After choosing your tattoo design and getting the ink done at a studio, tattoo aftercare is by far most important aspect of your tattoo journey.
Post tattoo care should not be taken lightly - you need to know how to take care of a tattoo as best as possible.
This huge all-encompassing tattoo care instructions guide will walk you through every single stage of your tattoo journey and tells you what to do, and what not to do in order to help keep your tattoo looking perfect.
Why Tattoo Aftercare Is So Important
Throughout the history of tattooing, the healing process hasn't always been considered an important part of the process, but as time has gone on, we've been able to learn just how fundamental this section of the journey is.
Caring for a new tattoo is your responsibility from the very moment you get out of the tattooist's chair, right through until the moment you die (sorry for getting dark).
It is vital that you treat your new tattoo care routine with the respect it requires in order for your ink to look as crisp, sharp and colorful as it possibly can for as long as you’re alive.
When you initially finish getting your sparkling new tattoo at a studio, your skin will essentially be a big raw wound, open to all sorts of nasty germs and bacteria.
Correct aftercare procedures ensure that the tattooed area of skin remains infection free in an environment that is perfectly set up to ensure that healing proceeds to happen as quickly and efficiently as possible.
It’s not only the initial healing process where proper aftercare is important though. As you age, so does your tattoo. There are many environmental factors that will dictate how good(or how badly) your tattoo will look as it ages with you.
Throughout the rest of this article, we will walk you through all of these factors, as well as accompanying instructions on how to protect your tattoo through all stages of its life.
Suggested Aftercare For Tattoos
- Leave your bandage/wrap on until told by your artist. While some artists may ask you to leave your bandage on for only an hour, others may ask you to keep it on for a whole day. Your artist knows which length of time is best for you and your tattoo, so ensure you listen to their advice.
- Wash your tattoo well after removing the bandage/wrap. Wash your tattoo thoroughly (but carefully) using warm water and a fragrance-free soap to remove any excess/dried blood and plasma.
- Pat your tattoo dry after cleaning it. Use a clean paper towel to dry your tattoo by gently PATTING the area. DON'T RUB.
- Apply a small amount of lotion. After cleaning your tattoo, ensure the area is COMPLETELY dry before applying a very thin layer of your chosen aftercare product/lotion to help moisturize and nourish the area.
- Wash your tattoo regularly. Continue to use a fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water to clean your tattoo at least twice a day.
- Repeat the cleaning process until the tattoo is fully healed. Remember that your tattoo isn't completely safe from germs and bacteria until it has COMPLETELY finished scabbing and peeling. Continue to wash the tattoo until this point (usually 2-4 weeks).
- Don't pick and pull at the flaking/scabbing skin. Picking away at your healing tattoo can delay healing, cause fading, and increase the chances of infection.
- Stay away from the sun. Don't expose your new tattoo to intense sunlight and don't apply any sun lotion to the area until it has fully healed.
- Stay away from water. All bodies of water can contain nasty bacteria that can ruin a new tattoo if you're not careful. Stick to short showers until your skin has fully healed, and don't go swimming.
- Continue to look after your tattoo once healed. Once healed, keep your tattoo well protected from the sun and ensure you continue to moisturize the area regularly. Healthy skin means a healthy looking tattoo.