Inside: New Tattoo Care – First 48 Hours.
Your tattoo is not finished when the tattooist is. A new tattoo is as sensitive as a fresh wound. The first 48 hours are critical when it comes to its aftercare. Miss a step, and you can get keloids and other scars that require medical treatment to heal.
Learn about new tattoo care – what to do in the first 48 hours here and how to treat complex tattoos in this guide.
Why the First 48 Hours Are Critical For Tattoo Care
A fresh tattoo is exposed derma, which has to be treated carefully during the first two days after you get one. If you follow the tips in this guide, you can experience the following benefits:
- Speeds up the healing process.
- Prevents infections and scars from forming.
- The tattoo colors remain vibrant.
Important tip – An itchy tattoo is a healing tattoo.
Tattoo Care Tips for the First 48 Hours
Here are some of the things you will need to take care of a fresh tattoo in the first two days:
- Mild, unscented soap
- Moisturizer or an ointment. You can also use shea and cocoa butter
- Tattoo Salve
Do Not Leave the Tattoo Parlor without a Bandage
The tattooist should cover your tattoo with an ointment and bandage before you leave. Some parlors have special salves, which should not be wiped off till you get indoors. Do not fiddle with the dressing, shower, or go for a swim for the first two days. The bandage and tattoo should remain dry.
Remove the Bandage After 24 Hours
On the second day (after 24 hours tops), you can remove the bandage to allow the tattoo to get some air. Use a mild, unscented soap and cool water to clean it, and do not dry rigorously. Instead, use gentle pats to remove moisture. Then smear on some ointment or antibacterial moisturizer but don’t wrap a new bandage on the tattoo. Do this twice in the day.
You may also notice your tattoo oozing a bit. In most cases, this is ink or plasma from your blood and shouldn’t be an issue. Your skin may also feel sore, which is also standard.
Follow the Same Routine the Next Day
Follow the same steps in the next 24 hours. Monitor your skin for signs of infection such as swelling, abnormal oozing, redness, or scarring. The tattoo will lose its vibrancy a bit after a few days.
This is due to scabs that will shed on their own as your skin heals. Ask a doctor if you think the scabs are getting more prominent or you are getting an infection. Better to be safe than sorry.
Bonus Tips
- Make sure you don’t sleep on a fresh tattoo in the first 48 hours! You may break the skin, which can lead to scarring or infections. Also, make sure your sheets are sanitary. You may end up sleeping on your tattoo unknowingly. Here are some more tips you should use.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol and smoking areas. Pollutants can slow down the natural healing process.
Caring For Complex Tattoos in the First 48 Hours
Leg and arm tattoos are easier to take care of than others since they are easily accessible. Cleaning and keeping them dry is not a chore. But others can be trickier to maintain. Here are some tattoo spots that are difficult to take care of and maintenance tips:
Taking Care of Lip Tattoos
Lip tattoos fade fast as you eat and drink. Plus, they cannot remain dry for long because of saliva. To prevent it from fading too fast, keep the tattoo clean by rinsing as much as possible, especially after eating or smoking. Plus, apply prescribed aftercare products diligently and do not pick at the scabs.
Taking Care of Back Tattoos
Back tattoos are difficult to reach, so keeping them clean is tricky. You may need to do some contorting to take care of them. Just don’t use loofahs or rough towels. Just don’t stretch too much to clean the area. The skin may stretch and form scabs that can ruin the design and cause infections. In this case, get help from a partner or friend.
Here are some great back tattoos you can try!
Whether you get a full back tattoo or a small one on your pinkie finger, proper aftercare can ensure they heal nicely, and the colors pop. Find out more about this fabulous art form in our other articles.
Looking for Ink Art Inspiration?
- Cute Cloud Tattoos – Because of their symbolic meanings, as well as infinite design possibilities, the tattoos of clouds are becoming increasingly popular in the world. Whether used on their own or as parts of some larger designs or scenes, clouds have the ability to connote a variety of meanings. At the same time, design-wise, there are several variations, as well as styles which you and your favorite tattoo artist can work with, to create the perfect cloud tattoo for you.
- Embroidery Tattoo Ideas – If you love tattoos as well as embroidery, you are going to go wild for these embroidery tattoos! These designs are some of the coolest tattoo ideas around. They look like you have actual embroidery stitches in your skin! They do take some time for the tattoo artist to make them so detailed, but it’s worth every second! Don’t miss these awesome embroidery tattoo designs.
- Eye Catching Aesthetic Tattoo – Aesthetic is concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty, and what better way to show off what you think is beautiful than some stunning tattoos. From ocean waves, soaring butterflies, to pretty flowers, and colorful designs these eye-catching aesthetic tattoo ideas are perfect for your next ink session. Some of our favorite tattooed areas for these are small but fun places like behind the ear, forearm, collarbone, or finger. You can create a beautiful story with these simple works of art, let us know in the comments your favorite.