What To Do After Getting A New Tattoo

HEY! Congratulations on your new tattoo. Finally, you got the tattoo that you always wanted. Now, here comes the difficult part, taking care of the tattoo. If it is not done right, it can destroy or skew a well-designed expensive tattoo. Not only because touch-ups can be expensive, but also you have to take care of the tattoo to make sure that you don’t get a skin infection or something unpleasant. A proper tattoo aftercare routine can protect your tattoo from many complications. After getting a new tattoo, your tattoo artist may provide you some instructions about tattoo aftercare which you have to do from the day after getting the tattoo or you can just follow these steps while your new tattoo heals. Because here I’m going to discuss in detail “What to do after getting a tattoo?”

1. DON’T REMOVE THE COVERING TOO SOON FOR THE NEW TATTOO

When the tattoo is done, your tattoo artist will clean the area and apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment over the tattoo. Then he would cover the area in a bandage or plastic wrap. This process is used, to protect the tattoo from dirt and prevent bacteria from getting into your skin. The majority of advice will tell you to leave the covering on the tattoo for the first 2-3hours (depends on the size and type of your tattoo).

Though different tattoo artists have different techniques of covering new tattoos. Some tattoo artists recommend that rewrap the tattoo for the first night and also some artists may not cover the tattoo at all, it’s depending on the products or method they use to do with their tattoo. So, I suggest you ask your tattoo artist for specifics about how long to wait for removing the covering.

2. WASH YOUR HAND THEN GENTLY WASH THE TATTOO

First, wash your hand with any mild anti-microbial soap and clean water. Pull the covering off slowly and carefully hence you don’t damage your new tattoo. Then gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water (it helps to prevent the bandage from sticking to your skin) and fragrance-free soap or anti-microbial soap. Don’t be hurry, be gentle and don’t scrub when washing the tattoo, and be sure to pat your skin dry. Try to use those products whose ingredients are meant for tattoos, such as Tattoo Goo Deep Cleansing Soap, Carex, etc.

3. APPLY MOISTURIZER

After washing the tattoo, you should apply a thin layer of non-scented, antimicrobial, and alcohol-free moisturizer to the tattoo. Some of the tattoo artists recommend Tattoo Goo lotion and Salve for healing tattoos because these products are containing the same natural components lost by the skin during the tattooing process.

4. AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT

Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight until it’s necessary. Make sure you’re using good sunscreen whenever you go outside in a day. Because UV rays may cause your skin to blister, irritate and fade some of the colors from your colored tattoo. So, it’s best to keep the tattoo covered and away from the direct sunlight for at least 2-4 weeks until the basic healing is complete.

You should continue these four steps until the tattoo fully heal. Normally it can take 2-5 weeks to heal, depending on the size, type, and location of the tattoo. But many tattoo artists also think that it’s maybe possible to reduce the healing time if the tattoo is properly cared for. Anyway, no matter how long it takes to heal, now you will have to wait until the tattoo heals completely.

Let’s talk about TATTOO’S HEALING PROCESS. The entire healing process can take several months but the initial healing usually takes a couple of weeks. And it’s different for every person, size, and design of the tattoo.

TATTOO HEALING STAGES FOR NEW TATTOO

Day-1 (Inflammation, Oozing, and redness)

This is the first stage of tattoo healing. It may last from day 1 to day 6. In this stage, your body will be responding to injury and there also may present redness, oozing, small inflammation or swelling, and a burning sensation. You can also notice that a small amount of fluid or ink coming from your tattoo or the skin around the tattoo is very red and tender. Don’t worry, it’s normal for a new tattoo and it’s called “weeping”. This condition will last for a week and symptoms should improve significantly each day but if the redness and oozing don’t subside after a week then you should consult with your tattoo artist or physician who is an expert in this matter.

Week-1(Itching, flaking, and visible recovery)

As the healing process continues, you may experience itching and flaking in this stage. Itching is not uncommon for a wound when it heals whereas a tattoo is essentially a wound. On the other hand, Flaky skin is also nothing to be concerned about, it’s a natural response of the body.

Week-2(peeling and scabbing)

In this stage of healing, the tattoo will probably begin to peel. But this is not a cause for concern because peeling is a very normal part of the healing process, as the skin rids itself of damaged cells. Also, this time, as the skin is healing but people may notice some scabbing. It’s okay!

This is a normal recovery process of the body. Don’t try to pick the scabs, as this can lead to scarring. It may also become very itchy. But you should try to resist the urge of scratching or picking at scabs. It is said that an ice pack can help to numb the itch, so you can try this. Put an ice pack over the tattooed area to numb the itch. If this itchy feeling makes you feel more uncomfortable then you can consult with your tattoo artist. He may recommend you a hydrating lotion or moisturizer which can keep the tattoo hydrated and may cause itching. If this itchiness gets unbearable for you then ask your doctor about taking an OTC (over-the-counter) “Antihistamine”.

Week 3 & 4(Last basic stage of healing)

In the third and fourth weeks, most of the scabs and peeling skin should have gone, a tattoo may begin to dry out and the itchiness should pass. Tattoo artists suggest that continue to moisturize the skin to hydrate it if it feels dry. The outer layers of your skin should have healed entirely, as they are regenerated but the lower layers of the skin may take several months to heal completely.

It’s not always the case that the tattoo will heal properly without any hassle. Occasionally, some problems may see during healing. It’s important to know the signs symptoms that the tattoo isn’t healing properly or it becomes infected. If the tattoo isn’t properly healing then it may show some sign. For example—

Sign-Symptoms of improper healing

Fever or chills. Fever or chills 102°F (38.9°C or more) is a sign of infection. If your tattoo is infected then your fever will be present and you should consult with a doctor.
Tenderness. Tenderness may present if the tattoo becomes infected.
Redness. Redness is normal for the first few days of tattooing. But if the redness doesn’t subside, it’s a sign that the tattoo isn’t healing properly.
Itching or hives. Itchy tattoos are also a sign that there happens an allergic reaction in your body.
Fluid or pus coming out of the tattooed area. Fluid and pus may be coming from the tattoo after 2 – 3days if the tattoo is infected.
Scarring. A scab is normal for any wound, but a well-healed tattoo shouldn’t scar.
The skin may be swollen and puffy.
Red lesions and streaking around the tattooed area.

Influencing factors that may affect the healing process

Poor tattoo hygiene: Improper tattoo hygiene can cause infection which slows down the healing process and can lead to various health issues.
Poor tattoo techniques: Poor tattoo techniques can cause additional skin trauma.
The size and location of the tattoo: The size and location of the tattoo can have an impact on the tattoo healing process as well. For example- If tattoos are done near the joints or the area that flex will take a longer time to heal than those in areas that do not move as much. And also, larger tattoos will take more time to heal than smaller ones.
Tattooing device and color of ink: The type of tattooing device and the color of ink can also affect healing time. For example- red pigments are causes delayed hypersensitivity reactions and slow down the healing process.
Poor tattoo-aftercare routine: A well-maintained tattoo aftercare is very important for tattooing. It helps to heal tattoos quickly without arising any complications.
Health issues: Several health issues can also affect the healing time.

Tattoo aftercare tips

Here are some tattoo aftercare tips which help you for proper tattoo healing.

Wash the tattoo regularly. Don’t scrub the tattoo when washing it.
Proper moisturize the tattoo with a suitable cream which ingredients are made for the tattoo.
Use sunscreen to protect the tattoo from the sun.
Try not to keep your tattoo wet for a prolonged time.
Avoid using tanning beds.
Avoid the use of prolonged scalding hot water because it can fade the ink of the tattoo.
Try not to wear clothes that will stick and irritate your tattoo.
Try to avoid doing any strenuous workouts until the tattoo fully heals.

Heads Up

If you are looking for tattoo aftercare tips and products, these two articles might be helpful

1. Tattoo Aftercare Products Discussion

2. Best Tattoo Aftercare Products

FAQ On New Tattoos

Is it normal for a tattoo to itch?

Yes. It is normal to experience itching. Because the tattoo is a wound, the body must repair the wound in the same way it would for a cut or scratch. While any part of our skin is healing, the itching will often occur.

Is it possible that tattoos cause acne?

Yes, it can. We know tattooing creates numerous puncture wounds in the skin. Sometimes this process may trigger pimples or rashes in people who have sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Can I use coconut oil on my tattoos?

Actually, there’s no scientific proof that coconut oil is good for tattoos but people in Polynesian for example- Samoans, have been using coconut oil on their tattoos for many years. They apply it when the tattoo is done or when it heals. I think here the only benefit is shining the tattoo. Because coconut oil makes the tattoo design shine. Again, this is often said that coconut oil keeps the skin moist and protects against infection. That’s why many people believe that, if it is used on tattoos then the tattoo will probably be moist and will be protected from infection. Yet all that evidence is anecdotal and there’s no scientific proof that it works.

Is tattoo aftercare important to do every day?

It is important to do regular aftercare for the first four weeks after getting a tattoo. Because this is the healing time. If this time you don’t take care of your tattoo properly then your tattoo will have a great chance of becoming infected.

What if I don’t do tattoo aftercare after getting a tattoo?

Tattoo aftercare is a very important part of tattooing. If you don’t do it then your tattoo can lead to scabbing or scarring and the tattoo will not heal quickly also your tattoo can become infected causes of affected any microbial agent. Not only just this but also there could be many more complications that can occur.

Is there any different moisturizer for tattoos?

Yes. There are many different types of moisturizers from different companies which are used only for tattoo moisturizing. Such as Woo Aftercare moisturizer, H2Ocean Aquatat Moisturizer, After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer and Aftercare Lotion, etc.

How long does it take for a tattoo to heal completely?

Actually, it varies from person to person and also depends on the location, size, and type of the tattoo. Normally it takes 2-4weeks to heal the outer layer of your skin and the lower layers of the skin may take several months to heal completely.

The Bottom Line

Proper tattoo aftercare protects your tattoo from infection, helps the tattoo to heal faster & makes the tattoo last longer and shiny, and much more. So, taking care of your tattoo is important for you and your tattoo. Everyone who gets a tattoo should be aware of the tattoo aftercare. You can have a great experience with your tattoo if you persevere until the tattoo heals completely. Let’s be patient, care for, and enjoy your tattoo.