Your new tattoo will be bandaged when you leave the tattoo parlor. It is recommended to leave this bandage on your new tattoo for a few hours, to protect it from any outside contact. A brand new tattoo is similar to having minor surgery so don't be surprised if your tattoo bleeds a little for the first 24 hours. This is normal and your bandage will help absorb any bleeding from your tattoo initially following your procedure. One thing to note is to be extremely careful when removing your bandage and to not let a large amount of blood dry on your bandage.

When it is time to remove the bandage from your tattoo, do so carefully. It is possible that blood has dried to the bandage and if you just rip it off, you could possibly screw up the appearance of your new tattoo.

Your tattoo is tattoo is going to be sore, red, and possibly a bit swollen. You may also experience a slight stinging sensation that is similar to the feeling of sunburn. Tattoo artists will tell you that getting a tattoo feels like a strong sunburn, the truth is that a healing tattoo will often feel like a sunburn. If you're a wimp, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate these temporary symptoms of tattoo healing.

Your primary focus when taking care of a new tattoo is to keep the tattoo clean. After the initial bandage is removed, gently wash your tattoo with water and a tattoo aftercare cleanser such as Tattoo Goo (or anti-bacterial soap). Do not use a washcloth or anything other than your hand. Wash gently, don't 'rub' but pat the tattoo. Try to remove all blood. Do not scrub. Rinse your new tattoo completely with clear water then blot slightly with a clean towel. Allow your tattoo to air dry for 15 minutes or so.

After your tattoo has dried, gently apply a tattoo aftercare lotion such as Tattoo Goo or Aquaphor Healing Ointment. A minimal amount will be sufficient - if your tattoo appears overly-shiny, you applied too much. Too much lotion traps germs in to your new tattoo which can potentially lead to infection. Just a dab will do.

Repeat the tattoo aftercare instructions for cleaning your tattoo 3 times a day.

Be sure to wear clean, loose-fitting clothing around your tattooed area and to sleep on clean sheets.

Healing Stages of Tattoos:

Everyone heals differently making it difficult to give an exact time line for the tattoo healing process. it is impossible to predict exactly how everyone will heal from a tattoo experience being that no two human bodies heal at the same rate. Those with sensitive skin may take longer to heal, and may experience a longer period of flaking or peeling, than those that have normal skin. Location of your tattoo can also cause the healing time to vary. Tattoos on the hands or feet may take up to two weeks longer to heal than a tattoo on another body part.

Below is a general over-view of the healing stages of a tattoo.

Tattoo healing stage - Week 1
New tattoo may be sore and red.
Minor symptoms such as swelling and stinging can be eased with the use of over-the-counter pain relievers.
Proper tattoo aftercare must be started immediately following procedure to ensure healthy healing.

Tattoo healing stage - Week 2
Tattoo may begin to flake or peel.
Tattoo may become itchy
Important to NOT scratch or pick at tattoo

Tattoo healing stage - Week 3

scabbing and/or peeling has subsided
Tattoo area may still feel sensitiveTattoo Care - Tattoo advice to preserve the quality of your tattoo.

Tattoo advice to preserve the quality of your tattoo.

Do not expose your tattoo to extreme sunlight or tanning beds.

No swimming, hot tubs, or baths for first two weeks after getting new tattoo.

Do not shave the tattooed area for the first 30 days followingtattoo procedure.

Only touch your tattoo with clean hands. Don't let others touch
your healing tattoo