Ultimate Tattoo Aftercare Guide: How to Care for New Tattoos

Getting a tattoo is a rewarding experience. You have a fresh new piece of ink to be proud of. But, now that you have the tattoo, what do you do now?

Over the next few weeks, you need to make sure you’re proactively caring for your tattoo. It’s easier than you think, and you’re doing yourself a favor by taking the necessary steps to prevent infections and scarring.

Take a look at how you can take care of a tattoo with this tattoo aftercare guide.

Why Tattoo Aftercare is Important

Tattooing isn’t just a form of body art. It is more like a medical procedure involving sharp tools, needles, and colourful pigments being inserted underneath your skin.

They’re like artistic scars that do look beautiful but require an immense amount of care. Open wounds are highly vulnerable to infections and significant complications. It would be best to research how to care for a tattoo and the products to apply for full tattoo aftercare.

Below are the reasons why tattoo aftercare is so essential.

Helps in Looking Fresh and New

Following a carefully crafted tattoo aftercare guide can help you retain the vibrancy and freshness of your tattoo. Although you want to show your newly made tattoo to the world, always remember that patience is a virtue.

Protecting your tattoo for the first few days is essential as scratching and exposure to hot water can fade its colour. Always keep the tattoo moisturised because dry skin can diminish the tattoo ink.

Prevents Infections

Tattoo aftercare helps in the prevention of infections. It is crucial to keep your skin clean and moisturised.

Aids in Quick Healing

Although the application of ointments aids in the quick healing of your tattoo. Do not leave any aftercare product on it for too long. Leaving a bandage, ointment, or sunscreen on the tattoo for too long can clog your skin and cause infection.

Tattoo Healing and Aftercare Timeline

Everyone heals differently, but typically by 2-3 weeks, your tattoo should be completely healed with no redness, swelling, or scabbing.

If you notice any such issue after 15 days, it is recommended that you visit a dermatologist. The healing process also depends upon the size of the tattoo. Bigger tattoos take longer to heal compared to smaller ones.

Here is a brief day-to-day tattoo aftercare guide to help you.

Day 1

• The tattoo artist will apply a bandage on your tattoo once it is done to make sure that no bacteria can contact the skin.
• Always ask your artist about the time duration required to keep the bandage. The usual recommended duration is 2-3 hrs.
• Once the bandage is removed, your skin would be red and swollen. A sticky fluid might come out of the tattoo. It’s just the plasma oozing out and nothing problematic.
• Wash your skin with fragrance-free, anti-bacterial soap.
• Always use lukewarm water for washing as hot water can irritate your tattoo.
• Gently pat it dry and apply some petroleum jelly or anti-bacterial ointment.
• Repeat this process twice a day.
• Do not cover the tattoo with a bandage. Let it breathe.

Days 2 to 3

• The next day your tattoo will look duller than day 1; this is normal.
• You need to wash it twice a day and apply ointment.
• It is normal if excessive ink oozes out from the tattoo while washing it.

Days 4 to 6

• If the tattoo starts flaking or peeling off, do not worry. It is a part of the healing process.
• The redness and swelling should be gone by now. If it is still present, contact your tattoo artist for advice.
• Dryness of skin will form scabs, and they might irritate as well.
• Keep on washing it twice a day.
• Apply moisturiser on it to keep the skin well hydrated.

Days 6 to 14

• The scab will get harder by now, and it will come off on its own.
• Do not scratch or pull it off, as it can remove the tattoo’s ink and cause scarring.
• Your skin requires more moisture now, so keep on applying moisturiser several times a day.

Days 15 to 30

• It is the last phase of healing.
• By now, the scabbing and dead skin should be gone.
• It is highly recommended to keep your skin moisturised to keep looking fresh.
• The outer skin layer will take 2-4 weeks, while the inner layer can take 3-4 months to heal completely.

What to Avoid While Your Tattoo is Healing

There are specific activities you need to avoid for better care of your tattoo.

Swimming

You should avoid swimming for at least two weeks after getting inked. Your tattoo is an open wound. Exposing it to water can cause infection. Please avoid swimming pools and bathtubs.

Picking or Scratching at Scabs

As your tattoo starts healing, your skin might get irritated. Do not pick or scratch it at this time. Always wash your hands before washing your tattoo because the germs in your fingernails can cause severe infections.

Scented Soaps and Moisturizers

Scented soaps and moisturisers contain chemicals that may be harmful or irritating to your tattoo. It is always advised to use fragrance-free antibacterial soap for washing.

Sunscreen

Don’t apply sunscreen until the tattoo is healed. Instead, try and keep it covered using loose clothing. Sunscreen can clog pores, but it should be used regularly when the tattoo has healed to avoid fading.

Conclusion

Getting a new tattoo is a huge step. Taking care of that tattoo is just as important as getting it. Without proper care, your tattoo could heal improperly or become infected.

Taking into consideration the tips outlined in this article, taking care of your new tattoo is super easy. If we had to summarise: Keep your tattoo clean and hydrated during the entire healing process.