Tattoo Care (2024)

FAQs

How do you take care of a new tattoo? ›

Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo. You can shower, but you may not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. No swimming, soaking or hot tub. You may not expose your tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, after that you must use sun block.

Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while the tattoo is healing. Choose clothing carefully. Don't wear anything that might stick to the tattoo.

Moisturizers: Once the tattoo has had a few days to dry out, a hypoallergenic lotion, ointment or balm without fragrances or alcohol will promote healing and prevent the skin from flaking or scarring, according to our experts.

Don't expose your tattoo to direct sunlight. Don't heavily exercise the first 48 hours after getting tattooed. Don't pick, rub, or scratch at your tattoo. Don't swim or soak in a bathtub until your tattoo is completely healed.

You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.

Aquaphor is a commonly recommended part of a tattoo aftercare regimen. It has hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties that can speed healing and make the process more comfortable. If you're getting some new ink, or have just gotten a tattoo, you may want to consider using Aquaphor.

The initial bandage

Tattoo aftercare starts in the tattoo shop. Once the tattoo is done, the artist will apply a thin layer of tattoo jelly or moisturizer over the entire tattooed area. They will then cover the area completely with plastic wrap or a bandage.

To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original.

What not to say to a tattoo artist? ›

There are certain questions you should never ask your tattoo artist. For example, you should never ask your tattoo artist to negotiate on the price or copy another artist's work.

As with tipping waitstaff, 20-25% percent is a good standard. An easy way to include tipping in your budget is to add it in when getting the estimated costs for having your work done. So, if your tattoo is expected to cost $200, with a 20-percent tip, that's $240.

When the tattoo is dry to the touch, cover it completely with a new piece of plastic wrap, using small pieces of tape as needed to hold it in place. Do NOT use any healing ointment or moisturizer. With this method, the tattoo is kept completely covered with plastic wrap 24 hours a day, usually for 48-72 hours.

After you leave the studio, wait five hours before washing your tattoo. Let the excess ink ooze out, and let those blood clots form. After that, you can wash every morning and every evening. So about twice daily (plus a wash whenever you feel like your tattoo has been in a dirty situation).

Clothing is the easiest and quickest way to cover a new tattoo at work. Wear loose, breathable garments to hide the tattoo without irritating it. Choose long sleeves and pants to cover ink on your limbs, and high-waisted pants or a tucked-in shirt to cover lower back tattoos.