The excitement of a new tattoo should be followed by self disciplined regime of aftercare. Tattoo aftercare is an important part of preserving a tattoo. Proper aftercare will avoid infection risk and facilitate healing process after a new tattoo. This guide will provide detailed instructions on how to care for a new tattoo!!
1. Listen to your tattoo artist’s advice
Carefully listen to the instructions & different ideas your artist gives you for the best healing of the newly inked tattoo. His list of do’s & don’ts will be a big helping hand for the Hassle free healing of the tattoo.
2. Make sure your artist covers your new tattoo with a bandage
Tattoos are basically the wounds which invite bacterial & viral infection. Hence it is very necessary to wrap the tattoo with a bandage on with minimum of one hour and maximum as suggested by the tattoo artist.
3. Wash your tattoo well after removing the bandage
Clean the tattoo with Luke-warm water & a mild soap ensuring that there is no high pressure hit on the wound (shower) for couple of days.
4. Pat dry tattoo with a clean paper towel
Do not scrub the wet tattoo. Instead gently pat dry it with a clean paper towel.
5. Keep it moisturized
It is very important to keep the new tattoo well moisturized all the time. Dry area will induce itching. Hence apply a good thin layer of moisturizer on the fresh tattoo. This will help a lot in the healing process.
6. Repeat the cleaning process
Keep the tattoo area utmost clean until it is completely healed. Continuous cleaning the tattoo will keep the area germs free and hence help in avoiding the infection. This will facilitate speedy healing process.
7. Avoid water activities
Avoid soaking the tattoo in water for a long time. Swimming and other tub activities with delay the healing process hence should be avoided until the tattoo is healed completely. Also avoid direct pressure-hitting shower on the wound for couple of days after tattooing.
8. Avoid Direct Sun exposure
Direct sun exposure will delay the healing process of the new tattoo. Even after the tattoo is healed, direct sun-rays will cause the fading of the tattoo. Hence it is very necessary to apply a good sun protecting lotion on the new tattoo. Also direct sun exposure can be avoided by the wearing full-sleeves shirts, scarf & bandanas.
9. Have patience!!
How well you have followed the aftercare instructions will determine the healing period of the new tattoo. It also depends on the skin type of the person, the size of the tattoo and the placement area of it. Meanwhile avoid getting panicked. Right state of mind will aid in healing the process of the new tattoo.
Thank you for helping me to understand that sunlight can slow down the process of healing for a tattoo. I was thinking that it would be a good idea for me to get a tattoo on my back that represents my cultural heritage. I’ll be sure to avoid being out in the sun for too long once it is finished.
Henry Killingsworth
Thank you for helping me to understand that sunlight can slow down the process of healing for a tattoo. I was thinking that it would be a good idea for me to get a tattoo on my back that represents my cultural heritage. I’ll be sure to avoid being out in the sun for too long once it is finished.