A guide to tattoo aftercare

If it’s your first time getting tattooed,

or your forty seventh and need a refresher,

here are some tattoo aftercare tips to follow to ensure the best healed tattoo!

1. No touchy.
   This is a huge one, as almost all tattoo infections start from dirt getting into your fresh tattoo. The less you touch it the easier it will heal - ONLY touch your tattoo with freshly cleaned hands. Clean with anti-bacterial soap, rubbing your hands together for at least ten seconds and washing with hot water before they go anywhere near your new tat. Clean hands before applying cream is just as important. Do not let anyone else touch your tattoo unless it has completely healed.

2. Clean everything!
   Anything that the fresh tattoo comes in contact with will need to be clean. Clean clothes, clean PJs, clean bedsheets/sleeping bag, clean towels. If someone else may potentially be using your towel, use a clean paper towel to dry off your tattoo after the shower. Always dab the water off, do not wipe.
   
   

3. No Scratching or rubbing.
   Your tattoo WILL get itchy while it’s healing. This is normal. Depending on how big the tattoo is will determine how itchy it gets. Itch around the tattoo, or put ice on it if it gets unbearable. Do not pick at the scabs, this will pull the ink out of your skin. Do not slap the tattoo. Wear loose clothing so that there isn’t any friction on your healing skin - this includes socks, shoes, bras, etc.
   
   

4. Second Skin or wrap?
   This is up to the artist, and can depend on a few things as well; how big it is, what area it is in, if you are travelling soon, if it is a heavily saturated tattoo, and sensitivities. Normally I do apply second skin. Second skin stays on for between one to five days, however I recommend only leaving it on for up to three days unless it starts peeling off on it’s own. Take it off in the shower and rinse your tattoo with those clean hands of yours (heck yeah!). Yes, you can shower with second skin on. No, you cannot go swimming with it on.
   
   

5. Can I go back to the gym after getting a tattoo?
   Short answer is no. I recommend taking at least a week off the gym (or more depending on the size of the tattoo) as your body needs to rest and focus on healing. If you stress your already stressed immune system, infections happen more readily, as well as catching colds, not to mention you may sweat out some ink if you start too soon. We also don’t want you to sweat under that second skin because it will become trapped there. Light cardio is fine, take it easy like you would if you had a head cold. Walkies are A-okay!
   
   

6. Can I swim with a fresh tattoo?
   Nope, nope no. PLEASE do not. No swimming in pools, the sea, fresh water, or soaking it in the bath, spa or sauna. Just don’t. Showers only until healed.
   
   

7. Should I plan the next few weeks around my tattoo?
   Yes! I have clients who will book a month out from a trip so they know they would have healed and be able to go for that sea swim or crazy five day hike. If you are travelling around nz - make the booking on your second last day so you don’t have to worry about it. Smart planning means happy tattoos.
   
   

8. Goodbye sun.
   Keep your healing tattoo covered and away from harmful UV rays. Do NOT apply sunblock to your new tattoo - only once it has fully healed. It will be your responsibility to apply sunblock to it (at least SPF +50) when you go outside - it’s best to apply it even if you don’t think you will be out in the sun or if it’s overcast. This will help the longevity of the tattoo. Healthy skin means awesome tattoos.
   
   

9. It puts the lotion on the skin.
   Moisturizing your skin in general leading up to your tattoo will mean it will come out even better (goodbye flaky skin chunks that could get caught in the needles). Hold off on the general moisturizing after getting your tattoo and instead you will be using a tattoo healing balm on your tattoo once to twice a day, after your second skin has been taken off. Apply the smallest amount, just enough to moisturize the area to stop it drying out. We still want the tattoo to breath, so applying a minimal amount will maximize the healing process. Only apply with clean hands, do not double tip; if you and a friend are using the same tin - only use a new Qtip or a disposable tongue depressor to take the cream out of the pottle instead. Only use balms specific for tattoos (ie Tedstattoowonders), not just any old antiseptic cream - no matter if you were told to ten years ago by another tattoo artist.
   
   

10. I have more questions!
    Please feel free to message me even if it’s just about general tattoo inquiries - even if I wasn’t the one to tattooed you, I’m always happy to help!

These are all your basic aftercare tips.
The industry (like most) is always changing, and general care will always be changing too for the better as we learn even more about the human body.
I continue researching to improve any aftercare and keep to new industry standards. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to message me in the ‘contact’ tab at the top of the page.