Once the bandage has been removed after 3-5 days, you can shower at any time you want, following some precautions. Some old-school bandages or cling wrap as is traditionally used will require a waiting period of up to 12 hours until you can get in the shower. Be sure to make note of this with your tattoo artist.
It's recommended you wait at least 24 hours before showering after getting a new tattoo. This allows the tattooed area to begin the healing process and reduces the risk of infection.
The general rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours after getting a tattoo before showering or washing your tattoo. This is because the first 24 hours are critical to the healing process, and any exposure to water can increase the risk of infection.
Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day.
While getting a new tattoo wet is okay, you should refrain from submerging it or leaving it to soak in any body of water. Thankfully, this means that it's definitely fine to shower with a new tattoo.
You'll want to keep the tattoo wrapped for at least the first night because it will take a while for it to settle down and stop leaking. You don't want an open wound like that touching your bed sheets, getting blood everywhere, or dirt and dust getting into the wound itself.
If black or colored ink is flaking off and the color under the flake is different, that is normal. Expect more. If you miss a few chances to wash it or moisturize it, don't worry. Your body is completely capable of healing it without any help.
Drunken behaviour could ruin your new tattoo
You need to be aware of keeping your tattoo clean and dry while it is fresh, so a night out might not be the best option. It's generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours after your new tattoo before you start drinking alcohol again.
With soap, rub your palms together for as long as it takes to recite the alphabet. During the first to four days post-tattoo, you'll repeat the process of washing your tattoo about two to five times a day, then follow with a light layer of ointment.
Moisturizing a new tattoo is a key step in the healing process. You'll want to begin soon after you get the tattoo done and continue three to six times a day for about three weeks.
So what product should you use? You may have heard some rumours that Bepanthen shouldn't be used on new tattoos, but this absolutely isn't the case. Bepanthen is by far one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for most tattoo artists and studios.
Can You Wash Your Tattoo Too Much? Yes, it is definitely possible to overwash your tattoo. We know that you are just trying to keep your tattoo "extra-clean", but be careful because this can backfire in the long run.
Pressure can cause irritation and disrupt the healing process. Instead, try sleeping on your back or on the side opposite the tattoo!
Knowing how long and when you should cover your tattoo plays a large role in effective aftercare. 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.
Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water and be sure to pat dry. Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't put on another bandage. Gently wash your tattoo area twice a day with soap and water and gently pat dry before reapplying the antibacterial/Vaseline ointment.
Avoid sleeping directly on your tattoo and using any slept-on sheets. Previously-used bath or face towels should also never touch or go near a fresh tattoo. Don't drink any alcohol for at least 48-72 after (and before) getting a tattoo. Alcohol thins your blood, which can lead to excess bleeding.
It is advisable that you refrain from drinking for at least 48-72 hours after getting a tattoo. It is normal for plasma and blood to ooze 48 hours after getting a tattoo. However, alcohol consumption will increase the bleeding rate due to blood thinning.
Your tattoo will go through a number of stages as it heals. In the first few days, redness, oozing fluid and swollen skin is common. If this carries on however for more than a few days this could be a sign of an infection. After two weeks, your skin may begin to peel.
The rule of thumb is to moisturize your new tattoo at least 2-3 times per day for the first two weeks (or until the healing process is complete). Many tattoo enthusiasts continue to moisturize their tattoos every day! As for what type of moisturizer to use, lotion is generally the best.
Can You Over-Moisturise a Tattoo? In a word: yes. It's definitely possible to over-moisturise a tattoo. An over-moisturised tattoo can lead to a whole host of issues, including breakouts, soggy scabs, and even infection.
After a week, the redness and swelling should have subsided. At this point, the skin should begin to scab and flake. The itchiness may persist, but the tattoo should gradually appear more vibrant as it continues to heal.
The body's natural response to pain is to release endorphins, which can provide temporary pain relief. However, endorphins can also cause feelings of tiredness and drowsiness, which can make you feel even more fatigued after the tattoo process.
Wash the tattoo with soap and water once the appropriate time period has passed and gently apply a layer of lotion.7 It's best to wash and moisturize a couple of times each day until the skin has healed, which might take anywhere from two to four weeks.8 However, it's best to check in with your tattoo artist, who may ...
Getting your tattoo wet is OK, but soaking it is not. Yes, you can (and should!) shower with a new tattoo, as long as you don't completely soak it. Avoid swimming—whether in a pool, lake, or the ocean—and submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub for two to three weeks, though; this may cause serious damage.