IMPORTANT PSA: Tattoo aftercare
I cannot tell you how many people I have had ask me if my tattoo is fake, painted on, a sticker, or some other ridiculous concept they came up with.
My tattoo is a year old and still looks the exact same as when I first got it done, why you might ask is that?
My tattoo artist gave me important advice, “The way that you take care of your tattoo in the first three weeks that you have it will determine how it looks for the rest of your life.”
So I followed the instructions. As well as you should too.
Rule number 1. NEVER put anything OIL based on your tattoo, it will DRAIN the colors right out. As well as, NEVER put SCENTED lotion on your tattoo.
2. ALWAYS keep it covered for the full TWO HOURS after the tattoo artist does it and covers it, this allows time for it to bleed safely and not smear or bleed colors.
3. If you can at all possible, USE AQUAPHOR for ONLY THREE DAYS twice a day, after that three day period I HIGHLY recommend switching to CUREL lotion. (I still use it on mine when it gets dry)
4. Do not keep it submerged in water for three weeks, this means SHOWERS, NOT baths! soaking in hot water causes your pores to open up which causes you to lose color.
This was the (VERY) simple guide that I used and I stick by, and as you can see, my tattoo has not drained in color at ALL. Tattoos DO lighten up over time but they should never look drained or washed out. I know it has only been a year for mine, but he told me some of his tattoos were from when he was in college, and they were still MUCH more vibrant than the normal tattoos I see around.
AFTERCARE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING AFTER GETTING YOUR TATTOO. I hope my little guide helped and if you have any questions feel free to ask!