Any time you open the skin,
you leave yourself vulnerable to scarring and infections
. Caring for your tattoo can prevent those complications and ensure that the tattoo heals properly. Both you and your tattoo artist play equal roles in this process.
Do tattoos need aftercare?
Aftercare for Your Tattoo
Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in
a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage
. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. … Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't put on another bandage.
Do tattoos look better after healing?
After the first month, your tattoo will look vibrant and fully healed
. It's easy to remember aftercare in the first few weeks, but it's essential to keep it up for several months. Doing so will help the tattoo stay clean and look its best.
What should you not do after a tattoo?
- Doing Nothing After Getting a Tattoo. …
- Exposure to Direct Sunlight. …
- Touching, Picking, Scratching, and Rubbing. …
- Shaving. …
- Neosporin and Medicated Ointment. …
- Excess Exposure to Water. …
- Avoid tight fitting clothes that don't breathe well. …
- Over-Treating the Tattoo.
How long should I keep my tattoo wrapped?
So, how long should I have my tattoo wrapped? Keep your tattoo wrapped for
2-4 hours after leaving the tattoo shop
. If using protective tattoo film instead of plastic foil, keep the wrap on for 3-4 days.
Can you use Vaseline to heal a tattoo?
Vaseline isn't the best choice for tattoo aftercare
. Petroleum jelly traps moisture and bacteria, which can lead to infections and scarring if your tattoo doesn't get enough air while it's healing. You may be able to use Vaseline on old tattoos if your skin is dry.
What cream is best for tattoo aftercare?
- Best Overall: Aquaphor Healing Ointment. …
- Best Splurge: Billy Jealousy Tattoo Lotion. …
- Best Vegan: Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream. …
- Best Gentle: Stories & Ink Tattoo Care Aftercare Cream. …
- Best Soothing: Mad Rabbit Repair Soothing Gel. …
- Best Water-Based: H2Ocean Aquatat Moisturizer.
Why do tattoos look bad at first?
Some tattoo artists press too hard with their tools or angle them wrong, and the tattoo ink accidentally goes into the deeper layers of your skin. Because there is more fat in this part of the skin, the
ink spreads out too much
and looks more smudged. As a result, the ink lines of a tattoo will look blurry.
Do tattoos get darker as they heal?
Most tattoos will darken again once healed
, but some will remain lighter, and this is completely natural. A black tattoo turning grey can also happen for several other reasons, any of which may be relevant to your situation.
What is tattoo blowout?
Tattoo blowouts occur
when a tattoo artist presses too hard when applying ink to the skin
. The ink is sent below the top layers of skin where tattoos belong. Below the skin's surface, the ink spreads out in a layer of fat. This creates the blurring associated with a tattoo blowout.
How do you sleep with a fresh tattoo?
- TAKE SLEEP SERIOUSLY! …
- KEEP THE ADHESIVE WRAP ON OVERNIGHT. …
- SHOWERING AND REWRAPPING. …
- USE A SPARE BED SHEET. …
- ROTATE YOUR BED SHEETS. …
- SLEEPING POSITIONS. …
- LOOSEN STUCK BEDDING WITH WARM WATER. …
- KEEP YOUR PETS AWAY.
Can I drink after tattoo?
Drinking before and after getting a
tattoo is a no-no
. Alcohol thins your blood, which means excess bleeding. … Furthermore, drinking after the fact can compromise the healing of the tattoo because of its effects on your blood, so take it easy for a bit.
Can I shower after a tattoo?
Showering with a new tattoo
isn't only fine
; it's necessary for the sake of good hygiene. As long as you follow the aftercare instructions your tattoo artist gives you, and you're careful not to rub or soak your tattoo, showering shouldn't interfere with the healing process of your new ink.
Should I cover my tattoo when I sleep?
Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re
-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep
without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
Should I keep my tattoo wrapped for 5 days?
You'll need to keep your tattoo wrapped in cling film from
one to three days
. Depending on the size of your artwork this may be longer and your artist will let you know but a general rule of thumb is: Small line-work pieces – keep the cling film on for one to two days.
How does a tattoo heal with Dermalization?
In the morning you will need to remove the cling film or first piece of dermalize if you had one, wash the tattoo gently in warm soapy water or the shower, rub very gently with your fingertips or a gentle palm to remove and thicker slime, then pat it dry. Once dry, you will need to apply the dermalize.
