How to look after a new tattoo

So you took the plunge and got your new tattoo! What’s next? Everybody who has had a tattoo before knows that the tattoo hurts (unless you’re using our numbing cream!) but the aftercare is the most irritating. When a tattoo is healing, you have to endure the itching, the stinging and the peeling. The aftercare process is the worst, especially if you don’t know the remedy for a quicker healing process. This problem can be especially bad if you don’t get any aftercare advice from your tattoo artist… 7 states in America have no regulations at all on tattoos! Don’t fear, we have you covered. This blog will discuss how to look after a new tattoo and speed up the healing process. Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

If you have it- follow your artist’s advice

Different artists have different opinions regarding how to look after a new tattoo. After all, everybody has different experiences. Your tattoo artist will have the best advice catered to you. This is because they know exactly what procedure suit’s their style and ink. They also know what you have had done, so can personalise the healing methods (for example, a fully coloured tattoo could take longer to heal). Most tattoo artists will print out a leaflet with advice on how to look after a new tattoo. 

Leave the covering over the tattoo for 2-5 hours

After getting your tattoo, your artist will cover the tattoo with clingfilm or another form of coverage. This will help keep any nasty germs at bay, and also helps to stop any clothing or material from rubbing and irritating the tattoo. Most people leave the original clingfilm on for 2-5 hours and then gently wash the area with tattoo soap. Some people then re-wrap the area before they get into bed so that their bedding material doesn’t irritate the tattoo.

Gently wash the tattoo until it is completely healed

Whatever you do, don’t use normal soap on your tattoo for the first 3 weeks after getting it. The chemicals in the soap can irritate the skin, making you want to scratch it more often. As a result of this, your tattoo will take longer to heal. Don’t worry you can still wash your tattoo, just use tattoo aftercare soap (soap specific for new tattoos). Your tattoo should heal in 2-3 weeks, just keep an eye on it. When it stops peeling and itching, it should be ready to use normal soap. 

Apply unscented moisturizer

You should apply unscented moisturizer 3 times a day. Your tattoo artist will advise which moisturizer is best for how to look after a new tattoo, we recommend using an aftercare salve. The best time to apply the moisturizer is when you are likely to remember it. We recommend applying it when you wake up in the morning, after a shower and before you go to bed at night. 

Don’t go in the bath 

Soaking your tattoo in water for a substantial amount of time could increase the likelihood of your tattoo getting infected. This is because it is exposed to bacteria. Soaking it in water can also dry out the skin, which can lead to cracking and scarring. Don’t worry- showers are fine! 

Use a high SPF in the sun

Some colours are more susceptible to fading in the sun. When in sunlight, use a high SPF on your tattoos (after they have healed) and cover them up if you are going to be exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. 

NEVER scratch your tattoo

When the tattoo is healing, it will scab up and flake. During this process, fighting the urge to scratch the tattoo can be extremely difficult. If you really can’t resist scratching the area, try slapping the area gently instead. Slapping the area can stop you from peeling off the skin further. The tattoo won’t fade as much and parts of the tattoo won’t be missing if you use this method! 

Be patient 

Your tattoo will heal eventually, you just need to be patient and take good care of it. If you follow through with how to look after a new tattoo, it should take about a month to fully heal. If the tattoo is still bleeding after a couple of days or the tattoo is raised, send your tattoo artists a few photographs and ask for their advice. Getting infected by a tattoo is rare, but it can happen.