So, you have got the tattoo you’ve been dreaming of but do you know how to care for it so that it looks amazing for years to come? Check out our advice below!If you have a tattoo or are planning to get one, you will understand that they are a way to remind you of something special, commemorate someone or something important or may even be your way of showing off your artistic sides. Whatever reason you may have for getting your tattoo, it is also important to make it last with the best aftercare regime possible. To help you, we’ve come up with some of the best tips to help you through the tattoo healing process sp that your ink will continue to make you happy for years to come.
1 – Do Not Touch Your Tattoo With Dirty HandsWhen it comes to touching your new tattoo, make sure you first wash your hands with antibacterial soap. Failing to wash your hands can cause infections and ruin your beautiful new artwork! Remember that a decent hand wash takes around 20 seconds and is vital for good tattoo aftercare.
2 – First Wash With Antibacterial Soap
When you leave the tattoo studio, your new piece will be well wrapped, and you can typically expect to need to keep it on for around two to three hours, although your tattoo artist will give you a specific time to adhere to. When it comes to removing the wrap, you should cleanse it with antibacterial soap and avoid using cloths or sponges. After you have rinsed the soap off, pat it dry gently and then let it breathe for around ten minutes before you continue with your day.
3 – Top Up On Ointment
Every tattoo artist has a specific ointment they believe is the best choice for their work, and it is vital that you follow their instructions when it comes to keeping the area topped up with an ointment. By applying it regularly, you will find that your tattoo heals beautifully and helps to reduce peeling and flaking of the affected area. Keep using the ointment for as long as it takes for your tattoo to be fully healed.
4 – Ventilate Your Ink One of the best ways to let a wound heal is to expose it to the air. The first few days after a tattoo is complete, you will find that you need to wash it regularly and apply more ointment. However, you also need to allow it time to breathe so that the healing process is able to happen. After the first night of wrapping your tattoo, it is sensible to leave it exposed to the air so that it can heal. It’s also important to only apply thin layers of ointment at a time so that it can work with the air to help the healing rather than clogging the wound.
5 – Let It Heal
Finally, but most importantly, it is essential that you let your tattoo heal fully and that you do not pick at it when it becomes itchy. Most tattoos take around six weeks to fully heal so you should continue to moisturise the area and wash it with unscented soap until this time is over. It is also important to avoid shaving until after it is fully healed.