Now that tattoo day has finally come and you’ve got your new tattoo (Part Eight) it’s time to use those tattoo aftercare products you stocked up on (Part Seven).
Here’s how you should remove the bandage your tattooist applied and how you should clean your new tattoo.
How to remove the tattoo bandage applied by the tattooist
The makeshift bandage applied by your tattooist is to protect your tattoo until you can get home and wash it. You should not leave that plastic wrapping on your tattoo for more than 1-3 hours.
If you get home and find that the bandage applied by your tattooist has stuck to the tattoo you should not try and pull it off. Instead remove the bandage in a tepid or lukewarm temperature shower.
If you’re somebody who normally takes red hot steamy showers you will want to dial the temperature back to a level that is very mild.
Hot water can loosen the pores and cause your tattoo to lose color and fade. Until your tattoo is well on the way to healing hot water should be avoided.
Get into a tepid or mild shower with the stuck bandage still attached. The lukewarm water will loosen the bandage and allow you to remove it.
Do not do this in a bathtub. As you cannot soak the new tattoo.
Once the bandage is dislodged and removed you will now need to thoroughly clean your new tattoo.
How to clean your new tattoo
You need to properly clean the new tattoo of all excess blood, ointment, ink and plasma. You need to clean off all that goo using soap and lukewarm water.
Apply the tattoo specific soap you acquired (Part Seven). And then begin gently rubbing in a concentric circular motion.
The tattoo will feel slimy at first as you apply the soap. Once this slimy feeling abates and there is no more visible ink, blood, plasma or goo on or around the new tattoo, rinse off and exit the shower.
Do not rub the area with a towel. Instead you should gently pat the area dry using a darker colored towel that does not give off fibres. Do not use fluffy towels that leave fluff, fibres or fragments on the tattoo.
Once the bulk of the water is off you should let your tattoo air dry that last little bit. Before applying the tattoo aftercare cream.
How to apply tattoo aftercare cream to a new tattoo
Once the shower water is gone and before the tattoo begins to dry out you will need to apply a tattoo ointment or tattoo aftercare cream.
Use a sparing amount and cover the whole tattoo surface and roughly half an inch past the edge of the tattoo. Don’t apply too much. Put a thin layer and wait. You can always add more cream. But using too much at first will create a mess.
Most tattoo aftercare creams don’t soak into the skin like lotions. They are a barrier coat. So don’t whack a thick layer onto your new tattoo and expect it to be absorbed.
Some of the cream will absorb into the skin. But not much. So put a very thin layer and wait to see if you need to add more.
How long will the tattoo take to heal?
Your new tattoo will take approximately two to three weeks for the outer layer of skin to heal. And over the course of your tattoos healing process you will need to constantly wash your new tattoo and reapply the tattoo cream. For the tattoo to completely heal it may take up to 6 months.
You will need to be extra vigilant during this first 2-3 week period.
Never let the tattoo dry out. As it will begin to crack, crunch, rip or tear. If you let your new tattoo dry out before its healed you will cause yourself added discomfort and may damage your new tattoo.
Once you are beyond this 2-3 week period you should keep up on the tattoo aftercare. But you can be less vigilant.
The skin below a tattoo may take 6 months or more to heal properly. And continuing your aftercare routine can enhance the color and longevity of your new tattoo.
But after the initial healing period of 2-3 weeks for the outer layer of skin to heal, if you miss a day or two of applying lotion you won’t risk damage or pain.
Forgetting to put cream on during the initial 2-3 week healing period and letting it dry out can cause cracking and ripping on the tattoo surface and feel quite terrible (along with damaging the tattoo).
Once the outer layer of skin is healed (after 3 weeks) you can alter the creams you use to moisturise. You can use your normal moisturiser or continue with the tattoo specific products.
You should use a moisturising cream that includes a strong sunblock. For the first 6 months of your new tattoos life cycle it is more vulnerable to sun damage.
You should always use sunblock when in the sun but you should be more careful and ensure you always use sunblock on your new tattoo for the first 6 months.
What should you never do with a new tattoo?
Never scratch or pick at a new tattoo
Scratching or picking at a new tattoo can damage the design and cause you to need a touch up session. No matter how itchy your tattoo may get you should never scratch a new tattoo or pick at the flaky skin. Let it fall off of its own accord.
Using a tattoo specific aftercare cream can reduce itching. I used the Hustle Butter on my full black sleeve and it prevented itching and I had no spots that needed touching up.
If your new tattoo is itchy you can lightly tap it. I’ve found in the past that lightly tapping a new tattoo with two fingers stopped the itching.
And it’s also worth mentioning here that if you’re a heavy sleeper and may scratch your tattoo without realizing while you’re asleep you should take precautions.
Cover up your tattoo while you sleep, cut your fingernails right back and try to sleep in such a position that you won’t be tempted to scratch while you’re asleep.
Never expose your new tattoo to hot water
Hot water can restrict the blood vessels and increase pressure (vasodilation) causing you to bleed more. It can also open your pores. During the first 2-3 week healing cycle for the outer layers of skin, exposing your new tattoo to hot water can damage it.
Until the first 2-3 week healing cycle is complete you should only use lukewarm or tepid water to clean your new tattoo.
Never soak your new tattoo
Never swim or soak your new tattoo until the first 2-3 week healing cycle is complete. And definitely don’t get into a heated and bacteria filled hot tub with a new tattoo.
Soaking your new tattoo at a beach, lake, dam, swimming pool, bath or in a hot tub can damage your new tattoo. Until the first 2-3 week healing cycle for the outer layers of skin is complete you should only shower.
Never expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight
Never try and get a sun tan while your new tattoo is healing. Avoid excessive sun exposure for the first 6 months of a tattoos lifecycle.
Wait until all layers of skin are fully healed before spending significant time in the sun. Try to avoid the sun for the first 6 months. Wear a sunblock with a high SPF rating when outdoors.
