When I got my first tattoo as a high school student, I shivered for half an hour before the needle touched my skin. I was (and still am) a control freak and hypochondriac who felt very lost in all the advice on how to properly care for a tattoo. I'm sure the tattoo artist wasn't exactly thrilled when I couldn't sit still during the five-minute-long procedure (which, in case you were wondering, felt like longer). I kept talking and seemed to have a million little questions to ask him, like "Can I shower after getting my tattoo?"
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Don't be embarrassed and feel like you need to hide your problems. After getting a tattoo, avoiding infection situations like Rebel Wilson's "free tattoo" in Bridesmaids is a top priority. Thankfully, tattoo artists actually know how to care for their ink—if they can't or won't solve any of your problems, that's a red flag. In addition to following the artist's instructions on how to best heal their tattoo style, there are some basics everyone should know—like the answer to that pesky shower problem.
If you're a new ink collector (or just want to update your knowledge on the best tattoo care tips), here are nine things you should know when it comes to treating your tattoos.
1. Try pre-tattoo therapy
The best aftercare starts before you even apply the ink. Experts say it's best to take care of your skin before your appointment so your tattoo can go more smoothly. "I believe pre-care is just as important as after-care," says New York-based tattoo artist Ghinko. "Just like how we take special care of our face to make it look hydrated and healthy, you must also moisturize, protect from the sun, and exfoliate your body so that your tattoo can adhere well to your skin."
2. The 48 hours after surgery are crucial
Not surprisingly, proper tattoo care within 48 hours of getting your tattoo is very important to the healing process. After you get your tattoo, your tattoo artist will bandage your ink to protect it from the elements or prying hands. The duration of this protection depends on the type of bandage used.
Medical-grade bandages such as Saniderm and Tegiderm are typically worn for 24 hours or more, according to Ann Arbor tattoo artist Carrie Metz-Caporusso. Any other bandages may be removed within a few hours at most. Please double check your artist’s recommendations.
3. You can take a shower after getting a tattoo, but remember to use mild soap
When showering after a new tattoo, it's a good idea to ask your tattoo artist when you can lather up. Their answer will depend on the type of bandage they used to seal the job before sending you away.
"Depending on the type of bandage you receive determines when you can shower," Metz-Capruso tells Bustle. "If you use Saniderm or Tegiderm, then you can shower immediately. This covering is waterproof. If you use a classic bandage or plastic wrap, then you have to wait 2 to 12 hours, depending on your artist's advice. You Take it off and take a shower anytime."
But be sure to use a mild, fragrance-free soap when showering or cleaning new ink. Think classic Dial soap or anything antibacterial and gentle. After gently cleansing, Brooklyn-based tattoo artist John O'Hara recommends using Aquaphor to moisturize the skin and create a barrier to prevent infection.
"The key is to apply a very thin layer, let the skin absorb the Aquaphor for about 10-15 seconds, and then wipe off the excess with a tissue," O'Hara tells Bustle. "This will give you just the right amount."
4. Don’t use towels or loofahs
When you clean your work, touch the ink with your hands only. A towel or loofah can collect bacteria and be too abrasive. While cleansing is important, you want to make sure you're not washing away healing skin or beneficial bacteria.
"The most common mistake I see is trying to infantilize tattoos," says Metz-Capruso. "You can definitely overdo washing and lotioning. Wash once or twice a day and wait until it becomes itchy and flaky before applying lotion."
5. Don’t take off the pieces on your body
If not healed with Saniderm or Tegiderm (which prevents scabbing and flaking), your tattoo will start to dry out about 48 hours after it's done. But don't pick off the flakes that are about to appear. Doing so may cause scarring, blurred contours, and ink discoloration
"Treat your tattoo like a wound and let your body heal itself," Metz-Caporuso says. Simple but important advice.
6. Use mild lotion
Instead of picking flakes, use a fragrance-free lotion like After Inked to soothe dry skin. According to O'Hara, it takes three to four days for the skin to start regenerating, and itching is the first sign that the process has begun. That’s when lotion becomes your best friend.
"If your tattoo is itchy, apply lotion," Metz-Capruso says. "There's no exact formula for when and how many times you need to wash or apply it to your skin. I personally don't use lotion and just wash it once a day and that works for me. But it may not work for you".
7. Avoid sunbathing, sweating and swimming
Remember: sunlight is a tattoo’s worst enemy. If you have not fully recovered, you must cover your tattoo when exposed to the sun. Even if you fully recover, it is recommended to protect your tattoo with a high SPF sunscreen. "You should not be exposed to the sun at all during the first two weeks of healing," says tattoo artist Guilherme Assumpcao of Mission Ink Tattoo and Piercing. "Once the tattoo is fully healed, you can use sunscreen, but we still recommend no exposure. "
O'Hara said it's also important to avoid swimming for at least three weeks. As for exercise, he recommends not going to the gym for at least a week to avoid infection. Outdoor exercise is best.
8. Use sunscreen
Defend SPF 30 Sunscreen Mad Rabbit
You should wear sunscreen every day, but this is especially important when it comes to your tattoos. Ghinko recommends applying sunscreen to your new tattoo regularly for care. "Just like you take care of your face to keep the skin youthful, you have to do the same with tattooed skin," she says. "For long-term care, you should apply sunscreen to your tattoo to prevent fading."
She recommends using sunscreen with at least 30 SPF for optimal protection. She chose Mad Rabbit Defend SPF 30 sunscreen because it's specifically designed for tattoos.
9. Be patient while your skin heals
Most tattoos take 7 to 14 days to fully heal, but in some cases it can take up to a month. So, bottom line: tattoos are just like any other sensitive wound. Get this done. Keep it clean and moist, and avoid exposing it to unwanted germs.
"My secret to healing is to listen to your body," Metz-Capruso says. "I've heard a lot of different ways to heal tattoos, and most of the time, they look great. You know your body better than anyone else."
Additional reporting by Katie Duper and Audrey Noble
