So, you’ve just got some fresh ink – congratulations! Now, ensuring your tattoo heals correctly is just as crucial as choosing the right design and artist. If your tattoo artist opted for a classic healing method without adhesive wraps, worry not. Your tattoo can heal beautifully with the right aftercare, and a key component of that is Tattoo Ointment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using tattoo ointment to keep your new art looking vibrant and healthy for years to come.
Initial Aftercare: The First Wash
Once you’re home and ready to begin the healing process, the first step is to gently remove the plastic wrap applied by your artist. It’s normal to see some blood and fluid buildup – this is simply your skin’s natural response to the tattooing process.
Instead of hopping straight into the shower, which can be too harsh initially, head to your sink for the first wash.
Gentle Washing Steps:
- Prepare your sink area: Lay down some towels to catch any splashes and keep your space clean.
- Warm water rinse: Use your hands to gently scoop warm water and let it flow over your tattoo. Avoid directly spraying water onto it. Remember, do not soak your tattoo.
- Soap application: Lather a mild, fragrance-free soap – ideally a tattoo soap like H2Ocean (though any gentle antibacterial soap will work) – in your clean hands.
- Gentle cleanse: Apply the soapy lather to your tattoo with a light touch. Gently remove any remaining fluid, blood, or ink.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the soap off with warm water, again using cupped hands to pour water over the area.
- Air dry: Allow your tattoo to air dry for about 20 minutes. This is crucial before applying any tattoo ointment.
Applying Tattoo Ointment: Hydration is Key
After your tattoo is completely air-dried, it’s time to apply tattoo ointment. This is where tattoo ointment comes into play, providing the necessary moisture to aid healing and prevent excessive scabbing. We recommend using a high-quality product like Hustle Butter, but the application technique is similar for most tattoo ointments.
Ointment Application Guide:
- Start small: Dispense a pea-sized amount of tattoo ointment. It’s always better to start with less and add more if needed.
- Gentle application: Gently rub the tattoo ointment over the entire tattooed area.
- Even coverage: Continue rubbing until the tattoo ointment is evenly distributed and your tattoo has a slight sheen. Avoid leaving thick layers of tattoo ointment on the skin.
- Check for excess: To ensure you haven’t used too much tattoo ointment, use a clean finger to gently swipe across the tattoo. If there’s a noticeable amount of tattoo ointment on your finger, you’ve likely used too much. Less is more!
- Debris removal (optional): If you notice small particles stuck in the tattoo ointment, try to gently rub them away. If they don’t come off easily after a few tries, leave them and they’ll be removed during your next wash.
Consistent Ointment Routine: Healing Over Time
Consistency is vital for proper tattoo healing. Continue applying tattoo ointment every 6-8 hours, approximately three times a day, for the next 10-14 days. A helpful routine could be:
- Morning: Upon waking, wash your tattoo as described earlier, air dry, and then apply tattoo ointment.
- Lunchtime: Repeat the wash, air dry, and tattoo ointment application.
- Evening: About an hour before bed, perform the wash, air dry, and final tattoo ointment application of the day.
Showering with a New Tattoo: Keeping it Clean
Showering is necessary, even with a new tattoo, but modifications are needed to protect it.
Showering Tips:
- Avoid prolonged water exposure: Do not soak your tattoo or let water beat directly on it for extended periods.
- Quick and gentle: Showers should be brief.
- Use tattoo soap: Bring your mild tattoo soap into the shower.
- Wash gently: Cleanse your tattoo in the shower in the same gentle manner as you would at the sink.
- Pat dry: After showering, gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing.
Managing Scabbing and Itching: Normal Healing Stages
Around days 3-5, your tattoo will likely begin to scab – this is a completely normal part of the healing process.
Scab and Itch Management:
- Leave scabs alone: Do not pick at scabs! Allow them to fall off naturally. Picking can lead to ink loss and scarring.
- Moisturize, but not too much: Continue using tattoo ointment to keep the scabs moisturized and prevent them from becoming excessively dry and cracking. However, avoid over-moisturizing, which can make scabs soggy and prone to premature removal.
- Resist scratching: Itching is common and can be intense. Do not scratch your tattoo! Instead, lightly slap the itchy area to relieve discomfort.
Sun and Protection: Shielding Your Ink
Sunlight is a major enemy of new tattoos and can cause fading.
Sun and Exposure Precautions:
- Sun protection: If you must be in the sun, wear loose, protective clothing that completely covers your tattoo throughout the healing period.
- Protect from damage: If your work or activities might expose your tattoo to potential damage or irritation, keep it covered with clothing.
Post-Healing Appearance: Patience is Key
It’s normal for your tattoo to appear shiny or slightly faded for a short period after the initial healing phase. Don’t worry – this is temporary. Give it a little time to settle, and the vibrancy and clarity will return, revealing your beautifully healed tattoo.
Things to Avoid During Tattoo Healing
To ensure optimal healing and prevent complications, avoid these activities:
- Swimming: No swimming pools, hot tubs, or prolonged soaking of your tattoo in water.
- Gym and excessive sweating: Avoid heavy workouts that cause excessive sweating, especially in the tattooed area. Light exercise is usually acceptable, but avoid activities that directly stress the new tattoo. Skip saunas and steam rooms.
- Beach: Avoid the beach due to potential contamination from sand and prolonged sun exposure.
- MMA and rough physical activities: Refrain from any activities that could cause friction, impact, or trauma to the tattooed area.
By following these guidelines and consistently using tattoo ointment as directed, you’ll be well on your way to a perfectly healed and stunning tattoo. Enjoy your new art!
