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Congratulations on getting your new tattoo! Now that you have some fresh ink, it's important to take care of it properly, so it can heal well and look great for years to come. Here's what you need to know about aftercare.
1. Equipment to prepare:
plastic food grade foil or patient medical pads (plastic towel with cotton layer inside)
paper kitchen towels
pH-neutral soap (e.g. Hypoallergenic Sanex, Gray Soap)
tattoo ointment for healing process (I recommend Hustle Butter Deluxe or Bepanthen Tattoo)
paper tape
access to clean tap water
SPF/30 or /50 for after the healing process
2. Active care! Once your tattoo is finished, your artist will bandage it up in a protective layer. Depending on type of protection and point of healing process, follow suggested steps for washing ⇾ drying ⇾ airing ⇾ lubricating ⇾ bandage time as cleaning cycle.
Always wash your hands before washing and lubricating your tattoo or use disposable gloves!!!
Tip 1: Avoid hot water over your fresh tattoo! After washing in lukewarm water, rinse it shorty with cold water instead.
Tip 2: Avoid direct stream of water in your tattoo. Pour water with your hand or let the water stream hit the place fairly above the tattoo and let water flow gently down.
Tip 3: After washing and drying with towel, let your tattoo air out for 5-10min before applying ointment. It will help your skin to breathe and calm.
Tip 4: When applying the ointment, don’t just put it on the surface, rub it softly in.
Tip 5: Observe your tattoo during bandage change and washing. If under the previous bandage there were still a lot of body fluids or ink coming out, repeat cleaning cycle and apply new bandage. The larger the tattoo, the more time it may need to ooze and calm, on the opposite side a smaller tattoo may be ready to stay uncovered already after 1 day.
Tip 6: After last bandage, air dry your tattoo longer, for 30-60min to help skin surface close, then apply a fine layer of ointment.
Tip 7: Avoid wearing tight clothing over your tattoo during the healing process. Loose, breathable clothing is the best.
Tip 8: Avoid sports for 3–4 days and excessive sweating.
Tip 9: Your tattoo will be a bit itchy during the healing process - avoid scratching or picking skin off your healing tattoo, as it may cause scarring or ink loss.
Tip 10: Avoid saunas, steamy hot showers, swimming pools and open wild waters for 3–4 weeks.
Tip 11: Avoid exposing your new tattoo to sunlight or tanning beds for 3–4 weeks, if necessary cover with clothing or with breathable material bandage.
Beside being awesome, your tattoo is still a fresh and open wound in the early days of healing process, so you really need to give it all extra care!
Always wash your hands before washing and lubricating your tattoo or use disposable gloves!!!
Bonus Tips:
Tip 12: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. This will help your skin stay moisturized and promote healing.
Tip 13: Be mindful of your tattoo when engaging in activities that could cause friction, irritation or damage.
Tip 14: Avoid using any products that contain alcohol or peroxide, as these can dry out your skin and delay healing.
Tip 15: Use fragrance-free products to avoid irritation.
Tip 16: Long term - keep your skin moisturized and protected from strong exposure to sunlight or tanning beds.
3. Risks:
Infection: If you don't follow proper aftercare instructions, your tattoo may become infected. Signs of infection include excessive redness, swelling, or discharge.
If you suspect an infection, contact your tattoo artist or a medical professional right away.
Allergic reaction: Some people may have an allergic reaction to tattoo ink or aftercare products.
If you experience excessive itching, swelling, or a rash, stop using the product and contact your tattoo artist or a medical professional right away.
Fading or discoloration: Improper aftercare can speed up your tattoo to fade, change color or distort over time. Follow the healing process instructions carefully and long term skin care to ensure your tattoo is given the best possible conditions during and after healing.
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