A Step-By-Step Guide For Tattoo Aftercare-- How To Take Care of A New Tattoo

Whether you just got an American traditional tattoo, a realistic tattoo, a fine-line tattoo, or any other style, it is important to follow a proper aftercare routine. By ensuring that your tattoo heals properly, you can help make your tattoo look as good as possible and protect yourself from possible infection. Unfortunately, many of those who are new to the world of tattooing are unfamiliar with standard aftercare practices and an internet search may yield some conflicting results. To eliminate confusion and to help you take care of your new tattoo, we have published our idea of the best tattoo aftercare routine. Read this article to find out how to heal a tattoo the right way!

How to Take Care of a New Tattoo

For many people, it's natural to focus on the act of receiving a tattoo, as their appointment approaches. After all, there are more than a few questions that rush through even the most experienced tattoo aficionado’s head when they’re about to go under the needle, like “How painful will getting a tattoo in this particular spot be?” or “When will my adrenaline kick in?” However, it is crucial to adhere to a safe and effective aftercare routine in the days and weeks following a tattoo appointment. It is a tattoo artists’ responsibility to do their best work and it is the customer’s responsibility to help the tattoo heal as best as it can. Tattoos that do not heal properly are prone to scarring, which can negatively affect their overall appearance, and infection. Some symptoms of a tattoo infection may include excessive swelling, redness, and oozing. In some cases, a person may experience more severe, flu-like symptoms. 

The main two things to keep in mind while caring for a fresh tattoo are keeping it clean and hydrating the surrounding area. It is recommended that customers keep their bandages or wraps which have been applied by the tattoo artist on until they get home. In some instances, artists may recommend that tattoos remain wrapped for a few hours. Fresh tattoos should be washed as soon as bandages or wraps are removed, using warm water, and a fragrance-free soap. The individual should try to keep the tattoo clean across the entire healing process. As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that tattoos be washed two to three times a day until they are fully healed. On average, tattoos take two to six weeks to heal, depending on their size and location. Once the tattoo has been thoroughly, but gently cleaned, it's important to apply a light coat of an over-the-counter skin protectant ointment, like Aquaphor, for example.

A very light coat should be applied a few times a day for the first couple days, then it's recommended to switch to a fragrance-free lotion, like Lubriderm. Continue to apply a very thin coat of lotion a few times a day until the tattoo is fully healed. It is also important to let a new tattoo go through the various phases of the healing process. Never pick at a new tattoo, or peel scabs off. As they go through different phases, new tattoos will often be very itchy, but it's important not to scratch them, and just get through the first couple weeks.

More Tattoo Aftercare Tips

As mentioned above, it is important to keep a tattoo hydrated as it heals. This can be done by regularly applying unscented lotion or ointment to it and the surrounding area. It is important to not over-hydrate though, as the skin needs to be able to breathe in order to heal properly. A good indicator that it is time to rehydrate a tattoo is if it feels dry or if the skin around it feels tight. To learn more tips for proper tattoo aftercare and to book a tattoo appointment, visit the American Vintage OC website!