Getting a tattoo is a great way to express yourself through a life-long art form. After the tattoo artist has finished their job you will need to pay attention for 3-4 weeks while the tattoo is healing, to make sure you don't damage or infect the skin. Even after the initial healing period you need to maintain proper tattoo care so the colors don't fade. As long as you keep the tattoo clean and hydrated, it will continue to look great!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Wash and Moisturize a Fresh Tattoo
Step 1. Wash your hands before touching your new tattoo
Use antibacterial soap to kill most of the germs on your hands. Rub your hands thoroughly to clean the spaces between your fingers and under your nails. Continue to lather for at least 20 seconds before rinsing and drying your hands.
- Use a paper towel to dry your hands if possible, as fabric towels develop bacteria over time.
- Fresh tattoos are more prone to bacterial attacks and infections, as they are open wounds.
- If you don't know how long to wash your hands, sing "Happy Birthday" twice as you do so.
Step 2. Remove the bandage around the tattoo after at least an hour
Your tattoo artist will cover the tattoo with a bandage or plastic wrap before you leave, to keep the skin moist. Wait at least an hour after making the tattoo and until you have time to wash it. When you're ready, slowly remove the bandage and throw it away.
- It is normal to see a few drops of ink on the surface of the skin as it will ooze blood, ink and plasma to form a scab.
- If the bandage or film sticks to the skin, do not try to tear it. Moisten it with warm water until you can peel it off.
- If you have plastic wrap applied to your tattoo, remove it as soon as you can as it limits perspiration and prevents the tattoo from healing quickly.
- Your tattoo artist may instruct you differently on how long to leave the bandage on. Follow his instructions and contact him if you have any doubts.
Step 3. Rinse the tattoo with clean warm water
Put your hands under the tap and slowly pour the water over the tattoo. Gently rub the water all over the tattoo so it is moist. Be careful not to apply too much pressure on the tattoo as it may pinch or hurt you.
- You can also wash the tattoo while taking a shower.
- Avoid using very hot water as it can burn or irritate the tattoo.
- Do not fully submerge the tattoo for at least 2-3 weeks as standing water has more bacteria and could potentially cause an infection. Also avoid public baths, swimming pools, and hot tubs.
Step 4. Clean the tattoo using a mild antibacterial soap
Use standard liquid hand soap that does not contain abrasives. Slowly lather the tattoo by making small circular motions. Make sure you cover the entire tattoo with soap before rinsing it off with warm water.
Avoid using a washcloth or abrasive cloth while washing the tattoo as it is more likely to irritate your skin or cause the color to fade
Step 5. Blot the tattoo with a clean towel
Avoid rubbing the tattoo with the towel, as it will irritate the skin and cause scars to form. Instead, gently press the towel against your skin before lifting it. Continue blotting the entire tattoo surface until it is completely dry.
You can use a cloth or paper towel
Step 6. Apply a thin layer of healing ointment to the tattoo
Use an odorless, dye-free healing ointment, as the additives may irritate your skin. Rub an amount of ointment equal to the tip of a finger creating a thin and even layer on the tattoo. Proceed gently in circular motions until the skin looks shiny.
- Be careful not to put too much ointment on the skin as it may prevent air from reaching the tattoo and thus slow down the healing process.
- Avoid petroleum-based products as they are usually too dense and won't let the skin breathe.
- Ask your tattoo artist for advice. He may see you himself a specific product made especially for tattoos.
Part 2 of 3: Helping the Tattoo Heal
Step 1. Leave the tattoo exposed to the air or cover it with loose and breathable clothing
Avoid applying another bandage to the tattoo as it may limit perspiration and prevent the skin from healing. Try to keep it uncovered as much as possible if you can. Otherwise, opt for clothing made with lightweight, breathable fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, or linen. Try to avoid heavy or tight clothing, which could further irritate your skin.
- Be careful not to sleep on the tattoo, as this will prevent air from reaching it. So, if you have a tattoo on your back, try sleeping on your side or stomach.
- Your tattoo may ooze in the first 2-3 days and stick to your clothes. If this happens, do not try to tear the fabric from the skin: moisten it with warm water and gently peel it off the skin.
- If you have a tattoo on your foot, try walking barefoot as much as possible and use soft slippers or shoes with wide laces to help your skin breathe. Avoid wearing sandals for 3-4 weeks after getting the tattoo so they don't rub your skin.
Step 2. Avoid scratching or pinching the tattoo
During the first week it is normal for the pigmented skin of the tattoo to peel or flake. Try your best not to scratch or pinch the tattoo while it is healing, as you may scar or cause the color to fade faster. If you feel itchy, tap the skin lightly with your fingers or try applying a cold pack over it.
It is normal for the tattoo to form scabs, but be careful not to remove them. Allow them to heal completely and fall off on their own
Step 3. Wash the tattoo under running water at least twice a day
Make sure you wash your hands before touching the tattoo so it doesn't come into contact with bacteria. Wet the tattoo with warm water then use a liquid hand soap. Be careful not to peel or scratch the skin while cleaning the tattoo. Rinse with clean water before drying it.
Try to avoid doing activities that could dirty your new tattoo for the first 2-3 weeks, as you will be more prone to infections
Step 4. Rub the healing ointment 3 times a day for 2-3 days
Wash and dry the tattoo before applying the ointment to keep the skin clean. Use an amount equal to the tip of your finger and massage gently until the skin appears shiny. Try to do this treatment in the morning, at noon and in the evening.
- Also increase your ointment applications if your skin dries out more during the day.
- It is normal for the tattoo to appear blurry or less vibrant than when you just got it done. It will look sharp again after it has completely healed.
Step 5. Switch to using a fragrance-free lotion whenever the tattoo appears dry
Avoid using lotions to which perfumes have been added as they can irritate the skin. Use a fingertip-sized amount of lotion whenever you notice your skin drying out, which usually happens about 3-4 times a day. Rub the lotion completely into the skin to hydrate the tattoo.
After the tattoo is completely healed, you can move on to using scented lotions. This usually takes 3-4 weeks
Step 6. Keep the tattoo out of the sun for at least 4 weeks
When you go out, wear loose, breathable clothing that completely covers the tattoo. If you can't cover it, try to stay out of the sun as much as possible and stay in the shade.
Avoid applying sunscreen to the tattoo if it is not completely healed, as it contains chemicals that could peel the skin or slow down healing
Part 3 of 3: Maintaining a Long Term Care
Step 1. Apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to the tattoo when you are outdoors
Bright sunlight can cause the tattoo ink to fade, so always protect it when you go out. Choose a sunscreen that has at least SPF 30 and rub it in until it is absorbed. Reapply the sunscreen after a couple of hours to avoid burns.
- Do not apply sunscreen to the tattoo unless it is completely healed.
- Avoid using tanning beds or lamps as they can cause your tattoo to fade.
Step 2. Keep the tattoo moisturized with a lotion when the skin dries up
After the tattoo has healed you can use any type of lotion you want. Rub it into the skin until it is completely absorbed to keep it hydrated and make the tattoo look sharp. You can apply the lotion 2-3 times a day or whenever you notice your skin is dry or cracked.
If you don't use the lotion, the tattoo may start to look dull
Step 3. See a dermatologist if you notice any irritation or rash
Look out for dark red spots, painful growths, or open sores on the tattoo, as these could be signs of an infection. Contact a dermatologist and let them know what symptoms you are experiencing. Make an appointment as soon as possible so that your skin heals properly.
- Other signs of infection could include increased pain, fever, chills, and pus in the tattooed area.
- Don't pinch or remove any rashes or scabs that form on the skin or you could cause permanent scarring.
Step 4. Visit your tattoo artist to do some touch-ups if the tattoo starts to fade
Show up about 2-3 months after getting the tattoo for the first time, so that he can take a look at the skin. If you notice areas that need more ink or a little touch-up, make an appointment. Otherwise pay attention to the tattoo over time to see the color rendering. If you notice that the ink is lightening or fading, see if the tattoo artist can retouch it.
- Many times, tattoo artists offer the first touch-up for free.
- If your tattoo has been reworked several times, your tattoo artist may not be able to work with it as the skin will be more sensitive and could make the design look confusing.
Advice
Remember to drink regularly throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated so your tattoo looks more intense
Warnings
- Do not touch or scratch your tattoo as an infection is more likely to develop or a scar will remain.
- If you notice redness, rash, pus, or open sores on your tattoos, visit your doctor as you may have an infection or allergy.
