Best Tattoo Aftercare Process Step By Step

It is no less than a dream come true when you get yourself inked the way you wanted, the perfect tattoo at the perfect location. Now when you are done with the process and have a beautiful tattoo at your desired location, you want to take care of it properly so that it lasts just the way it is for a long time. A tattoo is a permanent work of art on your body and it should be taken care of.

Why aftercare is necessary you would ask?

Well, once you have got your design inked on your body, you are literally going home with an open wound since your artist used a needle to make the tattoo. A fast-moving needle injects ink deep into the skin which makes your skin open to various infections. Plus you want the tattoo to look just the way you saw it on the paper, same appearance, same feel, same elegance, and same texture so that you cherish it every time you see it. To preserve the tattoo, you need to be very careful during the initial days and if it is your first tattoo then aftercare might be confusing.

Step by Step Guide For Tattoo Aftercare Process:

Step 1 – Follow your artist’s advice.

Your tattoo artist is the one who is going to give you the design and tattoo the way you want. He will be guiding you on how to take care of your tattoo once you get up from the chair. So listen to him/her very carefully. You need to take each word very seriously. He will be wrapping the tattoo with a bandage and will be guiding you how and when to remove it. Listen to these instructions very carefully. This bandage is wrapped to protect the skin from light, bacteria, and rubbing against anything.

Step 2 – Bandage Removal and First Wash.

Usually, it is safe to remove the bandage after 4-5 hours. You can soak the bandage in the warm water so that it does not stick to the skin. Wash the tattoo thoroughly but carefully with warm water so that dried blood and plasma can be removed.

Step 3 – Pat the tattoo and allow it to air-dry.

Once you are done with the washing, pat dries the tattooed area gently with a clean paper towel. Do not rub the area. Let the area air-dry for some time. Make sure that the area is completely dry before you apply any aftercare cream or lotion on the area. Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream or lotion on the tattooed area to help moisturize and nourish the area.

Step 4 – Keep the tattoo clean and moisturized.

Wash your tattoo regularly. Do not touch your tattoo directly. Do not forget to wash your hands properly before tapping or touching your tattoo. Do not get the tattoo wet or submerged in water except the time you are going to wash the tattoo. Washing the tattoo may vary with the seating environment of the person too. If you are working in a hot and dry environment, you may need to wash the tattoo every few hours and if you are sitting in an air-conditioned environment, you may have to wash it once or twice a day. After washing, keep the skin moisturized and nourished. Only apply a thin layer of the aftercare product so that the skin can breathe properly.

Step 5 – Keep on cleaning and washing for a week or two.

Repeat the process for a week or two, it may vary depending on the size and type of tattoo. Plus the types of scabs also play an important role in the cleaning process. You will have to be more careful with the deep scabs while washing the tattoo, you would not want to prematurely remove any scab from the skin as it may damage the skin and the tattoo too. Repeat the process until the tattoo is completely healed. Once the scabbing and peeling is finished, then we can be sure of being free from any kind of infection. Continue washing the tattoo, minimum twice a day, until we are done with the scabbing and peeling, this usually takes 2-4 weeks.

Step 6 – Do not pick or scratch and pull at the skin/tattoo.

There will be itching, avoid scratching your skin. Do not pick or pull at the skin or the tattoo, this may damage both. This will also delay the healing process and increase the chances of infection. Your tattoo may also fade and skin may get patches. Keep washing it properly once or twice a day and apply the moisturizer as required. The scabs will harden during the second week and will begin to flake off. Let them come off naturally. To avoid itching, you can gently rub moisturizer on your skin as many times as you like during the day.

Step 7 – Avoid direct sunlight and stay away from water.

Avoid exposing your tattooed area to the direct sunlight. Do not apply any kind of sunscreen or sun lotion until your tattoo is healed. Stay away from water bodies as they may have harmful bacteria that can ruin the tattoo or cause infection. Do not take long showers and do not go for swimming.

Step 8 – Be patient with the healing process.

The healing process is going to take time and you have to be patient in every stage of the process. Do not itch. Take good care of the tattooed area. Follow the instructions as provided by your tattoo artist. Use products that have Vitamins A and D. Take good diet and avoid getting any kind of infection.

Step 9 – Visit your tattoo artist for a touch up if required.

Once the healing process is done and you feel like your tattoo appears a little fade and require a touch-up, do not hesitate to visit your tattoo artist, he will be happy to help you. The studio should do it for free if you lose some ink and require touch up. You can go for a touch up after 5-6 weeks.

Get a nice healed portfolio picture of your tattoo if you feel like doing so. And do not forget to compliment the artist, he will feel privileged to get feedback and see his customer happy.

Step 10 – Continue to take care of the tattoo once healed.

Once the tattoo is healed, do not forget to continue taking care of it. Keep it well protected from the sun, water and ensure that you moisturize the area properly. You have to keep your skin healthy and moisturized so that you can have a healthy and good looking tattoo. It is also necessary to preserve the tattoo for a long time just the way it is inked on the skin.

So folks, do not forget to take good care of your tattoo and skin once you are done with the inking process. Aftercare is as much necessary as getting inked is because only healthy skin can have a healthy looking tattoo. Your tattoo would not look good and healthy if the skin does not appear healthy.