If you notice a problem with your healing tattoo, head straight to the tattoo artist where you got the artwork. They can help you change up your aftercare regimen or allay your fears.

If they find a serious problem beyond their scope of advice, your tattoo artist will refer you to a doctor for treatment.

3. Clean the tattoo effectively and regularly

A freshly inked tattoo should be cleaned three times each day in soap and warm water. This should begin immediately after the initial bandage is removed.

The cleaning process -and any other aftercare steps you choose- should last through the entire initial healing and tattoo care timeline.

1. Wash hands thoroughly
2. Apply foam cleanser or soap to newly tattooed area with clean hands and warm water
3. Gently rub cleanser into tattoo and surrounding area
4. Wipe off remaining cleanser with a clean paper towel
5. Pat dry excess (don’t rub)
6. Wait a few minutes before going on to the next step of your aftercare process.

A range of different soaps are good options to use in tattoo aftercare and it’s your choice to use a single product, or combination. Some are specific to tattoos, while others are versatile for everyday use.

4. Choose the wet healing method of aftercare

Of the three main methods of tattoo healing the wet healing method is usually the fastest to work. The others – dry healing and wrap healing – are considered healing tactics that take more time to be effective as they rely purely on tattoo cleaning for added lotion or moisturizer.

There are a wide range of aftercare products that help your skin heal strongly and purport to limit the potential dimming and damage that can sometimes occur after fresh ink settles into your skin.

Aside from the dedicated wet healing aftercare product choices on the market, there are an infinite range of everyday skin care products that can be used in the application of tattoo healing and wound care.