Tattoo Aftercare

American Pride Tattoos

Wash and Treat

After you remove the bandage, you will want to wash your tattoo. Use lukewarm water and Tattoo Goo soap. Do not use Dial, as it tends to be too harsh. Gently wash away any ointment, blood, and/or plasma and completely clean the area. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your hand is your best tool in this case.
Then pat (do not rub) the area firmly with a clean towel or paper towel until it gets completely dry.
Follow with a very light application of your choice of After Tatt or Tattoo Goo. Use the Tattoo Goo soap and After Tatt/Tattoo Goo for the first seven to 10 days. Do not use Neosporin, as it is an effective product for cuts and scrapes but not for tattoos. Some can have an allergic reaction to Neosporin, which causes little red bumps. When the bumps go away, so does the ink, and you end up with a polka-dotted tattoo. Continue to keep it clean for the next seven to 10 days and use Tattoo Goo Lotion when needed to keep the skin soft.

Bathing, Showering, Hot Tubs, and Swimming

You can (and should!) shower with a new tattoo. It is ok to get your tattoo wet but not soak it. Submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub can cause serious damage. So avoid doing that for at least two to three weeks. However, showering is perfectly fine, as long as you don't saturate your tattoo. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo, wash it quickly with water. You should avoid swimming in a fresh or saltwater pool for at least two weeks.

Protect Your Tattoo From the Sun

Once your tattoo gets healed, you will always have to protect it from the Sun. UV rays can fade and damage a brilliant tattoo very fast. If your routine involves spending a lot of time in excessive heat, protect your tattoo with a Tattoo Goo’s Color Guard (Sun Block Stick). It will keep your tattoo vibrant for many years and continue to be a source of great pride.

Contact American Pride Tattoos for more information.