Claddagh Tattoo Designs

Almost as important as making the right tattoo selection, is taking care of it after. When I did my first claddagh tattoo, I didn’t really pay attention to the care tips the tattoo shop gave me, and I totally regret it because it ended up fading pretty fast. I’ve put together some tattoo care tips here for you to look over.

First thing’s first, your tattoo artist should have taken time to wrap a bandage around your tattoo. Basically what you’ve got is a fresh wound, and it can be easily infected. Leave the bandage on for at minimum two hours, no matter how tempted you are to take a look or show off to your friends. Some artists may cover your new art in saran wrap. This does nothing but suffocate the skin and should be removed right away. It really does nothing to protect the skin.

After taking the bandage off, you should wash the tattoo area. Use tepid water and a mild soap and gently wash it with your hand. Any kind of washcloth may be too harsh. You’re washing away ointment that might have been used to treat the tattoo, plasma, and blood. Be very gentle, and be just as gentle when drying it off. Light dabs with a clean paper towel should do the job, but whatever you do, don’t rub it dry. Use lotion after that to keep the skin hydrated. Products like Eucerin or Lubriderm should do the trick.

Stay away from hot tubs or swimming pools, but showering with your tattoo is fine. You don’t want it submerged under water for any amount of time for the first couple of weeks.

After a few days your skin might start to scab and peel. Some scabbing is normal, but excessive scabs could mean a badly done tattoo. Apply warm compresses to the scab and they should come off on their own. Whatever you do, don’t scratch or peel them off. If it’s really itchy, use some lotion.

Finally, keep your tattoo from too much sun. You should protect your skin anyway with at least SPF 30 sunblock if you’re out in the sun a lot, but a tattoo can fade, even after it’s fully healed. Keeping the area covered with lots of sunscreen will keep it vivid and colorful for years to come.