Two to three hours after being tattooed, wash the area with soap and pat dry with a clean towel. After washing, using new gloves, lightly apply some ointment to the area that has been provided or recommended by the tattooist or a health professional, such as a pharmacist.
Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid sunscreens as they contain irritants which can inflame your skin and disrupt the healing process, and ruin your art. Avoid soaking in baths, saunas, swimming in pools or the ocean until your tattoo has healed as both can lead to infections and irritation.
After washing your hands, remove the dressing and wash your tattoo with warm water and unscented antibacterial/antimicrobial soap. Rinse it well (bar soap will breed bacteria if left in the open.
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.
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. Showering too soon after getting a tattoo may expose the open wound to bacteria and increase the chances of complications.
Foods to avoid include those that promote inflammation – red meats, foods high in sugar, salt and additives, as well as overly processed foods. These can interfere with the body's natural healing processes. The same is said to be true for an excessive amount of dairy.
Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage. Remove the bandage after 24 hours. 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.
2-6 Days After Your New Tattoo
Now you'll start to notice that your tattoo looks a bit dull, perhaps even have a 'cloudy-looking' appearance. It may also look red, swollen and still ooze blood, plasma, lymphatic fluid and ink. Not to worry! This is normal.
What NOT to do? DON'T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo. DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection).
Aquaphor Healing Skin Ointment Advanced Therapy
Aquaphor has basically become synonymous with tattoo aftercare, and for good reason. Its hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients keep things nourished and minimise irritation, making your healing process that much smoother.
Make sure you're feeling 100%. Get a good nights sleep the night before and ensure you're not feeling ill. Check out our other post on why not to get tattooed if you're sick and contact your shop immediately. Have a big, filling meal at least 3 hours before your appointment and make sure you're very hydrated.
Do not apply alcohol, peroxide or betadine to tattoo. Do not rub, pick or scratch your tattoo. Apply a thin layer of A & D Ointment or Tattoo Goo. (Do not use Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic Ointment.)
Don't be afraid to really wash your tattoo thoroughly, or you won't get the vaseline off. Use mild soap like Dove, Ivory or Dawn dishwashing liquid. It's best to avoid very hot water.
After getting inked, take it seriously and do as the experts say. Wait at least two weeks before submerging the area in water (that means holding off on trying your fancy new bath bomb, too) and keep the area clean. For more tattoo news: The FDA Just Released Some Scary Guidelines About Moldy Tattoo Ink.
Tattoos are essentially open wounds. And submerging this in water can expose it to potentially harmful bacteria. Should these bacteria find their way into your bloodstream, they can lead to pretty nasty infections. So, it's definitely something not to take lightly.
The first wash
After usually no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the bandage and wash the tattoo. After thorough hand-washing, a person can gently wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and warm water using their fingers.
Cleaning and excess water exposure
So never submerge a fresh tattoo underwater. Also, avoid excessive water exposure while showering. Our skin is like a sponge and it will absorb the water, which can damage the tattoo. When it comes to cleaning your new tattoo, make sure you do this several times a day.
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.
Pressure can cause irritation and disrupt the healing process. Instead, try sleeping on your back or on the side opposite the tattoo!
The best option for washing tattoos is La Roche Posay Lipikar Wash AP+, a dermatologist-recommended formula that heals, soothes, and helps prevent bacterial infections. Vanicream Gentle Body Wash is a great budget option (also dermatologist-approved), and you can find it at almost any drugstore.