Getting a tattoo creates an open wound that requires proper healing time, typically 2-4 weeks for the surface and up to 6 months for deeper layers of the skin. Tattoos involve needles puncturing your skin repeatedly to deposit ink, effective tattoo aftercare prevents infection, reduces scarring and preserves your tattoo’s colors and definition for years to come. Without appropriate care, your tattoo may develop complications like excessive scarring, faded colors, distorted designs or infections that could permanently affect its appearance.
- What should you do after getting a tattoo? To promote proper healing, wash your tattoo gently with warm water, antibacterial soap, and apply appropriate ointments or lotions as recommended by your artist, wear loose clothing and keep the area clean and moisturized. These practices help your tattoo heal cleanly and maintain its vibrant appearance.
- What should you avoid after getting a tattoo? After getting a tattoo, avoid swimming, direct sunlight, tight clothing, picking at scabs, and applying petroleum-based products unless specifically recommended by your artist. These activities can damage healing skin, pull out ink, or introduce bacteria that can lead to infections or poor healing results.
At Hyper Inkers, our professional artists provide individualized tattoo aftercare instructions based on each client’s specific tattoo size, placement and skin type. This guide offers comprehensive aftercare advice to ensure your new tattoo heals properly and maintains its quality over time.
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Proper aftercare starts the moment you leave our studio and continues throughout the tattoo healing process. Following these instructions will help your tattoo heal properly and maintain its quality over time.
When You Get Home
The first few hours after getting tattooed are critical for setting up proper healing. Your artist has covered your fresh tattoo with a protective bandage and will provide a specific timeframe for how long you should leave the bandage or wrap on your tattoo. Keep this in place according to the artist’s instructions. Typically if your tattoo artist used a traditional bandage, leave the bandage on for 2-4 hours. If your tattoo artist used tegaderm or saniderm film, leave the protective adhesive dressing on for 4-5 days. Once that time has passed, carefully peel the bandage off gently and follow the instructions below:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo or the surrounding area.
- Gently peel off the tape and plastic wrap. If the bandage is sticking to your tattoo, run lukewarm water over the dressing to loosen it. Be gentle to avoid damaging the freshly tattooed skin..
- Use clean hands to wash the tattoo gently with warm (not hot) water and unscented antibacterial soap to cleanse the wound. Because the plasma can harden and lead to excessive scabbing, which could hinder proper healing. Do not use a washcloth, towel, or sponge, as they may harbor bacteria.
- Let your tattoo air-dry or gently pat it with a clean paper towel. Avoid using fabric towels or washcloths, as they may stick to the tattoo or carry bacteria.
- Apply a thin layer of recommended ointment after the tattoo is dry. We suggest using a lightweight, fragrance-free product. Avoid any ointment with fragrances, alcohol, or petroleum products. Over-saturating the tattoo with ointment can impede healing, so use just enough to form a light layer. Your artist may suggest a specific product, please use only what your artist recommends.
- After the initial cleaning, continue aftercare by applying an unscented lotion as needed to keep the skin moist, but not suffocated.
The First Two Weeks
Your tattoo is an open wound that undergoes multiple stages of healing, including scabbing and peeling, in the first two weeks. To promote proper healing and prevent complications, follow these essential aftercare guidelines:
- Apply a thin layer of lotion 2-3 times daily to maintain moisture and prevent itching.
- Do not pick or scratch: As your tattoo heals, expect peeling and flaking. This is a natural process. Avoid scratching or picking the scabs or flakes, as doing so can lead to ink loss, scarring, or uneven healing.
- Avoid direct sun exposure and do not apply sunscreen during the tattoo healing process.
- Avoid water immersion: While showering is fine, do not submerge your tattoo in water (baths, pools, hot tubs or oceans) until fully healed to reduce the risk of infection and irritation.
- Wear loose clothing: Tight clothing can rub against your tattoo and cause friction, which may hinder the healing process. Opt for loose-fitting garments to allow airflow and minimize irritation.
- No shaving over the tattoo: Refrain from shaving the tattooed area until the skin has fully healed to avoid irritating the delicate skin and affecting the tattoo’s appearance.
- Watch for excess redness, swelling, warmth, or pus which could indicate infection. Some redness and swelling are normal, but if these symptoms worsen after 48 hours, contact your artist or a medical professional.
Long-Term Tattoo Care & Preservation
After your tattoo has fully healed (typically 2-4 weeks), follow these practices to maintain its vibrancy and ensure its longevity:
- Moisturize daily: Apply a fragrance-free lotion or tattoo-specific moisturizer to lock in moisture, keep the skin hydrated, and prevent fading.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking adequate water daily supports your skin’s health, which directly impacts how your tattoo ages and how well it maintains its clarity and detail over time.
- Sun protection: Always use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on your tattoo before exposing it to direct sunlight. This shields your tattoo from harmful UV rays that can cause fading, distortion, or premature aging.
- Avoid harsh exfoliation: Avoid scrubbing your tattoo with abrasive exfoliants, as this can cause premature fading and irritation. Gentle cleansing is key to preserving the integrity of your tattoo.
- Avoid extreme weight fluctuations which can stretch or distort tattoos.
Tips on Tattoo Care
Beyond the basic instructions, these additional tips can help optimize your tattoo’s healing and long-term appearance.
Things to Do After Getting a Tattoo
- Follow your artist’s specific instructions above all general advice.
- Take photos of your healing process to monitor progress and have a record of how your tattoo develops.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help your skin heal from the inside out.
- Eat nutritious foods rich in vitamins A and C, which support skin healing.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattooed area.
- Sleep with the tattooed area elevated if possible to reduce swelling.
Things to Avoid After Getting a Tattoo
- Don’t pick, scratch, or peel your tattoo
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans for at least 2-3 weeks.
- Skip the gym or heavy workouts for at least 48 hours, longer for tattoos in areas that would be stretched during exercise.
- Don’t expose your tattoo to direct sunlight during healing.
- Avoid tight clothing, belts, or straps that rub against the tattoo.
- Stay away from dusty, dirty environments that could contaminate the healing skin.
- Don’t shave over or near the tattooed area until fully healed.
- Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24-48 hours as it can thin blood and slow healing.
- Limit caffeine intake, which can have similar effects to alcohol on healing.
- Don’t use petroleum-based products unless specifically recommended by your artist.
Contact Us for Aftercare Support
At Hyper Inkers, we care about your tattoo beyond your time in our chair. If you have questions about your healing process or need advice about tattoo care, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
- Phone: (210) 997-9737
- Email: hyperinkers1@gmail.com
- Address: 8045 Callaghan Rd, San Antonio, TX 78230
Our experienced artists can provide guidance specific to your tattoo and skin type. We’re here to help ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and stands the test of time.
FAQs
Is there a Lifetime Care needed to maintain good quality of your tattoo?
Yes, tattoos require ongoing care to maintain its vibrancy for many years, though some natural fading will occur over time and occasional touch-ups may be necessary.
Remember, your tattoo is both an artistic expression and an investment. The care you provide during healing and throughout the years afterward directly impacts how well your tattoo ages. Follow these guidelines and reach out to us at Hyper Inkers with any concerns to ensure your tattoo remains a source of pride for years to come.
