Caring for Your New Tattoo
Tattoo Aftercare
A new tattoo is exciting, but you must remember to care for it throughout the entire healing process.
This ensures that the tattoo will look great after healing, reduce the chances of an infection, and ensure the tattoo is completely healed in no time.
So, let’s look at the proper tattoo aftercare instructions our tattoo artist recommends to keep your ink safe and healthy!
What Is Tattoo Aftercare?
Your new tattoo may look great, but you must remember that it’s an open wound that must heal. Aftercare refers to the process of cleaning your tattoo and keeping the skin in the best conditions for healing.
Every tattoo artist will recommend that you pay attention to the tattoo healing process and follow a tattoo aftercare routine to keep your skin moisturised, manage tattoo scabs, and protect your peeling skin while your tattoo heals.
How to care for your fresh tattoo during the healing process
At Mincu Tattoo Studio, our resident artist has two aftercare options for your new tattoo. Both methods are great for ensuring your tattoo heals properly and helps you to ensure you are able to keep the tattooed area as safe and as clean as possible.
The methods suggested below may be different to those recommended by other artists, but are specially tailored to Mary’s signature tattooing style.
Method 1: Traditional aftercare with cling film
This is the traditional aftercare option. The method involves wrapping the tattoo in cling film as part of immediate aftercare. You should leave this wrong on for two hours, before cleaning your tattoo with warm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap.
It is then recommended that you use an aftercare cream, a thin layer of which should be applied after first washing your tattoo. You should then continue to apply a thin later 2 to 3 times a day, until the tattoo is fully healed
Method 2: Modern aftercare with self-adhesive film
Method two is a more modern aftercare method that involves using a self-adhesive film to protect the tattoo from bacteria while healing. This is similar to methods often used in hospitals.
The film allows the skin to breathe and helps to avoid scabbing. The elasticity of this method is especially useful when getting a tattoo in an area of your body that you tend to stretch and move a lot – such as your arm.
If you choose this method, Mary will apply the first film and teach you how to do it yourself at home, when you need to reapply. After the first 24 hours, you must remove the film applied in the studio, by running lukewarm water over it and slowly peeling it off. It is important to take your time during this step.
Before reapplying the second film, it is crucial that you wash your tattoo gently with warm water and fragrance-free soap, letting it dry fully. Once the tattoo is completely dry, you can apply the second film, which can be worn for up to five days to facilitate the healing process. Remove this film with the same amount of care as previously.
Tattoo Aftercare Tips
The entire tattoo process involves aftercare, and whenever you visit a tattoo shop, they will give you tips for ensuring the tattoo heals properly. Here are some other tips to keep in mind to make sure your tattoo is healing properly:
- Let the skin breathe, and avoid wearing tight clothing in the newly tattooed area
- Avoid picking and scratching the scabs that develop when the tattoo heals
- Avoid direct sunlight during and after healing, and apply proper sun protection to your tattoo when exposed
- Avoid hot tubs, sunbathing, and sun beds until the tattoo is healed
- Use the tattoo aftercare product as your tattoo artist recommends
- Gently wash your tattoo and treat the skin with extra care
The above tips can help prevent infection in your tattoo. Remember, proper care is crucial whenever you get a fresh tattoo, whether it’s your first or 10th tattoo. If you notice any infection or reaction to your tattoo, contact your artist and GP immediately.
