Essential Tattoo Aftercare for Lasting Beauty
Taking care of tattoo is as essential as the tattoo. Failing to complete some of the steps can lead to your tattoo fading away, infection, or improper healing. That is why proper tattoo aftercare is imperative.
TATTOO AFTERCARE
How to Care for a New Tattoo
The healing begins the moment you walk out of the studio. Keeping the tattoo clean and wrapped prevents complications. Most tattoos are wrapped with a special film, i.e., Saniderm or Second Skin. Wear it for 1 to 3 days, unless it becomes irritating or causes leakage. If it begins peeling, remove it immediately.
If you remove the film too early, rinse your tattoo under cold or warm water with mild soap. Blot gently with a new paper towel. Don’t rub or scratch. Keep your tattoo clean and dry for 24 to 36 hours after application. No use of any cream before the skin is completely closed.
After 3 or 4 days, when the tattoo is no longer painful like an open wound, you can begin applying a thin layer of cream over it during the day and evening. Good tattoo aftercare maintains the skin’s moisture and accelerates healing.
Typical Tattoo Aftercare Procedure:
Initial Protection
Keep your tattoo covered with tattoo derm (bandaging) for 3-4 days. If you notice any leakage from the bandage, remove it immediately as advised by your artist.
Gentle Removal
When it’s time to remove the tattoo derm, do so under running warm water using an unscented soap. Slowly pull the bandage downward to minimize discomfort and avoid damaging your new tattoo.
Drying
Pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel—do not rub—to prevent irritation.
Moisturizing
Wait until your tattoo feels dry, typically after the recommended 4 days, before beginning to apply an unscented moisturizer or specialized tattoo derm care product. This step is crucial for locking in moisture and supporting proper healing.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Clean your tattoo twice daily (morning and night) with warm water and unscented soap. Pat dry and reapply a light layer of moisturizer until your tattoo is fully healed, generally within 21-30 days.
Tattoo Healing Don’ts
For the first 30 days after getting inked, avoid the following to ensure optimal healing:
Direct Sunlight:
Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and irritation.
Water Submersion:
Avoid long periods in baths, swimming pools, or hot tubs.
Exfoliation:
Do not exfoliate, shave, or wax the tattooed area.
Unnecessary Contact:
Minimize touching the tattoo, especially with unclean hands or exposure to pets.
Inappropriate Moisturizers:
Steer clear of petroleum-based products like petroleum jelly, which can hinder the healing process.
Share Your Success
Once your tattoo has healed, send a photo to your tattoo artist. They love to see their work in its final, healed state and can determine if you might benefit from a touch-up.
Long-Term Tattoo Care
Your tattoo’s longevity is largely in your hands. Once your tattoo is completely healed, it’s necessary to shift your focus to maintaining its appearance. You invested a lot of money on your tattoos – it’s important to preserve that investment and protect the health and integrity of the tattoo! To keep your artwork looking its best:
Moisturize Regularly
Keep the tattooed area hydrated to maintain its vibrancy.
Sun Protection
Always apply a high-SPF sunscreen on healed tattoos to prevent fading and preserve sharp details.
Consistent Skin Care
Practice good skin care habits to ensure your tattoo ages gracefully over time.
PIERCING AFTERCARE
How to Take Care of Your New Piercing
Follow Your Piercer’s Instructions
Proper healing for your new piercing depends on diligent care and following the specialized instructions provided by your piercer.
General Piercing Aftercare Guidelines:
Healing Timeline:
Most piercings take a month or longer to fully heal. It’s normal to experience some initial bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or bruising.
Expected Symptoms:
Mild discoloration, itching, and a light-colored scab may form around the jewelry as your tissue tightens during healing.
Cleaning Instructions
Daily Cleaning:
Clean your piercing twice a day with either Bactine or a saline solution. Always wash your hands before touching the piercing.
Bedding Hygiene:
Keep your bedding clean and change it regularly to minimize contamination risks.
Things to Avoid
To prevent complications such as scar tissue, migration, or prolonged healing:
Friction & Excessive Movement:
Avoid undue trauma from clothing friction or frequent handling of the jewelry.
Harsh Chemicals:
Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Betadine, Hibiclens, or any ointments on your piercing.
Over-Cleaning:
Excessive cleaning can delay healing and irritate the piercing.
Bodily Fluid Exposure:
Avoid oral contact, rough play, and exposure to others’ bodily fluids near the piercing.
Water Submersion:
Do not submerge your piercing in lakes, pools, or jacuzzis. If necessary, protect it with a waterproof bandage like Tegaderm.
Cosmetic Products:
Keep all beauty and personal care products away from the piercing area.
Additional Adornments:
Do not hang charms or any extra objects on your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.
Have Questions?
At 905 INK, we’re dedicated to making your tattoo and piercing experiences as memorable, comfortable, and successful as possible. If you have any questions or need further clarification on our aftercare guidelines, please contact us by phone or email. Our friendly team is always happy to help.
