A tattoo is more than just a piece of art on your skin. It’s also a wound that needs to be healed. The final result will depend on your skin type and the tattoo aftercare you provide, which is crucial to prevent complications.
It’s likely that the person who tattooed you gave you instructions on how to heal properly, and it’s essential to follow them to the letter before moving on to any other written instructions.
Here’s a guide to help you with any questions you may have about tattoo aftercare in the first days.
How to Care for a Tattoo in 15 Simple Steps
Wash your hands before touching the tattoo. Especially in the first days, when the risk of infection is higher, since the wound is open. Think about the millions of bacteria that can be on your hands after touching money or holding onto a bus pole…
All those bacteria can infect your tattoo and cause it to lose color if you touch it with dirty hands. That’s why it’s essential to know how to do it correctly to avoid any problems. Here’s a small guide:
Keep the tattoo covered for 2 hours after it’s been done (or a maximum of 4 hours). Once you’re home, remove the plastic wrap, wash it, apply cream, and let it air out carefully, making sure it doesn’t touch anything.
The reason for covering it with plastic wrap for the first 2 hours is to avoid the risk of infection during that period when the risk is higher, but keep in mind that the tattoo is still a wound, and wounds heal with oxygen. So, we should keep it in the air as much as possible, avoiding friction.
Cover the tattoo with plastic wrap without cream on the first night.
The first night, keep it covered with transparent plastic wrap to avoid friction with the sheets, but don’t apply cream, as this would cause over-hydration, which would be detrimental to the conservation of the ink.
Wash the tattoo 3 times a day with cold water and neutral soap.
Washing is simply to clean and disinfect the tattoo of any possible ink or blood discharge. The soap should be neutral, and it’s not recommended to use homemade soap. The washing should be gentle, never pressing or rubbing. Don’t apply the soap directly to the wound.
Dry it with a gentle pat or let it air dry (Never with towels or bathroom paper).
Towels usually harbor bacteria since they’ve been used by multiple people, which could infect your tattoo. On the other hand, bathroom paper can leave behind residues that could stick to the wound, so the best option is to use paper towels or let it air dry.
Keep the tattoo hydrated with a thin layer of the recommended cream at least 5 times a day. A common mistake is applying too much cream. Before applying the cream, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Remember that if you apply too much cream, the tattoo won’t breathe, and you know that wounds heal with oxygen. On the other hand, if you don’t hydrate it enough and let it dry out, the scab will fall off too quickly, causing color loss. So, the best option is to apply thin layers of cream many times a day to keep the tattoo hydrated.
Use the recommended cream and no other. Apply a new layer when the previous one has almost been absorbed or when the tattoo starts to crack.
We recommend creams that we have previously tested and proven to be very effective for any type of skin. We also look for creams that spread easily so that when you apply them, they don’t cause small scabs to form and that last long enough to avoid being absorbed too quickly by the skin and causing the tattoo to dry out before you even notice.
Avoid exposing the tattoo to the sun. Don’t go to the pool or beach for at least 2 weeks.
The sun eats away at the color, so it shouldn’t be exposed to it in the first days, and once it’s healed, use sunscreen to prevent it from fading.
On the other hand, pools have many bacteria that could infect the tattoo, and the water could cause the scab to soften and fall off.
Don’t scratch or rub the wound. If you expose the wound to friction or dirt, cover it with plastic wrap for the minimum amount of time possible.
The tattoo will itch, and that’s normal. The itch is caused by the skin slowly peeling off and rubbing against the new skin underneath. Be careful not to scratch, as you’ll pull off the scabs. If you’re going to work or do some physical activity that will expose your tattoo to dirt, it’s better to cover it, as the wound may not breathe, but at least you’ll prevent it from getting infected.
At home, keep the tattoo in the air and hydrated. If you need to wear a shirt over it, make sure it’s soft, loose, and doesn’t shed fibers.
If the tattoo is done on a lower extremity (legs or feet), don’t stand for more than 2 hours at a time.
It’s not recommended to exercise for at least the first week: sweat and constant movement can cause the scab to fall off before it’s expected to. If it’s on the foot, the natural friction from the shoe or simply walking can cause the tattoo to be less clear than on other parts of the body or even fade away.
If it’s done near the hands, be aware that you’re at a higher risk of infection and need to be more rigorous with washing.
When it comes to the hand or fingers, the natural friction from using them for everything can cause the tattoo to be less clear than on other parts of the body or even fade away. Be extra careful not to get it too wet.
Keep the aftercare for at least 2 or 3 weeks.
Don’t take drugs or alcohol during the healing process or before the procedure.
Alcohol is a vasodilator, which means it makes blood more liquid. If you drink alcohol before getting a tattoo, you’ll bleed more, which will cause ink to be expelled with the blood, and the artist will have to work harder to get the color in, and even then, the result won’t be the same as if you hadn’t drunk.
After getting a tattoo, it’s also not recommended to drink alcohol, as it will cause more blood to be expelled, along with ink, which will cause your tattoo to lose color.
Attend the scheduled follow-up appointment.
The artist knows perfectly well if you’ve taken care of the tattoo or not just by looking at it. In no case will they cover up touch-ups due to poor aftercare, failure to attend the follow-up appointment within the scheduled time, or if the tattoo is on the hands, feet, fingers, elbows, or knees.
How often should I apply cream to my tattoo?
For tattoo aftercare it’s recommended to apply cream to your tattoo every time you wash it for the first 10-15 days after getting tattooed.
It’s also a good idea to use the cream regularly once the tattoo has healed. This will help keep it looking great, with vibrant colors (if it has any).
How often should I wash my tattoo?
Wash it 2-3 times a day, following the instructions of the person who tattooed you. If your tattoo is on your hand, wrist, or foot, or any other area that’s more exposed to germs, you may have been advised to wash it more than 3 times a day.
How to aftercare tattoo in the summer
If you’ve decided to get a tattoo in the middle of summer :(, don’t worry. In addition to taking precautions, there are a series of care steps you can take to ensure that your new tattoo design doesn’t suffer any damage with tihis aftercare tatto:
- Immediately after getting the tattoo, you should cover it and apply a topical cream to promote healing. Once you’ve arrived home, you can let it air out and wash it several times a day with mild soap, applying a protective layer of topical cream.
- When going out, try to keep the tattoo completely covered. You can use transparent paper to protect the tattoo with cream and then apply a bandage to protect it from the sun. It’s essential to avoid direct sunlight for at least the first 4 weeks.
- Whenever you arrive home, remove the paper and bandage and proceed to clean it with water and mild soap to remove sweat and dirt residue.
- Try to avoid scratching the area as much as possible. Between the sweat and the scab, it’s normal for it to itch, but avoid scratching it. Instead, press gently on the area.
- Regarding baths in pools or the ocean, it’s strongly discouraged for at least the first 3 weeks, as chlorine and salt can damage the tattoo design and hinder the healing process.
How long does it take for a tattoo to heal in the summer
A tattoo typically takes up to three months to fully heal. However, it’s confirmed that from the first month, the first layers of the skin start to close, and it’s easier to care for and maintain.
Therefore, a tattoo in the summer, just like in any other season, the healing time, if proper care is followed, will be between 1 to 3 months.
About Author
- https://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine
- Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.
As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.
Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.
My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.
But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.
So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!
