From time to time, it is important to revisit the proper tattoo after-care here at the official blog for our Waikiki tattoo parlor, 434 Tattoo. Hawaii Tattoo Artist Andy Burley had quite the story of his own to recount that he heard from a customer and what she was advised to do in taking care of her new tattoos… but we’ll save that for the end.
The Tattooist will normally wrap your new piece with a bandage to protect the fresh wound while it is fresh. S/he will clean it up, wipe it down and wrap it up because it may still be bleeding. You are advised to keep the bandage on for at least an hour, no more than two hours, and after that, never wear or cover the tattoo with another bandage while it is healing.
The next step involves cleaning your tattoo on your own. It is suggested to use Dial, Dove, or even unscented liquid soap. While you can use scented soap, the artificial ingredients can cause irritation, which is why unscented soaps are recommended. Using warm to hot water also can help in making it feel better, particularly for long sessions.
After you wash your piece, pat it dry with a paper towel or clean towel. “Take care of it, baby it.” Tattoo Adam, Owner of our Hawaii Custom Tattoos Shop has often remarked. If you take care of your piece, it will not get infected, will heal properly, and look great after. Once the piece is healed, be sure to put sunscreen on it when going out in the sun because the sun can and will make the color in your tattoo fade. Note: You are also advised to stay out of the ocean and pools for at least two weeks while the skin heals.
“If you take care of it, it will look like new for Life.”
One thing you probably don’t want to do or try at your own risk is to use Listerine.
“I had a customer who came to me for the first time and when I asked if her she knew how to take care of it, she replied, ‘Yeah I know, go in the shower and pour Listerine on it.’ to which I said, Ouch, how does that feel?” Andy shared recently. The woman had gone to the same tattoo artist her whole Life until getting the piece from Andy and that artist told her to put Listerine.
Well, Listerine does kill some sort of bacteria…
We aren’t dentists and won’t prescribe that but we do specialize and are licensed to do tattoos so come on down to our venue of Hawaii Custom Tattoos if that’s what you are in the mood for. We’d love to ink ya!
Adam Siehr, President and Proud Owner
434 Tattoo
Custom Tattooing LLC.
Directions:
434 Ena Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
96815
Contact:
mailto: adamsiehr@gmail.com
1-808-391-8287
434 Custom Tattooing 