Tattoo Aftercare

You've finally done it. You've taken the plunge and gotten a tattoo. Whether it's your first or your fiftieth, a new tattoo is an exciting addition to your life. But with that excitement comes a certain level of responsibility. After all, you now have a permanent piece of artwork on your body that needs to be taken care of!

Day 1 Of Tattoo Aftercare

After your tattoo is finished, we will cover your tattoo with a bandage or wrap. We suggest leaving this wrap on for 2 to 4 hours. Your artist will inform you with detailed instructions for aftercare before you leave.

Once you remove the wrap, you will notice your skin will look red and feel irritated, and you may also see ink, plasma, and/or blood discharging. This is normal and a part of the healing process. After you remove the wrap, you need to wash your tattoo.

First, wash your hands with soap and water. Once your hands are clean, wash your tattoo with fragrance-free antibacterial soap and lukewarm water.

When cleaning your tattoo, it is important to do the following:

• Do not scrub your tattoo.
• Let the water and soap wash over your tattoo.
• Use lukewarm water.
• Do not let the stream of water directly hit your tattoo. Use your hand to gently slosh the soapy water over the tattoo.
• When finished cleaning the tattoo, gently pat the tattoo dry with a paper towel.
• Apply a fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer.

It's very important to let your tattoo breathe during the healing process. If you can, leave it unwrapped as long as possible. However, if your tattoo will be exposed to sunlight or fabric rubbing against it for a long time, you'll want to wrap it up to protect it.

Days 2 to 3 of Aftercare

As your skin heals, the tattoo will look duller and cloudy. This is normal and just means that your body is doing its thing. Scabs will start to form as it heals, and it's important not to pick at them.

Clean your tattoo twice a day. After washing it, apply a fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer.

You may notice a small amount of ink running when washing your tattoo. This is excess ink that is coming up through your skin and is completely normal.

Days 4 to 6 of Aftercare

You should see the redness around your new tattoo start to fade and disappear within a few days. You may also notice some light scabs on your tattoo's outer surface. These scabs are likely thinner than regular scabs, but they'll still be raised above the skin's surface. Avoid picking at these scabs, as this can lead to scarring. Keep washing your new tattoo daily with fragrance-free soap and apply an alcohol-free moisturizer.

Days 6 to 14

At this point in the healing process, your scabs should have hardened and will begin to flake off.

You may feel an itchy sensation in places that have open wounds. Gently rub on a fragrance-free and alcohol-free moisturizer 2-3 times a day to relieve your skin.

If you are still experiencing redness or swelling, there might be an infection present. Contact your artist or see a doctor as soon as possible.

Days 15 to 30

This is the last stage of the healing process, and most of your big flakes should be gone. You might still see some scabs, but those are about to go away too.

In this stage, your tattooed area might still look dry and dull because many dead skin cells have built up. Keep moisturizing until it doesn't look so dark and icky anymore.

It'll take anywhere from 3-4 months for the lower layers to completely heal. By the time your third month is up, you'll get to see how bright and vivid your tattoo can be!

What to Look for If Your Tattoo Is Not Healing Properly

The first few days after getting a tattoo, your skin may be red and sore. You may experience fluid, blood and excess ink leaking from the tattoo site. This is normal, and should subside in the coming days.

If your tattoo is not healing properly, there are a few things you can look for:

• First, check the area around your tattoo for any redness, swelling, or discharge. Contact your tattoo artist or doctor immediately if you see any of these signs.
• Second, make sure you are keeping the area clean and dry. Use mild soap and water to cleanse the area, and pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Be sure to avoid scrubbing the area, as this can irritate the skin and slow down the healing process.
• Finally, keep an eye on any changes in the color or texture of your tattoo. If you notice anything unusual, contact your tattoo artist or doctor immediately.

Tips for Keeping Your Tattoo Looking Its Best

Assuming you have followed your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions, a few general tips will help keep your tattoo looking its best for years to come:

• Keep it clean: Wash daily with fragrance-free soaps.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin moisturized.
• Watch what you wear: Wear SPF clothing or apply sunscreen once fully healed to protect the tattoo from sun damage. Avoid scratchy fabrics, such as wool, which can irritate or damage the art.

These guidelines are going to help you care for your tattoo. They're based on decades of experience from professional tattoo artists, years of advice from respected industry professionals and medical professionals who have knowledge about skin care. Keep in mind that everyone's body is unique and many factors influence how skin heals.

If you have any questions or concerns about your tattoo do not hesitate to reach out to your artist or your doctor.