with cold water. Another myth that’s somehow still popular among certain tattoo artists. Now, it’s true hot water will loosen up all the grime your pores, however the key word here is loosen, not open. The same is true for cold water, it won’t close them.

11. Your tattoo artist isn’t always right about after care. When it comes to sanitation and infection prevention, it’s their job to know how to use things like an Autoclave and Statim, plus read a spores test, etc. However, there are no set regulations for proper after care. Each tattoo artists follows their own belief and opinions. As much as I hate to say it, some continually go off old wives tales and myths that have been proven wrong over and over again.

If your tattoo artist told you that jumping off a bridge would healer your tattoo faster would you do it? Obviously not. However, it’s the smaller things that seem alright to us at first, but in reality can be more harmful in the long run. Remember, evaluate your options first, be smart, do your research!

12. Don’t re-apply your bandage after removing it. The main goal of the bandage is to not only protect, but also collect the oozing plasma, blood and gunk after getting tattooed. After washing for the time first, you won’t need to re-apply your bandage.

13. Most, if not all tattoos will end up lightening up once they are fully healed. Don’t worry, relax this is completely normal. Remember, you have this huge flesh wound on your skin, within time new layers of the skin are going to grow back over it.

14. Always apply sunscreen after you’re fully healed. Aim for SPF 50 or higher, or make life easier and look for the sunscreens that are specifically made for tattoos. The sun over time, will end up fading both color and black ink in your new tattoo. If you’ve ever seen a couch that has sat in front of the window for years, you’ll know exactly what I mean.