So you’ve just gotten a fresh tattoo, and you’re wondering “how do I heal my tattoo?” . We have you covered!
Proper tattoo aftercare starts as soon as you walk out the door of the studio and is imperative to ensure making your tattoo last the test of time. Whilst tattoos are permanent, you can definitely tell the difference between a well healed tattoo and one that hasn’t been looked after properly. Here at Authentink, we strive ourselves on making sure that your tattoo looks amazing for a lifetime and the first step is aftercare. In order to keep your tattoo looking brand new, it is now your duty to take care it! We have a link to detailed aftercare procedures here, but whilst you’re reading this here are the spark notes:
NEVER apply Bepanthen, petroleum jelly, alcohol or other creams and lotions without asking your artist.
NEVER scratch or pick at your healing tattoo. It may lead to scarring or infection, and will push out the ink.
After getting tattooed, your artist will most likely wrap the fresh tattoo in cling wrap.
Keep it Covered
Keep the cling wrap on for 2-4 hours after getting your tattoo or until you get Home.
Unwrap and Wash
Once you get home remove the wrap and rinse off blood, excess ink and plasma in the shower with water and a mild soap. Gently pat dry your tattoo with a clean towel or paper towel; avoid wiping to prevent irritation.
Evening Care
For small tattoos with minimal line work/shading, let the tattoo air out overnight. Make sure your surroundings are clean and avoid pet dander and dust.
For larger tattoos, re-wrap before bed to avoid sticking to sheets but do not apply any creams.
Morning Care
In the morning, gently rinse off any dried blood/plasma with warm water and soap. The same way as step 2- don’t scrub and not use too hot water.
Handle With Care
During the first week, avoid direct friction, exposure to unclean surfaces, and direct sunlight. Don’t submerge your tattoo in water or keep it wet for too long as stagnant water can harbour bacteria. Treat it like an open wound.
Weekly Routine
Wash your tattoo morning and night with warm soapy water for 7-10 days or until healed.
On day 3 you may apply some light moisturiser lotion (Vaseline Dry Skin is what we recommend) once a day or every other day, as little as possible, if at all. Your tattoo will heal naturally on its own.
When you get tattooed, the sun becomes your enemy. UV rays break down ink pigment so avoiding direct sunlight is a must when you just get tattooed. This means that if you’re in the direct sun for too long when you have a fresh tattoo, it’s more than likely that your tattoo will fade. Also if you get a sunburn on a tattoo, healing is not going to be fun since you essentially have an open wound that’s sunburnt. Ouch!
Recently tattooed skin is super sensitive for obvious reasons, so you need to avoid things that will rub against your tattoo since friction will lead to fading and ink fallout.
Wear loose fitting clothes
Avoid scratchy materials such as denim and polyester
Avoid clothing & accessories that directly rubs against the tattoo (I.e. bra straps over collar bone tattoo, watches over wrist tattoos)
Tattoos are a lifelong investment that reflect your self-expression, and how your tattoo heals may say a lot about you! Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of how to maintain fresh as tattoo, it’s now in your hands to make sure your tattoos look as amazing as the day you got it!
If you have any question or concerns on how to heal your tattoo, feel free to contact us here:
0428 635 995 or email us as shop@authetink.com