Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure your tattoo heals well and retains its vibrant colors and sharp lines. If you don’t care for a new tattoo properly, there can be several negative consequences that may affect the healing process and the overall appearance of your tattoo.
Follow the instructions we provide below and if you have any questions at all, please ask your tattoo artist on the day or reach out to us with a phone call, or using the contact form.
How to care for a new tattoo
- Remove wrap after two hours.
- Wash tattoo with warm/hot water and antibacterial soap. Avoid scrubbing as this can damage your skin at this point.
- Pat dry and apply Bepanthen CREAM (not the ointment) 45 minutes after washing.
- Repeat steps 2 and 3 each morning and night for 5 – 7 days.
- Do not scratch or pick at the tattoo!
Hygiene and color care for the first few weeks.
- Your tattoo is an open wound, so treat it like one to prevent infection.
- Keeping it clean and not scratching it are common sense.
- Itching, scabbing, pimples and bumps are normal in the healing process, if it gets crazy itchy: slap it, don’t scratch it.
- Keep unwashed hands off it.
- Do NOT soak your tattoo in any form of water until healed. This includes going swimming. Showers are fine.
- Do NOT sun bake or any other form of tanning for one month. Even after your tattoo is healed, too much sun will fade the colour in your tattoo over time. Use sunscreen.
- Picking the scabs from your tattoo while it is healing will cause the colour to fall out. Let the scabs fall off naturally.
A properly cared-for tattoo typically takes about 2-3 weeks to heal, but improper care can extend this timeline, leaving your tattoo vulnerable to various complications. If you notice any unusual reactions or complications during the healing process please reach out to your tattoo artist or a medical professional immediately.
Better Health Victoria has some more information on Tattoo Care if you’re interested. Tattoos – Better Health Channel