It is essential to take care of a new tattoo immediately after it is completed, so that it can heal quickly and remain well defined. Do not remove the bandage applied by the tattoo artist for at least a few hours, then remove it gently, wash the tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap, finally pat the area. By keeping the skin constantly hydrated, clean and protected from the sun, but above all by avoiding teasing and scratching it, the tattoo will heal beautifully.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: First Cleaning and Care
Step 1. Leave the bandage on for 2-3 hours
When the tattoo is complete, the tattoo artist will clean the area, apply an antibacterial ointment and cover it with a gauze or film bandage. Resist the temptation to remove the bandages once out of your studio - they protect your skin from dirt and bacteria, so they shouldn't be removed for up to 3 hours.
- Tattoo artists use different methods to protect new tattoos, so ask your tattoo artist when it is appropriate to remove the bandage. It may or may not apply any, depending on the products and technique it uses.
- If you leave the bandages on for longer than the tattoo artist recommends, you are more prone to infections and the ink may bleed.
Step 2. Wash your hands and remove the bandage carefully
Washing your hands first will prevent the tattoo from becoming infected when you go to touch it. To make it easier to remove the bandages, you can pour hot water over them so they don't stick to your skin. Remove them slowly and carefully so as not to damage the tattoo.
Throw away the used bandage
Step 3. Wash the tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap
Instead of soaking the tattoo, wet it by pouring warm water over it with your hands. Gently massage the area with your fingers using a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial or antimicrobial liquid soap, until any excess blood, plasma or ink is removed. This will prevent scabs from forming earlier than expected.
- Do not use cloths or sponges to wash the tattoo, as they can harbor bacteria. You will need to wait until it is completely healed before you start using these items again.
- Do not hold the tattoo under the direct stream of water: the flow from the tap may be too strong.
Step 4. Let the tattoo air dry or blot it with a clean paper towel
While it is best to let the skin dry in fresh air after cleaning the tattoo, you can also gently pat it dry with a clean, dry paper towel. You don't have to scrub, though, or you risk irritating her.
Regular towels can irritate the tattoo or leave lint in it, so it's best to use only paper towels
Step 5. Apply an unscented antibacterial ointment
Once the tattoo has completely dried, spread some moisturizer on it, preferably a completely natural product. Limit yourself to a very thin layer and massage it gently until completely absorbed. If you are not sure what type of cream to use, ask your tattoo artist for advice.
- A good option for restoring the skin's natural barrier is Eucerin Aquaphor.
- Do not use petroleum products, such as petroleum jelly, as they are too heavy and can clog pores.
- Once the tattoo is clean and hydrated, do not band it up again.
Step 6. Follow the recommendations of your tattoo artist
He will surely give you all the instructions you need to take care of the tattoo and it is important that you follow them strictly. He might use a different method than other tattoo artists, so pay attention to his advice to make sure the tattoo heals properly.
Write down the instructions you are given on a piece of paper or write them down on your phone so you don't risk forgetting them
Part 2 of 2: Precautions for Fast Recovery
Step 1. Wash and moisturize the tattoo every day until the scabs are gone
You should continue washing it with antibacterial soap and warm water 2-3 times a day, until it is completely healed. It will take 2 to 6 weeks for this to happen, depending on the size and location of the tattoo.
- While hydration is important, be careful not to "smother" the tattoo with the cream - a thin layer is enough.
- Continue to use a mild, unscented soap as you wash.
Step 2. Do not scratch or pick on the tattoo
Scabs may form during healing; this is absolutely normal, but you should let them dry out and fall off on their own. Do not try to remove them, otherwise they may come off too soon, leaving holes or white spots on the tattoo.
- The skin can itch quite a lot as it dries and heals from scabs. Try to resist, because if you scratch yourself you risk removing the scabs and causing damage to the tattoo.
- Keep using a moisturizer if the itching is really bothering you.
Step 3. Do not expose the tattoo to direct sunlight
The sun's rays can cause blisters to form on the skin and fade the color of the tattoo, so it's best to keep it covered and out of the sun for at least 3-4 weeks, until the first healing phase is over.
After this time you will still need to protect it with sunscreen to prevent it from fading
Step 4. Do not immerse the tattoo in water
Until it is completely healed, do not swim in the pool or the sea or bathe in the tub. Excessive exposure to water can discolor the tattoo, damaging its appearance; in addition, the water of the swimming pool, the sea and the bathtub may contain chemicals, bacteria, dirt or other impurities that can infect it.
You can safely resume these activities when the tattoo is completely healed; for now, just wet it in the shower or sink
Step 5. Wear clean, loose fitting clothing to not irritate the tattoo
Especially in the beginning, avoid constricting the area in tight, tight clothing. During healing, the tattoo oozes excess plasma and ink, so clothing that is too tight can stick to it. It would be very painful, then, to take off your clothes, in addition to the fact that you could peel off newly formed crusts.
- In case the dress sticks to the tattoo, don't pull it! Wet the area with water first. By doing so you should be able to loosen the "grip" and remove it without doing any damage.
- Furthermore, clothing that is too tight does not allow the skin to breathe and oxygen is essential for healing.
Step 6. Wait until the tattoo has healed before doing intense physical exercises
When the pattern is very extensive or close to the joints (such as the elbows and knees), it will take longer to heal, especially if the skin is forced into demanding movements that could break and irritate it, prolonging the healing time.
If you work in an area that involves physical activity, such as construction or dance, consider getting the tattoo just before a one or two day rest period to allow time for it to heal at least partially before returning to work
Answers by the Expert
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What are the tips for taking care of the tattoo on the first day?
If the tattoo artist uses a transparent film bandage, it is usually left in place for a few days. If you are using a tape-attached bandage, you will need to take it off after a few hours and wash the tattoo, then apply a light layer of a non-greasy ointment. Do not use fatty substances, such as vitamin E, aloe or petroleum jelly. If in doubt, consult the leaflet provided by the tattoo artist.
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What are the recommendations for not irritating the tattoo while it heals?
Make sure your clothes don't rub against the tattoo, especially if the tattoo is in a very flexible area, such as the wrist or ankle. Not only would you risk irritating the skin, but you could also prolong the healing process.
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What do you recommend to someone who has just had their first tattoo?
Take care of the tattoo while it heals. Don't tease or scratch it, keep it out of the sun and don't go swimming for the first 10 days or so.
Advice
- Check the ingredients of the soaps and lotions you use to make sure they do not contain alcohol or artificial fragrances.
- Use clean old sheets for the first few nights in case the tattoo oozes.
- Make sure all clothing and towels that come into contact with the tattoo during the healing period are clean.
- You may need a hand to take care of the tattoo if it is in a hard-to-reach place on the body.
- Return to the tattoo artist's studio if you need to retouch the design.
Warnings
- Do not wash the tattoo with too hot water.
- Do not shave the tattooed skin until it is completely healed. If you shave the surrounding area, make sure that the hair removal cream does not come into contact with the tattoo or you may irritate it.
- Do not leave the tattoo wrapped in bandages for more than 3 hours.
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