If you're getting your first tattoo and are looking at what happens once it's finished, aftercare will no doubt be high on your list. Or maybe you have just got a tattoo, and maybe it was your first (congratulations!) and would like to know more about tattoo aftercare. This guide explains everything you will need to know on how to look after and care for your new tattoo, right from leaving the studio.
First of all, your tattooist should go through tattoo aftercare with you at the end of your tattoo appointment, here at our tattoo studio in Chester, we provide a tattoo aftercare information sheet to all customers getting their first tattoo from us, but if you need more information before or after your appointment, we've got you covered.
The first day/night of caring for your tattoo
For the first 24 hours after leaving the tattoo studio, please follow these steps. The first step is dependent on whether your tattoo has been wrapped in Dermalize or clingfilm.
If you left the studio wearing Dermalize
You can leave everything alone until the Dermalize starts to come away. This could be at any point between a couple of hours and a couple of days. Dermalize comes off when it gets wet, so the "juice" your body is kicking out to heal the tattoo is eventually going to cause the Dermalize to fall off, but how long it initially lasts is dependent on how quickly your body reacts. Everybody is different so there is no wrong or right time, everyone is different!
As a general rule, however, heavy colour tends to leak more, whereas fine-line tattoos don't. When the Dermalize starts to fill with fluid and comes away, get in the shower and get everything wet until you can painlessly peel the Dermalize off. Next, follow the steps below.
If you left the studio wearing clingfilm
The clingfilm can stay on until you get home. when you remove it, get in the shower and follow the steps below.
Step 1
Wash away the goo and gunk. It would be best if you used soap, but don't use anything with a fragrance as perfume irritates healing tattoos. A sensitive anti-bacterial wash is best.
Step 2
Rinse the tattoo, then pat dry with a clean towel and let it air out for five to ten minutes. It'll feel dry and tight, and maybe a bit sticky if you're still leaking.
Step 3
You can now add a small amount of moisturiser to stop your skin from drying and cracking too much while it forms a scab over the next few days. We recommend Butterluxe as it's specifically designed for tattoos.
Step 4
If you have a colour tattoo, ideally the tattoo needs to be covered for the first night. If the Dermalize is still holding on by the time you're getting into bed, great, you don't need to do anything. If it has come off already, or clingfilm was used instead of Dermalize, then finish by wrapping the tattoo in fresh clingfilm for the night. It needs to be fresh the moment you're getting into bed, so if you have to wrap it again before going to sleep, please do!
In the morning the clingfilm must be taken off and the tattoo can be cleaned again as described in steps 1-3.
Caring for your tattoo over the next week
You need to wash, dry and moisturise the tattoo 2 to 3 times per day for the next week. You will develop a rhythm for knowing when it needs to be cleaned up. Please remember that more moisturiser does not mean better healing. Your body is healing the tattoo, not the moisturiser as it's just added to stop your skin from drying and cracking too much as it scabs.
You cannot let the tattoo soak in water while it is healing, so unfortunately no swimming or bathing for two weeks while it heals. Try not to do any exercise for a day or two as excessive sweat can cause the same problems. Keep your tattoo out of the sun if it's sunny outside, and wear loose-fitting clothes over the area to avoid friction.
If you have Dermalize at home
Follow steps 1-2. Do not apply cream after letting the tattoo air dry. Cut your strips of Dermalize and apply them to the tattoo. The second Dermalize tends to last longer than the first (usually at least a day). When that one has started to come away, follow steps 1-2 again, and apply another round of Dermalize.
You want to have the tattoo underneath the Dermalize for 5-7 days in total. Once this is done, you can moisturise the tattoo with a fragrance-free moisturiser and let it finish its healing.
Tattoo aftercare FAQs
What can you not do after getting a tattoo?
It is advised not to soak your tattoo in water for 2 weeks after getting your tattoo. So please do not go swimming or bathe for 2 weeks. Also, avoid doing excessive exercise for a couple of days as sweat creates the same problem.
How long after your tattoo can you shower normally
Should you let your tattoo dry out?
Can I put Vaseline on my tattoo?
Is it okay for clothes to touch a new tattoo?
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