To clean a new tattoo, you should follow these general steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your new tattoo to prevent introducing bacteria.
- Use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap to gently wash the tattooed area with your fingers in a circular motion.
- Rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water, ensuring that all soap, ointment, blood, and lymphatic fluid are removed.
- Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry.
- Apply a thin layer of an appropriate ointment or moisturizer recommended by your tattoo artist.
Its important to avoid soaking the tattoo in water, including swimming, for the first few weeks, and to refrain from using washcloths, loofahs, or towels on the fresh tattoo. Additionally, its recommended to wash the tattooed area twice a day for the first two weeks.
Different tattoo artists may recommend different products, but professional tattoo soaps or gentle, fragrance-free antibacterial soaps are commonly suggested for cleaning new tattoos.
Remember to always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist to ensure proper healing and to minimize the risk of infection.
