So, you’ve finally taken the plunge and gotten a fresh tattoo. Congrats! Whether this is your first tattoo or your fiftieth, it’s important to take proper care of your new ink to heal properly and look great for years to come.
Here are a few tattoo care tips to keep in mind.
Wash It Gently
You’ll want to wash your tattoo several times a day during the healing process—but be careful not to overdo it. Use warm water and mild, unscented soap, and wash the area gently with your hands (no scrubbing!). Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel.
Keep It Moisturized
After you’ve washed your tattoo, use clean hands to apply a small amount of fragrance-free lotion or ointment. A good rule of thumb is to use enough lotion or ointment to make the tattooed area shiny—you don’t want it to be too dry or too wet. Repeat this step 3-5 times daily for the first week or two of healing.
Don’t Pick at It
As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to pick at any scabs or flakes that form on your tattoo during healing. This can cause infection and lead to permanent damage. If you notice any crusting, simply wash the area gently with soap and water.
Try Not to Itch It
We promise you as your new ink heals, it will itch. Resist the urge to scratch it, as this can also cause damage and infection. Instead, try using a cold compress or moisturizing lotion to soothe the area.
Stay Out of the Sun
UV rays can cause fading, so keeping your new tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least the first few weeks of healing is essential. Once it’s healed, apply sunscreen when you spend extended periods outdoors.
Avoid Hot tubs and Pools, and Don’t Soak in the Bathtub!
The combination of heat and bacteria in these environments can lead to an infection, so it’s best to steer clear until your tattoo is completely healed (which usually takes 4-6 weeks). Here are some other things to avoid:
what to avoid while tattoo is healing
Be Patient
Healing takes time, so don’t expect your tattoo to be fully healed overnight. In the meantime, take care of it and follow these aftercare tips to ensure a beautiful, long-lasting result.
Then once it heals, set up an appointment to get your next tattoo! We’ll be here waiting. 😉
Still on the fence about getting a tattoo? Read our article to learn 7 things you should consider before getting one.
Conclusion:
Taking proper care of your tattoo during the healing process is essential for maintaining its appearance for years to come. Following these simple aftercare instructions ensures that your new tattoo heals properly and looks great for years.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Here are some frequently asked questions about tattoo aftercare. If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask your tattoo artist or doctor.
How often should I wash my tattoo?
You should wash your tattoo several times a day during the healing process. Use lukewarm water and mild, unscented antibacterial soap, and wash the area gently with your hands (no scrubbing!). Rinse thoroughly and pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel.
What can I use to moisturize my tattoo?
After you’ve washed your tattoo, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion or ointment. A good rule of thumb is to use enough lotion or ointment to make the tattooed area shiny—you don’t want it to be too dry or too wet. Repeat this step 3-5 times daily for the first week or two of healing.
What should I do if I notice scabs or flakes forming on my tattoo?
As tempting as it may be, resist the urge to pick at any scabs or flakes that form on your tattoo during healing. This can cause infection and lead to permanent damage. If you notice any crusting, simply wash the area gently with soap and water.
How long should I keep my tattoo out of the sun?
UV rays can cause fading, so keeping your new tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least the first few weeks of healing is essential. Once it’s healed, apply sunscreen when you spend extended periods outdoors.
Can I swim or soak in the bathtub while my tattoo heals?
The combination of heat and bacteria in these environments can lead to an infection, so it’s best to steer clear until your tattoo is completely healed (which usually takes 4-6 weeks). After that, you can enjoy swimming and soak to your heart’s content! But if you absolutely have to soak, you should be ok to do so after 2 weeks.
How long does it take for a tattoo to heal?
Most tattoos will take 4-6 weeks to heal completely. However, this can vary depending on the size and location of the tattoo and your body’s natural healing ability.
What are some signs that my tattoo is healing properly?
The healing process may vary from person to person, but you can generally expect your tattoo to undergo three phases: inflammation, regeneration, and maturation. During the initial inflammation phase, you may experience redness, swelling, and tenderness around the tattooed area. This is normal and should subside within a few days. Once the inflammation phase subsides, your body will begin regenerating skin cells and producing new collagen to heal the tattooed area. This process can take up to 6 weeks. Finally, during the maturation phase, your tattoo will continue to heal and adjust to its new environment, becoming less sensitive over time.
What should I do if I notice my tattoo is not healing properly?
If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge beyond the initial inflammation phase, or if your tattoo becomes increasingly painful, itchy, or inflamed, contact your doctor or a dermatologist for further evaluation. These could be signs of an infection or other complications.
Can I go in the sun once my tattoo heals?
Yes, but you should always use sunscreen to protect your tattoo from fading. UV rays can cause fading, so it’s important to keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least the first few weeks of healing. Once it’s healed, apply sunscreen when you spend extended periods outdoors.
Can I swim once my tattoo heals?
Yes, but you should wait until your tattoo is completely healed before getting it wet. This usually takes 4-6 weeks. In the meantime, avoid hot tubs and pools and soaking in the bathtub. The combination of heat and bacteria in these environments can lead to an infection.
I have a tattoo I got when I was younger, and it’s starting to fade. Can I get it touched up?
Yes, you can get your tattoo touched up at any time. However, tattoos will naturally fade over time, so you may need to get them touched up more frequently as you age.
How often should I get my tattoo touched up?
This depends on several factors, including the color of your tattoo, its location, and how well you take care of it. Generally speaking, darker colors will require touch-ups more frequently than lighter colors. Tattoos located on areas of the body that experience a lot of friction (such as the hands, feet, or elbows) will also require touch-ups more frequently than those in other locations. And finally, those who take better care of their tattoos (using sunscreen, for example) will need touch-ups less often than those who don’t.
What is the best way to take care of my tattoo?
The best way to take care of your tattoo is to keep it clean and moisturized. Gently wash the tattooed area with soap and water two to three times a day, and apply a thin layer of lotion or ointment to keep it moist. Be sure to use a product that is fragrance-free and non-irritating, such as Aquaphor or Lubriderm. You should also avoid picking or scratching at the tattoo, as this can lead to infection or other complications. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested in learning more about specialized aftercare products.
Can I get a tattoo if I have a skin condition?
Before getting a tattoo, you should consult a dermatologist if you have a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis, or diabetes. Skin conditions can make it more difficult for tattoos to heal correctly and may also increase the risk of infection.
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Louisiana?
According to Louisiana State Law (below), you have to be eighteen or have the consent of an accompanying parent.
§93.2. Tattooing and body piercing of minors; prohibition A. It is unlawful for any person to tattoo or body pierce any other person under the age of eighteen without the consent of an accompanying parent or tutor of such person. B. It is unlawful for any business entity to pierce the body of any person under the age of eighteen without the consent of a parent or legal custodian of such person. C. Whoever is found guilty of violating the provisions of this Section shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not less than thirty days nor more than one year, or both.
