How to Take Care of a New Tattoo: Complete Aftercare Guide
Getting a new tattoo is exciting, but taking care of it properly is an important part of the tattoo experience. A fresh tattoo involves skin that has been punctured by needles, so your aftercare routine should focus on keeping the area clean, avoiding unnecessary irritation and following the instructions provided by your tattoo artist.
During normal healing, a new tattoo may look red or swollen and feel sore. Some clear fluid, itching, flaking or scabbing can also occur as the skin heals. However, symptoms that become increasingly severe rather than improving should be taken seriously.
Whether you’ve just received your first tattoo or you’re adding another piece to your collection, this tattoo aftercare guide explains the basic steps to help you care for your new artwork.
What Should You Do Immediately After Getting a Tattoo?
Your tattoo artist should provide specific aftercare instructions based on the tattoo, placement and covering used.
Keep the initial covering on for the amount of time recommended by your tattoo artist. Different artists may use different types of dressings, so follow your artist’s instructions rather than removing the covering based on a general timeline found online.
Before touching your tattoo, wash your hands thoroughly.
Once you’re instructed to clean the tattoo, handle the area gently. Avoid unnecessary touching, rubbing or scratching.
Your tattoo artist may also recommend a specific aftercare product. If you have questions about which products to use, ask your artist.
How to Clean a New Tattoo
Keeping your hands clean before touching your tattoo is one of the simplest ways to reduce unnecessary contamination.
When cleaning your tattoo:
- Wash your hands first.
- Follow your artist’s instructions regarding when to remove the covering.
- Gently clean the tattoo as directed.
- Avoid aggressive rubbing or scrubbing.
- Pat the area dry with a clean material rather than rubbing it.
- Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist.
The goal is to clean the area without unnecessarily irritating the healing skin.
If your tattoo artist has given you instructions that differ from generic online advice, follow the artist’s instructions for your specific tattoo and dressing.
Should You Moisturize a New Tattoo?
Moisturizing may be part of your tattoo aftercare routine, but the product and amount matter.
If your tattoo artist recommends a moisturizer or aftercare product, apply it according to their instructions. Avoid applying excessive amounts of product that leave the tattoo heavily coated.
If a product causes significant irritation, stop using it and seek appropriate professional advice.
The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends fragrance-free products for tattoo care.
What Is Normal During Tattoo Healing?
It is normal for a fresh tattoo to look different as it heals.
You may notice:
- Mild redness
- Some swelling
- Soreness
- Clear fluid
- Itching
- Flaking
- Some scabbing
These can be part of the normal healing process. The important thing is to monitor how the area changes over time. Normal irritation should generally improve rather than progressively become more severe.
Avoid picking at flakes or scabs. Let the skin heal naturally.
Should You Scratch or Pick Your New Tattoo?
No.
A healing tattoo can become itchy, especially as the skin starts to dry, flake and heal. Scratching or picking at the area can irritate the skin and interfere with the healing process.
Instead, follow the aftercare routine recommended by your tattoo artist.
If itching or irritation becomes severe or unusual, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Can You Shower After Getting a Tattoo?
Follow your tattoo artist’s specific instructions regarding showering and your tattoo covering.
When showering, avoid unnecessarily soaking, scrubbing or rubbing the tattoo. Keep the water temperature comfortable and avoid directing strong water pressure at the fresh tattoo.
Most importantly, don’t treat a healing tattoo like completely healed skin.
Your tattoo needs time to recover, so avoid activities that unnecessarily irritate or soak the area.
What Should You Avoid During Tattoo Healing?
While your tattoo is healing, be careful about activities that can irritate the tattoo or expose it to unnecessary contamination.
Avoid:
- Scratching the tattoo
- Picking scabs or peeling skin
- Excessive rubbing
- Wearing clothing that constantly irritates the area
- Applying unnecessary products
- Soaking the tattoo unless your artist says it is appropriate
- Ignoring unusual changes in the tattoo
Your tattoo artist can provide specific recommendations based on the tattoo’s size, location and dressing.
Protect Your Tattoo From the Sun
Sun exposure can affect tattooed skin, and some people can develop reactions on tattooed areas after sun exposure. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends protecting tattooed skin from the sun; for exposed skin, it recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
For a freshly tattooed area, follow your tattoo artist’s instructions regarding sun exposure and products during the initial healing period.
Once the tattoo has healed, protecting your skin from excessive UV exposure can help protect both your skin and the appearance of your tattoo.
How Long Does a Tattoo Take to Heal?
Tattoo healing isn’t exactly the same for everyone.
The appearance of a tattoo can change during the healing process. Redness and soreness may occur initially, followed by itching, flaking and other changes as the skin recovers.
The location, size and complexity of the tattoo, along with your individual skin and aftercare routine, can all influence the experience.
Rather than focusing on a single exact number of days, pay attention to how your skin is progressing.
If the tattoo appears to be getting worse instead of gradually improving, contact a healthcare professional.
Signs Your Tattoo May Need Medical Attention
It’s important to know the difference between expected healing and symptoms that may indicate an infection or other reaction.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, possible warning signs include:
- Redness that spreads or becomes darker
- Pain that continues or gets worse
- A rash consisting of itchy, red or painful bumps
- Pus
- Open sores
- Fever
- Chills or shivering
The FDA also advises contacting a healthcare professional if a tattoo isn’t healing properly or if you develop a rash, particularly if you develop a fever. More serious infections can cause symptoms such as high fever, chills and sweating.
Do not attempt to diagnose or treat a suspected tattoo infection yourself. Contact a qualified healthcare professional.
What About an Allergic Reaction?
Tattoo-related skin reactions aren’t always infections. Some people can experience allergic reactions to tattoo pigments, and reactions can sometimes occur long after the tattoo was completed.
If you notice an unusual or persistent rash, swelling or other reaction around your tattoo, contact a healthcare professional for appropriate advice.
If you experience serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or significant swelling, seek urgent medical care.
Tattoo Aftercare: 7 Simple Rules
For a quick reminder, keep these seven points in mind:
1. Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions.
Your artist knows the procedure, dressing and tattoo placement.
2. Wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
3. Keep the tattoo clean according to your aftercare instructions.
4. Don’t scratch or pick at the tattoo.
5. Don’t overload the tattoo with unnecessary products.
6. Protect the tattoo from unnecessary sun exposure.
7. Watch for signs of infection or an unusual reaction.
Final Thoughts
A great tattoo doesn’t end when you leave the studio. Proper tattoo aftercare is an important part of allowing your skin to recover and helping your new artwork settle properly.
Keep your hands clean, follow the instructions provided by your tattoo artist, avoid unnecessary irritation and pay attention to how your tattoo changes while healing.
If you notice worsening redness, increasing pain, pus, fever, chills or other concerning symptoms, contact a healthcare professional rather than trying to manage a possible infection yourself.
Looking for your next tattoo? Tattoo Lore offers custom tattoo services and professional tattooing in Surrey, BC. Speak with our team about your next tattoo idea and find an artist who can help bring your concept to life.
