Tattoos where to get them

They may even give you a handy information slip for reference, so hang onto that. If your artist used plastic wrap to protect your tattoo, you can remove it after a couple of hours. For those with a clear bandage, like Saniderm, follow your artist's guidelines as many have different suggestions. Wei, for example, says you can leave it on for three to five days, while Fergus usually recommends taking it off after 24 to 48 hours. During this time, excess blood, ink, and plasma may pool up underneath the film — it's totally normal, Ariel W.

Be sure to peel it off slowly with clean hands. After taking off both bandages, aftercare is about the same. Wash off the tattoo with mild, antibacterial soap, like Dr. Let it air dry if you can, or pat it dry with a clean paper towel, Wei says. From there, Fergus recommends not moisturizing it for a day, but other artists, like Kang, may tell you to smooth on a thin layer of a healing ointment, like Aquaphor , two to three times a day for three days.

After that, you can swap it out for an unscented, dye-free, lightweight body lotion, such as the Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion or Lubriderm Daily Moisture Lotion , and apply it just as often for two weeks. Garner also is a fan of unscented shea butter. Allure editors swear by Eu'Genia's. While it's healing, don't pick, scratch, or itch your tattoo — even if it's flaking, Wei says.

Also, avoid submerging your tattoo, so stay out of pools, hot tubs, and any bodies of water for two weeks. Don't expose your tattoo to the sun either. As for washing your tattoo after that first time, Abad recommends only doing so when you shower. From there, keep open communication with your artist if any issues arise.

Otherwise, enjoy your new body art. We have a feeling you'll want a second tattoo soon enough. At least when the time comes, you'll be a seasoned veteran. All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. The Experts Weigh In. Follow Devon Abelman on Twitter and Instagram. Celebrity Fashion Video.

These aid in making the design transfer better and darker onto your skin. When the paper is pulled away from your skin, it will leave you with a purple-ish blue likeness of your future tattoo. Once you approve of how everything looks, you're ready to go. It is at this time that your artist will start preparing their tattoo machine.

The inks will be placed in little tiny cups called ink caps, and the needles and tubes will be removed from their sterile pouches and placed in the machine. Clean, distilled water will be poured into a cup for cleaning the needles during the tattoo process and to change from one color to the next. A little ointment will be placed over your transfer design for a few reasons. One is that it helps keep the transfer on longer without accidentally rubbing it off, and it also helps the needle to slide along the skin more smoothly, which is certainly going to be more comfortable to you.

After the ointment is applied, it is time for the first line. If you're nervous, don't hold your breath. Take a nice, slow, deep breath and try to relax. The first minute or so will be the roughest. After that, your skin will kind of get used to it and the pain will begin to subside. Once all the linework is done, your artist can breathe a little bit easier knowing that they won't have to worry about the transfer anymore.

Now it's time to get creative with a little shading and possibly color. Depending on the size of your tattoo, your artist may switch to a different set of needles called magnums or mags which are designed for coloring and shading.

They may even switch tattoo machines altogether. The shading and coloring can go along quite quickly, and before you know it, you've got a complete tattoo. Your artist may like a picture of your tattoo for their portfolio.

They'll clean it up and sometimes even apply a hot towel to it first. Then they'll take a picture, and this is a good time for you to get a shot, too. Taking a photo after the protective ointment is applied causes a glare, so it is best to do it now. If for any reason you do not want the artist to take a photo, just say so. You are not under obligation to let them.

Now that your tattoo is finished and clean, it needs to be treated just like a wound. Then a bandage will be applied, and it will be taped up to make sure it is secure. It is important that you keep this bandage on for the amount of time your artist instructs, which brings us to our last step: aftercare. Your artist will now give you aftercare instructions.

These should be given both verbally, and on a piece of paper for you to take home with you. Celebs are leading the way, of course, with some pretty unusual placement of their own. Close pals Kaia Gerber and Cara Delevigne recently debuted matching inkings of the word "Solemate" etched over the arch of their feet, Hailey Bieber tapped up artist Dr Woo for a subtle inscription of the word "lover" written in fine print on her neck, Kendall Jenner revealed a "Meow" tattoo done on the inside of her lip while on the Ellen Degeneres show and Ariana has added to her collection of teensy tatts with bigger, statement butterflies running from her shoulder, down her arm.

While tattoo parlours are shut until 2nd December, at least you have plenty of time to choose your tattoo design. Then all you need to do is check out all the inspo below to figure out where to have it. And, to ensure it looks as good as possible, make sure you read up on tattoo aftercare. An area that can look statement in a strappy or off-the-shoulder cut, but just as easily covered with sleeves. We love the placement of this, and the way it can peeps out from behind your hair.

Just be aware if you have shorter hair, or your hair up, it's not the easiest to hide unless you pull out the rollnecks from your wardrobe. How adorable is this idea?

Exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade, so invest in a quality sunscreen or SPF clothing. Dry skin can also cause a tattoo or the ink to look dull.

Still have questions? It all depends on the tattoo size, the type and color of ink that was used, and how deep the artist went with their tools. Removal is also expensive and often more painful than getting the tattoo itself. And despite what some internet hacks may claim, the only way to remove a tattoo is through a surgical procedure.

If you do decide that you want to get a tattoo removed, set up an appointment with your healthcare provider or dermatologist. They can talk through the different procedures available and answer any questions you may have. In some cases, it may be easier — and more affordable — to get a new tattoo to hide the old tattoo. An artist can walk you through your cover-up options and advise you on what comes next. You may be itching to get your new tattoo right away, but it takes time to get the details just right.

The last thing you want is to cut corners on price or location and wind up with a shoddy tattoo — or an infection. Patience will pay off in the long run, so be sure to explore all of your options until you find what works for you. Keep adding to your canvas and embrace the confidence that it gives. When Tess Catlett was 13, she wanted nothing more than to dye her hair blue and get a Tinkerbell tattoo on her shoulder blade.

Now an editor at Healthline. Sound familiar? Share your would-be tattoo horror stories with her on Twitter.

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When protocol isn't followed, or if you don't follow post-piercing cleaning instructions closely enough, infection can occur. After a man with a new tattoo died from swimming, skin care experts are urging people to avoid the water if they have a new tattoo or open wound. Thinking about getting a tongue tattoo? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect.