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You’ve just gotten a brand-new tattoo that you’re thrilled about! Now, it’s essential to learn how to care for it properly to keep your skin healthy and your tattoo looking vibrant. Since tattoo ink is injected into the skin, your tattoo is essentially an open wound that requires careful attention. Start by removing the bandage and cleaning the tattoo. Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions and wash the tattoo three times a day for at least two weeks. After the first wash, you can shower normally. Avoid hot water and strong water pressure to minimize irritation.
Steps
Handling the Bandage
Follow your tattoo artist’s advice on when to remove the bandage. Tattoos heal at different rates depending on factors like skin sensitivity, size, and depth of the tattoo. Your artist will tell you how long to keep the bandage on.
- If they don’t mention it, make sure to ask.
- After finishing, the artist will clean the tattoo and apply an antibacterial ointment. They’ll then bandage it to prevent infection.
Wait 2-3 hours before removing the bandage if you weren’t given specific instructions. If you forgot to ask or couldn’t reach your tattoo artist, wait around 2-3 hours. For larger tattoos, you might need to wait up to 6 hours. This allows the tattoo to recover from the initial shock before you shower.
- Make sure to remove the bandage on the first day, as bacteria can thrive in the moist environment under the bandage.
Remove the bandage before showering. Before touching the bandage, wash your hands thoroughly. Use warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds, then you can take the bandage off.
- Avoid showering with the bandage still on. Water can seep into the bandage and get trapped on the tattoo, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
Remove the bandage under the shower if it’s stuck to the tattoo. Sometimes, the bandage may stick to the tattoo and cause pain when you try to peel it off. In this case, let warm water from the shower indirectly loosen the adhesive, then proceed to wash the tattoo.
Washing the Tattoo
Wait about 24 hours before showering. Ask your tattoo artist for the best waiting time. However, in general, you can shower 24 hours after getting the tattoo.
- Waiting 2 days gives your skin more time to form a protective layer over the tattoo.
Use lukewarm water for showering. Hot water can cause irritation, so it’s best to avoid it. Hot water also opens up pores, which can lead to tattoo fading if exposed too early, so it’s even more important to steer clear.
- Rinse the tattoo with cool water for about 30 seconds after showering to help close the pores.
Adjust the showerhead for a gentle flow or keep the tattoo away from direct water pressure. Avoid strong water jets on the tattoo, as this can cause irritation. If your shower only has a strong spray, let the water flow indirectly onto the tattoo.
- You can also use a clean cup or your hand to gently pour water over the tattoo.
Gently apply a mild, fragrance-free soap to the tattoo. Any gentle soap will work, from bar soap to liquid hand soap. You can use antibacterial soap if preferred. Lather the soap in your hands, then apply it to the tattoo.
- Use only your fingers to gently clean. Avoid loofahs and sponges until the tattoo is fully healed, as these can harbor bacteria.
- There may be dried blood or debris on the tattoo that needs to be removed. However, avoid scrubbing to prevent irritation.
Rinse the tattoo gently with water. Once the soap is applied, pour water over the tattoo to rinse it off. If needed, use your fingers to lightly rub under the water to ensure all soap is removed.
- Limit your time in the shower. Prolonged exposure to steam, water, and soap can cause discomfort and irritation, so keep showers brief. Additionally, try to avoid letting water run directly on the tattoo while washing the rest of your body for at least a week.
Pat dry with a clean, soft towel. Avoid rubbing the tattoo with the towel, as this can cause irritation. Simply dab the tattoo gently until it’s dry. You may notice a little bleeding, but this is normal.
- You can use a paper towel if a clean towel isn’t available or if your towel tends to leave fibers on the skin. Dirty towels can lead to infections.
Keeping the Tattoo Clean
Wash the tattoo three times a day during the first week to keep it clean. Maintaining good hygiene during the healing process is crucial to prevent infections. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap and your fingers to gently clean the tattoo. Rinse it thoroughly with water.
- Pat it dry with a clean towel.
Apply a moisturizing ointment to the tattoo once it’s dry. Choose a fragrance-free ointment, preferably one that’s hypoallergenic to avoid irritating the tattooed skin. Use clean hands to apply it.
- Start with an ointment. After about a week, you can switch to a lotion.
Leave the tattoo uncovered to let it breathe. Avoid rebandaging after applying moisturizer. You only need to keep the bandage on for the first day. After that, allow the tattoo to be exposed to fresh air.
Avoid soaking in a bathtub while the tattoo heals. Sitting in a tub of water can introduce bacteria to the tattoo. Instead, opt for showers, as they pose a lower risk of infection.
Avoid swimming pools and natural bodies of water. Large water areas are filled with bacteria that can enter the wound. Wait until your tattoo is fully healed before swimming.
- The healing process can take anywhere from 45 days to 6 months, depending on the size and depth of the tattoo.
- You should also avoid gym workouts to prevent sweat and bacteria buildup on the skin.
Tips
- If you have no other option but to take a bath, make it as quick as possible and wash the tattoo afterward.
- Avoid applying too much ointment to the tattoo. Use a thin layer to ensure the tattoo can breathe.
Warnings
- Avoid soaking the tattoo in water until it’s fully healed.
What You'll Need
- Soap
- Water
- Towel
- Moisturizing Ointment
