Tattoo Aftercare 101 - Step 1: Minding Your Freshly Tattooed Skin

Congrats on your fresh Tattoo! 🎉 There’s nothing like the excitement of stepping out of your tattoo appointment with a beautiful new piece of art on your skin. But as thrilling as the experience is, the real journey begins once you leave the studio. Proper tattoo aftercare is essential to make sure your tattoo heals beautifully and stays vibrant for years to come. Think of your new tattoo like a plant, it needs love and attention to thrive.

The first 48 hours are crucial for the healing process. When you leave the studio, your tattoo will likely be covered with a bandage or second-skin wrap, which helps protect it from bacteria and friction. Make sure you leave that bandage on for the recommended time, whether it's a few hours or up to 48 hours, depending on your artist’s instructions. Once it’s time to remove the bandage, remember to wash your hands first. Touching your tattoo with dirty hands can increase the risk of infection. Once your hands are clean, gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Wash gently and let the water and your hands do the work. Afterward, pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel and apply a thin layer of tattoo-specific balm.

During the healing process, it’s important to keep your tattoo clean and hydrated. Think of your tattoo as an open wound, it needs to be treated with care to avoid complications. Wash your tattoo twice a day with a gentle, fragrance-free tattoo cleanser to keep it free of dirt and bacteria. Be sure to apply a moisturizer regularly to keep the skin from drying out, which can lead to excessive flaking or irritation. Hydration is key, so drink plenty of water to help your skin stay nourished from the inside out. Remember, this isn’t just about keeping the ink looking fresh, it’s about ensuring your skin heals properly.

As your tattoo heals, it’s natural for it to itch. However, resist the urge to scratch! Scratching or picking at your tattoo can lead to scarring, uneven healing, and even infection. Instead of scratching, try gently tapping the area or lightly massaging it to soothe the itch, or use an itch-free tattoo moisturizer like Le Baume. Your tattoo may also form scabs, which is normal. Let them fall off naturally, picking at scabs can damage the tattoo’s color and texture, and may even cause permanent scarring. Keeping your tattoo moisturized will help minimize itching and flaking, making the healing process more comfortable.

Sun exposure is one of the biggest enemies of tattoos. UV rays can cause tattoos to fade over time, so it’s important to protect your ink from the sun. For at least the first two weeks, avoid direct sun exposure on your tattoo. Once it’s healed, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) whenever you’re outdoors to keep the ink looking vibrant and prevent fading. You can also cover your tattoo with loose clothing if you plan to be in the sun for an extended period of time.

Tattoo aftercare doesn’t stop once the scabs have fallen off. It’s an ongoing process to maintain the tattoo’s vibrancy and clarity. To keep your skin smooth and help your tattoo maintain its sharpness, gently exfoliate the area every once in a while. Keeping the skin moisturized daily is also key, hydrated skin helps preserve the brightness of your tattoo and prevents it from looking dull. 

Caring for your tattoo is all about patience and consistency. Your skin deserves the same love and attention as your new ink, so take the time to nourish both. With the right aftercare, your tattoo will stay beautiful and vibrant for years to come.

Got questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments below! 🖤