New Tattoo? Find Out How To Look After Your New Ink

Tattoos tell a story and can be written in any language. From symbols depicting cultural images to words and font designs, if you dare to dream it, a tattooist can likely create it and tell your tale on a living canvas.

After doing enough homework to ensure your tattoo artist is reputable and their equipment of high quality, proper tattoo aftercare is one of the most important things you should do to make your tattoo look fantastic and make it stay that way. Proper tattoo aftercare is not timely, nor costly, and it still is the best way to make certain that your body art remains as good as it looked when you left that tattoo parlour.

Your tattoo will be covered in some type of bandage. Leave the bandage on as instructed by your artist: Each artist has a different protocol, which can vary depending on the type of bandage used to cover your tattoo. Do not try to remove the bandage early - not even for Instagram!

Did you know that the final outcome of your new ink depends on how you care for it during the aftercare period? Proper care during this ten-day healing period helps ensure your tattoo looks as good down the road as the day you got it done.

A well-formulated all-natural tattoo balm is the best product to use on your new tattoo for happy healing.

We recommend using Brooklyn Grooming Tattoo Balm

Brooklyn Grooming Tattoo Balm has won the trust and heart of many users over the years. Most ointments made for tattoo aftercare are loaded with suffocating petroleum jelly which can cause irritation, clog pores and seal off the skin from the oxygen necessary to the healing process. We believe that when your skin is in a fragile state you need a product to help you heal naturally.

This Tattoo Balm contains nourishing, regenerating anti-fungal oils and butter which cuts down on itching, scabbing and really speed up the healing process. Use this perfect formula as a soothing salve for your inked skin or anywhere your skin might need a little extra boost.

1. Gently remove the bandage and rinse your tattoo with warm water. If the bandage is stuck, you can use water to loosen it. 
2. Use a liquid hand soap to wash the tattoo with your fingertips. Make sure the soap is antibacterial and perfume-free!
3. Very lightly massage your tattoo as you wash it, then rinse all the soap off. Blot your skin dry with a clean cotton towel or clean paper towel.
4. After your tattoo has air dried for a few minutes, apply a small amount of Brooklyn Grooming Tattoo Balm. Be careful to not overdo it: Your tattoo should not be wet afterwards. Gently massage the tattoo balm until your tattoo is fully moisturised. 
5. When you're all done, wear comfortable, nonrestrictive clothing that is clean and preferably made of cotton. Don't re-bandage your tattoo. 

Wash your tattoo daily with perfume-free, antibacterial soap. Do not use a rag or anything abrasive - just your fingertips.

Reapply Brooklyn Grooming Tattoo Balm at least twice a day (or as instructed by your tattoo artist) for ten days or until your piece has completely peeled.

After four to six days, you might notice some peeling, and you might see scabs for up to two weeks. DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH your tattoo - this is normal! If you scratch, you risk losing colour and/or reopening the wound to potential infections. You can relieve itching by gently slapping your tattoo.

For the ten-day healing period, we strongly recommend avoiding any activities or situations that could harm your tattoo or lead to infection.

Take a pass on swimming, immersing your tattoo in water, camping, gardening, sunning, tanning, hitting the gym, etc.

Don't let your tattoo come into contact with pets, people, unclean surfaces, dirt, standing water, chemicals, abrasive clothing, or even your own hands unless you're caring for your ink.

Avoid direct sunlight for at least two weeks. Use a high SPF sunblock once your tattoo is fully healed. 

If you notice red streaks, increased soreness, puss, bumps, blisters, or foul odour, you may have an infection. Please seek medical attention immediately.