Taking good care of your new tattoo will help with the healing process while maintaining its appearance. Leave the bandage applied by the tattooist for at least a few hours before removing it. Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap then pat it dry. Your tattoo will heal and look beautiful if you keep your skin moisturized and clean, keep it out of the sun, and don't scratch or peel off the coating.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Taking Care of Tattoos on Day One
Step 1. Leave the protective layer on for 2-3 hours
After the tattoo is done, the tattooist will clean the area around it, apply an antibacterial ointment and cover it with a bandage or plastic. Try not to peel off this layer of bandage after you get home. This bandage serves to protect the tattoo from dust and bacteria so it is best left for a maximum of 3 hours before opening.
- The tattooist may dress the tattoo in a different way. So ask when you should remove the bandage. Some tattooists may not even apply any protective coating to a new tattoo, depending on the product and technique they use.
- If this layer of bandage is left on longer than recommended by the tattooist, you will be more susceptible to infection. In addition, the tattoo ink may also wear off.
Step 2. Wash your hands before removing the bandage on the tattoo
Washing your hands first will prevent the tattoo from becoming infected when touched. To make the bandage easier to remove, you can moisten it with a little warm water until it comes off the skin. Gently pull the bandage off carefully so you don't damage the tattoo.
Discard the bandage after use
Step 3. Clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap
Instead of submerging the tattoo in water, take a small amount of lukewarm water with your palm and then pour it over the surface of the tattoo. Prepare a liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap and then gently rub it onto the tattoo surface with your fingers. After that, clean up any blood, plasma, or ink splashes that have faded. That way, the tattoo won't form a scab layer too quickly.
- Do not use washcloths, loofahs or any sponge to clean the tattoo as these tools may carry bacteria. Do not use this equipment until your tattoo is fully healed.
- Avoid cleaning the tattoo with running water. The flow of water from the faucet may be too strong for a new tattoo.
Step 4. Allow the tattoo to dry on its own or pat it dry with a clean tissue
While it's best to let the tattoo dry on its own after cleaning, you can also pat the tattoo clean and dry to dry the tattoo. However, to avoid skin irritation, do not rub a tissue on the surface of the tattoo.
Regular towels can irritate the tattoo or carry lint. So, it's best to use a tissue to dry the tattoo
Step 5. Apply an unscented antibacterial cream
Once the tattoo is completely dry, apply a small amount of moisturizing ointment (preferably a natural ingredient) to the surface of the tattoo. Be sure to only apply a thin layer of this ointment and then gently pat it until it is completely absorbed. If you don't know what ointment to use, ask a tattooist for advice according to your skin type.
- Aquaphor is a great choice of moisturizer and is recommended.
- Do not use petroleum-based products such as Vaseline or Neosporin. These ointments are too thick and can clog skin pores.
- Do not bandage the tattoo again after cleaning and moisturizing.
Step 6. Follow your tattoo artist's advice
The tattooist will usually explain how to care for the tattoo that has just been made. So, try to follow his advice. The method of dressing tattoos used by tattooists may vary. Pay close attention to his recommendations so that your tattoo can heal properly.
Write down the instructions the tattoo artist gives you on a piece of paper or type it on your phone so you don't forget
Part 2 of 2: Helping Tattoo Recovery
Step 1. Keep the tattoo clean and moist every day until the scab is gone
You should still clean the tattoo 2-3 times a day with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water until it heals completely. It takes 2-6 weeks for the tattoo to heal, depending on its size and location.
- While it is important to keep the tattoo moist, be careful not to apply too much lotion or ointment, just apply a thin layer.
- Continue to use mild, unscented soap to clean the tattoo.
Step 2. Do not scratch or peel the tattoo
A scab will form during the tattoo's recovery, which is normal. Allow this layer of scab to dry and peel off on its own. Don't try to speed up this process by peeling or scratching the scab, as this will cause the scab to come off prematurely, leaving holes or spots on the tattoo.
- The scab layer that dries and begins to peel may be itchy. However, scratching the surface of the tattoo can also cause this coating to peel off.
- Continue to use moisturizing ointments to reduce itching that may be bothersome.
Step 3. Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight
The scorching sun may cause the skin to scald and lighten some of the color of the tattoo. For that, you should protect the tattoo and keep it away from the sun for at least 3-4 weeks until it fully recovers.
Once your tattoo has healed, it's a good idea to apply sunscreen to keep the color from fading
Step 4. Do not immerse the tattoo in water
Until the tattoo is completely healed, try not to swim, either in the pool or in the sea. Also, avoid soaking in the tub. If the tattoo is often exposed to water, the ink can run off from the skin so that it looks damaged. Water may also carry dirt, bacteria, and other chemicals that can cause the tattoo to become infected.
You may return to swimming and bathing after the tattoo has healed. However, for the time being, just wash the tattoo in the sink or shower
Step 5. Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating the tattoo
Try to avoid clothing that is tight or sticks to the tattoo area, especially after the tattoo has just been made. During the recovery period of the tattoo, there will still be plasma and ink flowing out. This liquid can cause clothing to stick to the surface of the tattoo, making it painful to remove and peeling off the newly formed scab.
- If your clothes stick to the surface of the tattoo, do not just pull it. First of all, wet the area. A little water should help loosen the tattooed garment without damaging it.
- Tight clothing will also block the flow of oxygen to the tattoo's surface. In fact, oxygen is very important for the recovery process.
Step 6. Before strenuous exercise, wait for your tattoo to heal
If your tattoo is large enough, or is located near a joint (such as an elbow or knee), the recovery period may be longer if you force the area to move or do too much activity. This movement will cause the skin layer to break and irritate, thereby prolonging the tattoo's recovery time.
If your job requires you to be physically active, such as construction work or dancing, it's a good idea to get a tattoo when you have 1-2 days off. That way, you have time to recuperate before returning to work
Tips
- Use old, clean sheets for a few nights just in case the tattoo oozes out.
- Visit the tattoo parlor again if your tattoo still needs repair.
- During the tattoo recovery period, make sure all clothes and towels you use are clean.
- Pay close attention to the ingredients in your soaps and lotions to make sure there are no artificial fragrances or alcohol in them.
- You may need someone else's help to treat the tattoo in a hard-to-reach area.
Warning
- Do not wash a new tattoo with hot water.
- Do not shave until the tattoo is fully healed. Make sure the surface of the tattoo is not exposed to shaving cream so it doesn't irritate if you shave the hair around it.
- Do not leave the bandage/plastic film on the tattoo for more than 3 hours.
