Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience, but proper tattoo aftercare is essential to ensure your ink heals properly and stays vibrant for years. Follow these general steps to keep your tattoo healthy and looking its best.
Your artist should cover your tattoo with some kind of bandage or covering before you leave the studio. You may notice fluid oozing from your fresh tattoo. This is plasma, some blood, and a bit of ink and is completely normal. Your skin will be sore and may be warm to the touch.
Here's what you should do depending on the type of bandage your artist uses.
If your artist uses gauze, or platic wrap you typically want to keep this on for at least 2-4 hours (or as directed by your artist) to protect the area from bacteria.
Wash Gently
Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the bandage. After removing the bandage, wash the area with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Use your clean hands — avoid washcloths as they can irritate the skin and carry harmful bacteria. Do not submerge your new tattoo as this can introduce bacteria to the wound. At this point you are just cleaning off the fluids that came from your new tattoo.
Pat Dry — Don’t Rub
Gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel. Avoid rubbing, which can cause irritation. You can also allow the area to air dry, but avoid using cloth towels or anything reusable as your new tattoo is an open wound and you want to avoid introducing bacteria to it.
Apply an Ointment or moisturizer
Use a thin layer of a tattoo-specific ointment or fragrance-free moisturizer. You can ask your tattoo artist what they recommend. Avoid vaseline and other petroleum based products as they trap moisture and can clog pores. It is also believed by some people that petroleum based products can cause the ink in your new tattoo to fade quicker, but this hasn't been definitively proven.
If your artist uses a medical-grade adhesive bandage the care instructions can be a little easier. It should be noted though some people have a negative reaction to it and develop blisters, rashes, and red spots. These often appear around the edge of the bandage. If your adhesive bandage remains sealed on your new tattoo, you can choose to leave it on for 3-5 days. Healing your tattoo this way accelerates the healing process for some people and many have reported that they never experienced itchy scabbing and that the peeling stage was not as bad.
You can always choose to remove the adhesive bandage if it becomes loose or if you experience a reaction. In that case just follow the same care instructions as the gauze and plasticwrap bandages above.
Only keep the adhesive bandage on as long as the seal is unbroken. If the adhesive bandage leaks, starts to detach, or otherwise shows signs that the seal is broken, remove it immediately. Bacteria can get into the covered area and without washing the area you will not be able to clean the wound.
After you have cleaned the area you can replace the adhesive bandage with another, or use gauze or air dry and follow the steps above.
When attempting removing an adhesive bandage it is easier to do so in the shower under warm (not hot) water. Allow the water to run over the bandage for a few minutes to loosen the adhesive and slowly peel away starting from one edge and moving to the other. After the bandage is removed wash the area gently with soap.
Moisturize Regularly
Apply a thin layer of moisturizer a few times a day to keep the tattoo hydrated but not overly greasy. Dryness can cause itching and excessive scabbing, but overhydrating the skin can lead to infection, slowed healing, and can also cause the ink to become blurred as it heals. Don't overthink it and just apply a modest amount of moisturizer when it starts to feel a bit dry.
Avoid Picking or Scratching
As your tattoo heals, it may flake or develop light scabs. This is normal — resist the urge to scratch or pick, as this can pull out ink and lead to patchy healing.
Stay Away from Direct Sunlight
Fresh tattoos are highly sensitive to UV rays. If you must be outdoors, cover your tattoo with clothing. Once healed, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect your ink from fading. The sun is the ultimate enemy of tattoos and being vigilant from the beginning is a great way to form habits that keep your ink looking good for years.
Skip the Soaking
Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, or long baths for at least 2-3 weeks. Water can introduce bacteria and cause fading during the healing process. It may not look like it, but your new ink is an open wound. Treat it like one and keep any potential sources of infection or potentially harmful chemicals away from it.
Wear Loose Clothing
Tight clothing can rub against your tattoo and irritate the healing skin. Opt for loose, breathable fabrics to reduce friction.
Skip the Gym
Sweat is not great for your new tattoo, and neither is all the bacteria on gym equipment. The stretching and friction from your workouts can also cause damage to your new ink, so avoid any intense exercise until your tattoo heals for at least a few days. Afterwards avoid working the part of the body your new ink is on for 2-3 weeks to give it time to settle in. There's no sense in damaging your tattoo right after getting it.
Moisturize Regularly
Keeping your skin hydrated will maintain your tattoo's color and detail. Moisturizing lotion does wonders for your face, tattoos, etc. so it's worth it to keep a moisturizer around for daily use.
Protect with Sunscreen
UV rays are the biggest threat to tattoo longevity. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen whenever your tattoo is exposed. While you're at it go ahead and use sunscreen on the rest of your body anytime you're going to be outside. Skin cancer is no joke, and protecting yourself from UV rays will keep your skin looking younger and healthier as well!
Healthy Skin, Vibrant Ink
Maintain a healthy skincare routine — drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, and staying moisturized all contribute to lasting tattoo vibrancy. The better your skin looks, the better your ink looks.
Proper tattoo aftercare is crucial for ensuring your body art heals well and maintains its sharpness. By following these steps and listening to your artist's recommendations, you can keep your ink looking bold, vibrant, and healthy for years.