You just got your new tattoo; you love it, and all you have to do now is look after it and heal it properly. Your tattoo artist explained everything you need to do in order to heal it properly, but you forgot half of the things they recommended.
On Google, you found different pages with different instructions. Someone says that you need to keep it wrapped for a few days; someone else says that you need to let it dry; and now you're even more confused than before. What now?
Every tattoo artist has their own way to heal a tattoo, so there is not really only one way to look after them. Also, some tattoo styles need less care, and others need more.
Japanese and American traditional tattoo style, or any style that presents solid lines and/or solid shading or colouring, normally requires more care, as your tattoo artist has worked on your skin in a different way compared to dotwork and/or linework.
If your new tattoo is one of the above, you probably left the tattoo shop with some cling film wrapping your tattoo. Keep it on for a couple of hours, and when you remove it, make sure to wash it with warm water, using a fragrance free soap; gently tap it to dry it; and if you're staying home, do not apply anything to it; just let it breathe.
Before bed, wash it again and wrap it up with some cling film for the night. No one likes finding their bedsheet attached to their new tattoo.
The next morning, remove the cling film and wash it again. From now on, you won't use any more cling film.
It's now time to apply an aftercare: your tattoo artist has probably recommended you or sold one. Use it twice a day, not too much, and, really important, always wash your hands before and after applying the cream (this is to avoid any cross-contamination). Keep doing this for about a week to ten days, and once your tattoo has stopped peeling off, use some natural moisturiser like coconut oil for another week or so.
The superficial layers of your skin tend to heal in about 10–14 days, but remember that deeper layers can take up to six months to fully heal and settle.
During the aftercare period, there are a few things that you should avoid and some others that you should do. Here's a quick list:
Don't scratch it or pick it until it's healed.
Don't bathe or soak it in water.
Don't have saunas.
Don't swim or train for at least a week.
Don't touch it with dirty hands.
Don't wear uncomfortable clothing.
Don't let your pet get near it.
Don't have sun baths or sun beds for at least 3 months.
There is also a to-do list.
Pat it if it's itchy.
Have warm or cold showers, not boiling hot ones.
Always wash your hands before touching it.
Wear comfy clothes.
Avoid dirty or dusty places.
Always use sun protection (at least 20) on sunny days and during sun beds.
Some tattoo artists use protective films that can be applied to the fresh tattoo and kept on for a couple of days. These films can make the aftercare process way easier, as there's less to worry about. If you or your tattoo artist have applied this film, just follow the instructions reported on the package.
Sometimes, it might happen that your tattoo might need a little touch-up. If that's the case, let your tattoo artist know; I'm sure they will be happy to see your tattoo healed and, in case, touch it up for free!
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