Tattoo Aftercare: Bandages
You just got a beautiful new tattoo! Now what?
Aftercare is one of the most important steps to making sure a tattoo continues to look as good as the day it was created.
Different artists will recommend different regimens, but after healing my own tattoos over the years, this is the routine I have found works the best for longevity.
How to Heal a Tattoo: Black Bandages
Step 1: Leave it
Leave the bandage on for four to six hours. Do not leave on overnight.
Step 2: Clean it
Take off the bandage.
A bit of blood/plasma/ink on your skin and the bandage is normal.
Begin to wash using INDIRECT room temperature water. If you are using the shower, make sure the water is flowing down from above on to your tattoo like a waterfall. i. e. for forearm tattoos, spray the water on your shoulder.
DO NOT SPRAY WATER DIRECTLY ON YOUR TATTOO. DO NOT USE HOT WATER.
Using an unscented/gentle soap, place a dollop on two fingers and gently apply the soap in a circular motion, washing off any excess blood and ink.
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pat to dry using a paper towel. DO NOT USE A TOWEL. DO NOT RUB.
continue to follow this routine each time you take a shower for the next week
Example of a black bandage
also known as a meat pack bandage. also comes in white
Step 3: Care for it
Keep an eye on your fresh tattoo. Treat it like an open wound.
In the next two to three days, it is normal for your tattoo to dry, flake, scab and itch. DO NOT ITCH OR PICK AT YOUR TATTOO!! doing so can cause the ink to fall out of your skin. If the itchiness is unbearable, smack it gently like a mosquito bite.
Moisturize as needed using Aquaphor. keeping your tattoo moisturized will also prevent itchiness and is essential in dry climates. Without rubbing, gently apply a thin layer over your tattoo, careful not to nick any scabs in the process. Too much moisturizer or using something thicker like Vaseline will not allow your tattoo to breathe properly.
Aquaphor is a must have for new tattoos!
Things to Avoid while Healing a Tattoo
Avoid swimming and soaking (baths, hottubs, etc) for three weeks.
Avoid sun exposure including sunbathing and tanning for three weeks. NEVER expose your tattoo to the sun without sunscreen even after its healed.
Avoid sweaty/dirty activities including going to the gym for three weeks. If this is unavoidable due to work or routine, wait three days at the very least and make sure to thoroughly clean your tattoo frequently to avoid harboring bacteria
keep an eye out for signs of infection before they escalate. if your tattoo starts to smell, pus, rash, burn, or becomes unbearably painful, seek medical attention immediately
