These days, tattoos are more mainstream than ever before, and rightly so, since tattoos are essentially personalized pieces of art inked on your own body. There are few things in everyday life as exhilarating as getting a new tattoo. From picking out a design you love (whether it has a deeper meaning or not) to actually sitting down and talking with the artist, it’s a special experience.
I recently got my second permanent tattoo (I also had one made to last with Ephemeral). After planning the design, placement, and size (a 1-inch outline of a tootsie roll above my elbow), I realized I knew very little about caring for and preparing for my new tattoo. I’m the kind of person who puts on sunscreen when I might be sitting near a window, so knowing how to prep and care for my skin after it’s inked was a top priority. I reached out to Ashur Harris, studio manager at Atelier Eva in Brooklyn, New York, and partner at Mad Rabbit, for advice, and asked all the questions I couldn’t find answers to anywhere else.
Is there anything I should avoid before getting a tattoo?
Try to avoid the sun as much as possible before getting your tattoo. “Dry, sunburned, or peeling skin can seriously affect your tattoo’s performance,” says Harris. Make sure to keep your skin especially moisturized for a few days beforehand to make it easier for your tattoo to heal.
Other things to consider before getting a tattoo include showering before the procedure and avoiding drugs, alcohol and strenuous exercise for 24-48 hours before and after. “I also highly recommend getting a good night’s sleep the night before and eating a healthy, hearty meal at least three hours before,” Harris says.
After your tattoo, make sure to stay hydrated, eat filling meals, and get plenty of rest. “Avoid spending long periods outdoors or in changing environments, and avoid strenuous exercise that can lead to excessive sweating due to movement,” says Harris. Stay out of the sun and keep the newly tattooed area away from water.
How do I clean my tattoo and how often should I clean it?
Luckily, there are cleansers available that are specifically designed for tattoos. “We recommend using a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap. [and] “Using clean hands, cover the tattooed area and wash using gentle circular movements,” says Harris. “After this step, rinse thoroughly with warm water. We recommend doing this two to three times a day during the healing process.”
Mad Rabbit
Gentle Cleansing + Exfoliating Soap Duo
Hustle Butter
Hustle Bubbles Deluxe
Tattoo Goo
Deep Cleansing Soap
Do you recommend dry healing?
Atelier Eva does not recommend dry healing. “During the winter months, your tattoo is likely to be covered by warm, skin-tight clothing that can over-dry the tattoo area and cause the fabric to catch the scab, leading to irritation, itching, or pain (the scab can cause areas of the healing tattoo’s pigment to peel away from the skin),” says Harris. “During the summer months, extended exposure to the sun, elements, and rain can over-dry the tattoo, posing the same risks.”
What should I do if my tattoo is itchy?
Whatever you do, avoid scratching your new tattoo. Itching is normal and expected as your tattoo heals and scabs. The itching is most noticeable as your tattoo heals and scabs. Apply a soothing gel to nourish the skin and ease any pain. Harris says: Atelier Eva x Mad Rabbit Soothing GelThis product contains aloe vera, which is soothing and moisturizing without interfering with the tattoo healing process.
Mad Rabbit
Atelier Eva x Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel
After Inking
Tattoo moisturizers and aftercare lotions
Ola’s Wonderful Herbs
Tattoo ointment
Hustle Butter
Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream
How long should I care for my new tattoo?
It can take up to a month for your tattoo to fully heal. To promote healing, lightly moisturize the skin (with the same type of gel or moisturizer you use to relieve the itch) for about 14 days after removing the bandage. Apply a thin layer of moisturizer and rub it in until it is fully absorbed.
Is there anything I should never do after getting a tattoo?
“We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for up to two weeks, as flexing the skin over the tattooed area can cause scarring, and contact with unsanitary surfaces, frayed clothing, and sweat can lead to irritation and infection,” says Harris. “Contact with unsanitary water can cause serious and life-threatening infections, and direct sunlight can over-dry the healing area and cause premature fading. Avoid submerging your tattoo in water or exposing it to direct sunlight for extended periods of time for up to a month. We also recommend using a mineral-based SPF if you are going out in the sun after the 14th day, regardless of the season.”
Supergoop!
Cloud 9 100% Mineral Sun Balm SPF 40 Face & Body Balm
MD Solar Science
Mineral Cream SPF 50
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50
What happens if my tattoo gets infected?
Luckily, infections can almost always be avoided with proper care while your tattoo heals. “Infections are most often caused by improper aftercare and cleaning,” says Harris. “Speak to your tattoo artist to see if they can recognise the situation and what’s causing it. In most cases, it’s a treatable condition. They may recommend some simple treatments that you can address yourself with additional cleaning, care and over-the-counter treatments, or they may recommend that you contact a qualified dermatologist or doctor for additional help.”
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