You made it; you’ve gotten some ink! Now for the part that won’t involve needles but is equally important—aftercare! How you treat your tattoo in the days and weeks to come will really help determine how well it heals and how its appearance will endure in the long run.
Here Is Your Shortcut Guide to Tattoo Aftercare
1. Respect Your Artist
First and foremost, follow the aftercare instructions the tattoo artist gives you. Every tattoo artist has his or her aftercare routine based on personal experience and decorating method. We’ll provide you with personalized care steps before you can walk out the door.
2. Don’t Tear Off the Bandage Right Away
Your tattoo artist will have covered your tattoo with a bandage or wrap—don’t rip it off right away. It should remain for the time instructed by your artist, generally between 2 and 24 hours. This mostly protects from bacteria while the wound is still fresh.
3. Wash It Gently
After taking off the bandage, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and colorless soap. Gentle hands are best to use—don’t use anything abrasive like a washcloth or sponge so as not to irritate the skin. Pat dry with a clean towel or allow it to air dry completely.
4. Moisturizing, but Not Too Much
Apply a very thin layer of unscented, alcohol-free moisturizing lotion or a tattoo aftercare ointment, as recommended. Don’t drown it. Overdoing it will seal in the tattoo and delay the healing process.
5. No Scratching or Picking
Your tattoo will at some point scab and/or peel—completely normal in the healing process. Try to resist the urge to scratch or pick it, even if it itches. This can cause the tattoo to scar or cause your skin to pull the ink right out.
6. Stay Out of the Sun and Water
Keeping it out of the direct sun for at least two weeks would do a world of good for your tattoo. No soaking it, either: in pools, hot tubs, or long baths! Showers are just fine—just keep the tattoo clean and dry after.
7. Wear Loose Clothes
Loose clothing. Tight clothing rubbing against your new tattoo would cause unnecessary irritation. Therefore, choose airy and loose fabrics, especially if the tattoo is in a friction-prone area.
8. Keep It Clean Always
Your skin is healing an open wound. Keep your hands clean before touching it, avoid dirty environments, be mindful of surfaces, and items that might touch your tattoo.
This post was written by J Michael Taylor. J Michael Taylor is an artist and the owner of Black Amethyst Tattoo Gallery. Black Amethyst is the best tattoo artist in St Petersburg, FL shops. They provide an art-first approach to custom tattooing in a gallery setting.