So now that you have your tattoo, you need to take care of it and it’s very important for you to care for your tattoo both in the immediate and in the long term. Depending on your skin type, sensitivities, allergies, and personal preferences, your aftercare technique could vary from those of your friends or other people you may know with tattoos.
While there is no one right way to heal a tattoo, what follows are some general guidelines to ensure a problem-free healing process.
The Do’s:
- Remove your covering within 8-12 hours of getting your tattoo.
- Promptly wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild soap, preferably unscented and perfume free.
- Lather the soap into your tattoo. Rinse and repeat at least one more time or until the area feels clean. Do this again at the end of the day.
- Ensure you have a clean towel or paper towel and PAT your tattoo dry – do not rub it.
- Repeat the shower process the following three to five days and let your tattoo dry for at least an hour after your shower.
- After the second day, when your tattoo starts to scab and feel dry, apply your choice of unscented moisturizer or tattoo aftercare product throughout the day. NOTE: We do not endorse or recommend any specific tattoo aftercare product however it is important for whatever product you use to be free of perfumes, dyes or any other chemical products.
The Don’ts:
- DO NOT soak your tattoo for at least two weeks. During this period, it’s best to avoid baths, hot tubs, saunas, swimming pools, lakes, etc. Exposing your tattoo to excessive soaking will cause the colour to fall out.
- Itching will occur after the tattoo begins to scab and flake. DO NOT scratch or pick at your new tattoo. Lightly slap the area and apply the above chosen moisturizing method to relive any itching.
- DO NOT wear clothes that will be tight or rub against your new tattoo until it is fully healed. This causes the area to become further irritated and may prolong your healing process or cause complications.
- DO NOT expose your tattoo to sunlight or UV for three to four weeks. After this period, use sunblock to help protect the colour and richness of your tattoo.
With the exception of medical professionals, please refrain from asking any friends or family for advice as they are not tattoo professionals and may not have the correct answers about your healing process. We do.
If you have any questions or concerns while healing your tattoo, please don’t hesitate to call or visit us at the shop. No questions are stupid when it comes to your tattoo and health safety and we’re committed to making your tattoo experience the best it can be – from start to finish!
Have a question about your tattoo aftercare? Contact Shades of Grey here.