Getting a tattoo is often considered to be a permanent alteration and can be a beautiful enhancement to the human body, but without proper care and consideration before and after getting the ink, the clarity, sharpness, brightness, and overall look of the tattoo may deteriorate, leaving a permanent blurry blob instead.

When determining where to place a new tattoo, always take a close look at the skin where the tattoo is to be inked. If you see lots of freckles, especially large solid ones, you may want to think about having the tattoo inked elsewhere. Those freckles are effectively a form of skin cancer that can be agitated during the tattooing process. A good artist will not tattoo over them and that can leave you with large holes in the artwork. Be sure to discuss your skin's health with your artist before the inking begins.

Once finished, the worst thing to do immediately is get the tattoo wet. Your artist will cover your skin with plastic and tape it in place for the initial healing to begin. During this time you should avoid swimming and perhaps even take sponge baths This is only for a very short time, though, as you want the tattoo to begin healing in the open air and you will need to wash it soon.

After the time period passes that your artist suggests, wash the tattoo with the hottest water you can stand to open the pores. Then gently clean the tattoo, being careful not to scratch or scrape the sensitive area. Then rinse with the coldest water you can stand to close the pores back up. Once that is done, you should keep the tattoo moistened (yes, just the opposite of before) with unscented, basic plain skin lotion. The tattoo will absorb a lot of liquid at this stage and will probably feel hot to the touch while it heals. Keep slathering lotion on the tattoo and do not let it dry out. Effectively you are allowing your skin to scab and scar with the ink showing through the healing skin, but without the raised, altered skin of an unattended scar.

An important thing to not do is peel away skin or scabbing areas on or around the tattoo. This may lead to loss of colour or disfiguration of the design. Be patient and keep it moistened until the healing is long completed. Often a tattoo will seem healed, but under the skin it needs a few more days to complete cure. Remember that your body has just been injected with a foreign substance and you are trying to make is accept it rather than reject it.

In addition, stay out of the sun, at least during the healing process, but as much as you can even after the skin has healed. The infrared rays from the sun trigger alterations in your skin's composition, causing changes in tone and texture that will result in loss of tattoo clarity. Once it has healed fully, show it off, but do it with the understanding that doing it the wrong way can lead to fading and blurring.

Here are the tips again:

1. Check your skin for blemishes and place your tattoo accordingly
2. Keep a new tattoo dry for a short time to allow the shock of getting tattooed pass before accelerating the healing process
3. Wash and lubricate the newly inked skin to facilitate controlled scarring and maintain the colours and sharpness of the artwork

Once healed remember to show it off responsibly and try not to scratch, scrape, or cut the tattooed area.

That's it! Follow these care techniques and your tattoo will remain vivid and sharp longer. Many online tattoo services offer as part of their packages health and care suggestions. Read reviews of these services and find one that suits your needs, then follow the steps mentioned above to help maintain a healthy and beautiful tattoo.