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RISING WOMEN EXPERT
ADVICE...
I have taken the leap and just got my first tattoo. Now the question is, how
do I take care of it to get the best out of it?
Fantastic! You’ve finally got that tattoo you’ve been wanting for years. And
you are thinking on the right track too. Now that you have spent a bunch of
time and money to express yourself in this way, you definitely want to take
the best possible care of it. I can well image that you keep getting
different advice. I believe that our body is divinely designed to heal, so
the less you do to interrupt the natural healing process, the better.
When you first get your tattoo, don’t be tempted to show it off to your
friends right away. Best to leave the bandage on overnight. When you shower
the next day, remove the bandage and wash the tattoo gently but thoroughly
to remove the all of the dressing. Then just let it air out for the first
couple days. It won’t really need any cream yet.
Once the tattoo enters the dry, itchy and flaky stage, apply cream sparingly
two to three times a day. Shower like normal, but do not apply cream after a
shower, you are moist enough! The only reason you use cream is to avoid it
getting overly dry while healing. Cream does not make it heal. Too much
moisture will cause scabbing, scarring and/or colour loss. Avoid sweating
for a week or two for this very reason.
Friction can also cause issues, so make sure nothing rubs on it, especially
clothing or other gear. And, obviously, do not pick or scratch it! It is
also very important that you don’t submersion your tattoo in water for three
weeks or allow exposure to the sun for the same period. After three weeks
always, always, always use sunscreen on it!
Caring for a new tattoo is pretty easy, so don’t worry about it! Just listen
to your body, and ask your artist any and all questions or concerns that may
come up. The best piece of advice I know of is “beware of barstool experts”;
advice from well-meaning but misinformed friends. Talk straight to your
artist with any concerns. Believe me, we want you to heal perfectly too! If
you do need touch-ups, which are pretty rare, please get a hold of your
artist within the first six months. If you wait longer, you may have to pay
extra.
Areola Reconstructive Tattooing will require more specific care, especially
to avoid rubbing on clothing. Your practitioner should be well versed with
tattooing scar tissue and advise according to your unique case.
Last but not least, it’s okay to drink a little after you get tattooed.
After all, you deserve that glass of wine to celebrate this new expression
of you.
Stacie-Rae Weir owns HEART Tattoos & specializes in custom tattooing &
Areola Reconstructive Tattooing. Visit
www.stacie-rae.com
or call her studio at 403.457.4999. |
