A tattoo is a lifelong investment and one that you want to take care of. You need to choose a tattoo artist that has credentials. Next you have to decide on the design of the tattoo and where you want it. The biggest thing to remember is you are going to bear this tattoo for the rest of your life so pick wisely on location as well as design.

Preparation prior to getting a new tattoo is critical. Make sure that the tools your tattoo artist uses are sterilized or brand new. Good artists will clean and apply antiseptic ointment as they create your new tattoo. The quality of a tattoo depends heavily on the proper care received after receiving it. The best artists talk to you about the care of your new tattoo and provide you a list of things to do, and not to do.

You want to keep the tattoo clean. The most effective way to do this is with gauze strips and medical tape. You should never get the tattoo wet immediately after receiving it. You want it to dry the first couple day while cleaning it every few hours. Before you attempt to touch or clean the tattoo make sure you wash your hands in anti bacterial soap. The cleaner your hands, the less you have to worry about infection. The best ointment to use for a new tattoo is A&D ointment. A&D's job it to keep your new tattoo clean and shiny. Be gentle when you apply the ointment because you could disturb the healing process.

After 4 or 5 days you can stop using the ointment and use unscented body lotion to continue the healing process. After using the unscented lotion for 3 or 4 days you can discontinue. Sometimes scabs appear that are very itchy and irritating. Be aware that picking or scratching of these scabs can permanently damage the artwork. The best thing to do is leave it alone and let it run its course. Remember your new tattoo is going to be with you forever so take the time to take care of it.