AFTER CARE TIPS
Proper tattoo care reduces the risk of scarring, infection and a crappy looking tattoo.
Every tattoo heals slightly differently depending on the individual person and its location. A good artist will run through a personalised aftercare routine, which is essential to stick to.
As ever, make sure to follow any specific advice from your doctor or dermatologist.
Making sure your tattoo heals properly and its ongoing maintenance is essential to ensure it is something to enjoy and be proud of for many years to come.
The healing process
This normally follows a four-stage timeline that includes oozing, itching, peeling, and continued aftercare. It’s important to take aftercare seriously so your tattoo doesn’t get infected.
If you see any signs that your tattoo isn’t properly healing, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Potential side effects and complications of tattoos
Immediately after the tattoo process, the body gets to work healing and your skin will most likely become red, itchy and tender. There may also be excess ink and some blood leaking from your skin (known as "weeping"), all part of the normal healing process.
Whilst everyone will be different, here are some common things to look out for and prompt a call to the doctor.
Infection
A tattoo that isn’t properly cared for can get infected. Infected skin will be red, warm, and painful. It may also leak pus or smell (yuk!). You may also develop flu like symptoms such as fever or chills.
Allergic reaction
If you’re sensitive to the ink your artist used, you may develop a red, itchy skin reaction at the site as well as persistent puffiness in the skin around the tattoo. You may also develop flu like symptoms such as fever or chills.
Scarring
Damage from the needle or from picking at the tattoo can cause your body to produce scar tissue. Scars can be permanent. A properly healed tattoo should not scar.
Prolonged itching or hives
If you break out in hives in the days or weeks after getting a tattoo, see your doctor. Excessively itchy tattoos can also be a sign of an allergy.
An allergic reaction to a tattoo does not always happen immediately. It can sometimes take months or even years after getting the tattoo.
Your artist will usually cover your piece with a bandage or plastic wrap. Your artist will tell you how long to wait before removing this.
Artist recommendations will vary and may be based on the type and size of your tattoo.
Once the covering comes off, you’ll probably notice fluid oozing from the tattoo (known as "weeping"). Your skin will also be red and sore. It may also feel slightly warm to the touch.
With clean hands, wash the tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
Apply a thin layer of a gentle moisturiser (like ours!). Leave the covering off so the tattoo can heal.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the tattoo to fade. Avoid swimming while your tattoo is healing.
The healing process has started to kick in - your tattoo will have a duller appearance and scabs will begin to form. Its super important to resist the urge to pick at the scabs, no matter how itchy. This can change the appearance of the tattoo and cause scarring.
Wash your tattoo once or twice a day, and apply a gentle moisturiser (like ours!). There may continue to be some weeping at this stage.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the tattoo to fade. Avoid swimming while your tattoo is healing.
The skin should start to calm down a bit, with some light scabbing. Resist the urge to pick at the scabs, no matter how itchy — this can cause scarring.
Keep washing your tattoo once or twice a day. Continue applying a gentle moisturiser (like ours).
Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the tattoo to fade. Avoid swimming while your tattoo is healing.
By this point the scabs should have hardened and will begin to flake off naturally. Its important to continue to resist the urge to pick or pull them off.
The skin will generally still feel itchy, which can be relieved by applying a gentle moisturiser like ours several times a day.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the tattoo to fade. Avoid swimming while your tattoo is healing.
If your tattoo is still red and swollen at this point, it may be a good idea to check with your tattoo artist or see a doctor.
During this last stage of the healing process most of the scabbing and flaking should either have gone or be well on its way.
The skin in the tattooed area might still look dry and dull. Keep moisturising until it looks hydrated again.
By the second or third week, the outer layers of skin should be properly healed.
It may take up to 6 months for the deeper layers to completely heal, however by the end of the third month the tattoo should start to look as intended.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the tattoo to fade. Avoid swimming while your tattoo is healing.
Once healed, there are regular routines you can follow to help keep your piece looking its best.
Keep it moisturised. Dry skin can cause a tattoo or the ink to look dull. Our revival balm will make them pop.
Keep it clean. Wash your skin daily with a gentle, fragrance-free soap.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water to keep your skin moisturised.
Watch what you wear. Wear SPF clothing so the sun won’t fade your tattoo. Avoid scratchy fabrics, such as wool, which can damage the art.
Avoid excess weight gain or loss. Changes in weight could stretch out or distort the tattoo.