Tattoo Aftercare: How To Take Care of Your New Tattoo
- Puedmag Inkpire
- May 14
- 2 min read
You have gone through the process of deciding to get a tattoo, the consultation, waiting for your appointment, and the tattoo itself; now the hard part is over. However, it is important to still treat your tattoo with the care and attention it deserves to stay fresh and heal well.
What to expect straight after you get your tattoo
When your artist has finished with the needle-to-skin process, there are a few steps that will follow before you get out of the chair.
The artist will clean the tattoo with water or a gentle soap to get rid of the excess ink and prepare it to be covered.
Then they will usually spray the area with a form of antiseptic - common brands include Bactine and The Solution. These sprays often contain a numbing agent, which will calm the appearance of redness and ease any residual pain.
The artist will then take a step back to admire their work and capture photos of the tattoo in its final form.
Finally, the artist will cover your tattoo with a second skin to protect it from dirt and debris, and explain to you the aftercare best practices and how to ensure your tattoo heals well.
The tattoo healing process
Once you are off on your way, the next steps are up to you.
Day 1-3
For the first 3 days, there isn't much you need to do to keep your tattoo clean—due to the fact it is covered. However, it is advised to avoid swimming pools, saunas, baths, excessive sweating, and direct sunlight. These are all things to avoid throughout the entire healing process but ones that are particularly important in the first few days.
Day 3-5
Between day 3 and 5 post-tattoo, it is usually advised to remove the 2nd skin. This can be done by gently lifting the top corner to reveal a tab and slowly pulling the second skin off in an upwards motion to avoid unnecessary tugging/irritation on the skin. It is also recommended to take off the second skin in the shower to allow for the water to aid the removal process.
Day 5-14
Once your second skin is off, it is now up to you to clean/protect your ink. The way to do this, is to clean it, gently, using an unscented antiseptic soap - foam is best, and then follow it up with an unscented antimicrobial cream. This should be done twice a day to maintain the tattoo's cleanliness and to avoid infection.
Day 14+
After the tattoo is 2 weeks old the maintenance becomes easier, the tattoo must be kept moisturized and clean, but does not require the constant attention. However, it is usually recommended to wait 4-6 weeks after a new tattoo before sun exposure, and other activities that are harsh on the skin eg. facials, tanning beds, smoking.
Everyone's skin is different, so tattoo healing may vary. However, following these steps will reduce the risk of infection and help your tattoo stay fresh as it heals and settles into your skin.
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