There are a lot of different theories on the best way to let a tattoo heal. Below are some tips that I have found to be successful. The most important thing to remember is to keep the tattoo clean, and let it breathe!!
1) Keep the plastic wrap on for about 4 hours, then take it off and rinse off the tattoo with clean water. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
2) Apply a thin coat of A&D ointment or Bacitracin (do not use Neosporin)–do this a few times a day for about 3-5 days (until it starts peeling and scabbing).
3) Then, apply H2Ocean (or Tattoo Goo) a few times a day after cleaning the tattoo with clean water. You can switch to a lotion (preferably one without fragrance, such as Aquaphor) after the tattoo has pretty much healed.
4) During the healing phase, you will notice scabbing and peeling. Don’t worry, this is completely normal. Lotion will help with the peeling (see #3 above). While healing, a shower is ok, but do not submerge the new piece in water (bathtub, pool, or ocean). And, keep it away from heat and out of the sun for a couple weeks. After it is healed, you should always put sunscreen on it.
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