How Long Does A Hand Tattoo Take To Heal?
After getting a tattoo, the outer layer of skin (the part you can see) will typically heal within 2 to 3 weeks. While it may look and feel healed, and you may be tempted to slow down on the aftercare, it can take as long as 6 months for the skin below a tattoo to truly heal.
Contents
- 1 Why you shouldn’t get a hand tattoo?
- 2 Which hand is best for tattoo?
- 3 How soon after a tattoo can you shower?
- 4 How long do hand tattoos stay swollen?
- 5 Are hand tattoos unprofessional?
- 6 Why do hand tattoos take so long to heal?
- 7 Do hand tattoos affect jobs?
- 8 Can you wear gloves after a hand tattoo?
- 9 Are hand tattoos unprofessional?
Are hand tattoos hard to heal?
Whether you love complex, colorful works or simple, black-ink-only designs, tattoos for fingers or hands are more popular than ever. The downside: They can be much tougher to heal and prevent fading. We asked artists to share their tried-and-true aftercare tips that keep tattoos looking fresh for years to come.
Do hand tattoos fade fast?
Hand tattoo best practices – Everyone can see your hands, so make sure you’re getting tattooed by someone who has experience tattooing hands. Also, make sure that you’re getting something you’ll love looking at, and that you don’t mind other people seeing readily.
- You can only tattoo them once, and you’ll have to look at them every day, because they’re literally your hands, so don’t settle for something that you know you won’t be happy with later down the road;
- Hand tattoos fade faster than tattoos on other parts of your body;
Because you use and wash your hands so much, there is constant cell turnover in that skin. While that is true, that doesn’t mean hand tattoos are any less permanent. You just have to give them a little more TLC to help them last.
What can you not do after getting a tattoo on your hand?
How painful is a tattoo on the hand?
Hands, fingers, feet, and toes – The tops and insides of the hands and feet, as well as fingers and toes, are popular places to be tattooed. Being tattooed anywhere on your hands and feet can cause severe pain. The skin here very thin, and it contains numerous nerve endings that can trigger pain when hit by a tattoo needle.
Why you shouldn’t get a hand tattoo?
Are Hand Tattoos Painful? – 
One of the most common questions asked by people contemplating getting a hand tattoo is: how painful is it to get one? Hand tattoos are listed by many to be among the more painful tattooing experiences. Hands have a very high number of nerve endings and are vital parts of your body’s interaction with the world. Moreover, the ink doesn’t fix in the skin as easily on the hands, so fading is a greater risk. This might mean the artist will apply some extra work to the area or that you will need to get touch ups in the future.
How do you wash a hand tattoo?
Aftercare for Your Tattoo – So, how can you make sure that new tattoo is something you don’t end up regretting? Follow these steps while your new tattoo heals.
- Be sure your artist covers your new tattoo in a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage.
- Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water and be sure to pat dry.
- Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don’t put on another bandage.
- Gently wash your tattoo area twice a day with soap and water and gently pat dry before reapplying the antibacterial/Vaseline ointment.
- Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean it to keep it moist.
You should repeat this process for 2 to 4 weeks. Also try not to wear clothes that will stick to your tattoo, and avoid swimming and the sun for about 2 weeks. And take cool showers. Scalding hot water will not only hurt, but it can also fade the ink. Wear a physical blocker sunscreen with at least 7% zinc oxide sunscreen during the daylight hours and/or cover it up (with clothing, a bandage).
How much do hand tattoos cost?
Hand or Finger Tattoo Cost A finger or hand tattoo can start at $50 for something very simple and go up to $300 for more elaborate designs. Most people don’t spend a lot of money on finger tattoos because they tend to fade quickly.
Can you wear gloves after a hand tattoo?
TIPS – If possible, shower rather than bathe during the healing period – this prevents unnecessary water exposure. Ideally the tattooed area should not be exposed to water fro more than a few minutes and ensure all soaps are rinsed well. – always pat your tattoo dry with a separate towel or tissue until it is fully healed.
- Do not pick your tattoo as this will increase the healing time and will also lessen the quality of your healed tattoo;
- It may become itchy during the healing process, do not be tempted to scratch , a light tap over clothing may alleviate some itching if necessary;
Avoid swimming, sun bathing and sunbeds until your tattoo has fully healed – sunlight and chlorine can interact with the dyes in your tattoo causing irritation or inflammation of your skin, and public pools contain germs – even sea water is a risk. Where possible, minimise the amount of “rubbing” from clothing by wearing loose fitting clothes around the area of the tattoo – this will minimise irritation of the skin around your new tattoo.
- Keep your new tattoo covered if working in a dirty or dusty environment, clothing and cream is sufficient;
- Avoid rubber gloves for a week or two if possible for hand / wrist tattoos;
- Those who work with their hands and desire hand tattoos should ideally plan 2-3 days off work;
Ensure your tattoo is kept away from contact with pets or young children. It is advisable to cover your tattoo with clothing if it is in the door or ankle and you are walking around with your pets, during the first week, but take advantage when at rest of leaving it to the air.
- Signs of infection: If your tattoo appears to be getting worse rather than better, or has swelling or redness beyond the second day that is not improving, this may be a sign of infection;
- Prompt treatment from your GP to be prescribed appropriate antibiotics is essential;
If you have any problems or questions at any time then you should contact your tattooist – – to ask their advice in the first instance. It may be the case that they may refer you to your GP, or reassure you that what you are seeing is part of the natural healing process. You may find this health service sheet useful; .
Which hand is best for tattoo?
A tattoo is a permanent form of an image imprinted on your skin with the help of dyes A tattoo is a permanent form of an image imprinted on your skin with the help of dyes or pigments and a needle. The tattoo artist uses a machine that looks like a sewing machine. The machine contains one or two needles that inject inking droplets just under your skin. Any arm, right or left, would be good for a tattoo. The choice boils down to your personal preferences.
Can you work with a fresh hand tattoo?
Infection – Infection is especially a danger when a tattoo is fresh. It’s such a risk that, for some, it’s recommended they should take some time out from work. This is for professions where open wounds aren’t allowed, such as the catering industry, and where the skin may be exposed to the elements, even if covered well. 
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How soon after a tattoo can you shower?
How Soon After a Tattoo Can I Shower? – Your first shower after a new tattoo can be the day after you got the tattoo. That could be between 12 and 48 hours. Sometimes, the tattoo becomes messy after a night of oozing blood and ink. In order for the tattoo to start healing properly, you need to give it a light wash with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water.
After 48 hours, your tattoo should be good for water exposure, but only once or twice a day. During the first week, it is essential not to expose the tattoo to the water for longer periods. This will prevent the tattoo from drying and forming a new skin layer.
In such a case, your tattoo could get infected. Note : we also recommend you avoid sweat-inducing activities, like working out, jogging, etc. Sweat carries bacteria that can infect the tattoo. Furthermore, sweating prevents the tattoo from drying out, which could also lead to an infection.
How long do hand tattoos stay swollen?
Stages of Healing for a New Tattoo –
- Stage 1: Immediate Reactions. Tattoo bruises and swelling begin as reddish, pinkish dots that appear in blotches immediately after you leave the tattoo studio. As time passes, the area around the tattoo can start to swell and that body part may be slightly painful to move.
- Stage 2: The Bruised and Swollen Stage. As it passes through the various stages of healing, the bruise’s colour will evolve into a bluish-purple blob and then fade to a yellowish-green hazy cloud. The multi-coloured wound should then return to its natural flesh tone. Your swelling should also reduce at a similar rate as the body heals and fluids drain away.
- Stage 3: The Itchy and Scabby Stage. After three to seven days (or up to two weeks), your tattoo should begin to peel and feel very itchy. Scabs may form, but it is important to let them fall off on their own and to avoid scratching your tattoo.
Extreme pain, oozing of white, greenish, or foul-smelling substances, and fever are all signs of a tattoo infection (see below). If you think you might have an infection, see a doctor right away. 
Red, sore, infected leg tattoo Tattoo Artists on FB.
What is the least painful tattoo?
- Tattoo pain will vary depending on your age, sex, and pain threshold.
- The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your ribs, spine, fingers, and shins.
- The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms, stomach, and outer thighs.
Getting a tattoo involves an ink-filled needle repeatedly puncturing your skin. Consequently, it’s not unusual to wonder how much pain you should expect when considering a tattoo. As it turns out, pain is a highly subjective experience , and how much discomfort you feel while getting tattoed can depend on a couple of factors including your biological sex, pain tolerance, and most importantly – the area of your body getting tattooed.
Whats the most painful place to get a tattoo?
- Tattoo pain will vary depending on your age, sex, and pain threshold.
- The most painful spots to get a tattoo are your ribs, spine, fingers, and shins.
- The least painful spots to get a tattoo are your forearms, stomach, and outer thighs.
Getting a tattoo involves an ink-filled needle repeatedly puncturing your skin. Consequently, it’s not unusual to wonder how much pain you should expect when considering a tattoo. As it turns out, pain is a highly subjective experience , and how much discomfort you feel while getting tattoed can depend on a couple of factors including your biological sex, pain tolerance, and most importantly — the area of your body getting tattooed.
Are hand tattoos unprofessional?
Traditionally, hand and finger tattoos have been labeled as ‘job stoppers’ because they have rendered plenty of qualified people unhirable, simply because of a visible tattoo. As mentioned before, hand tattoos have grown to become more acceptable and a more common sight in the professional sphere in recent times.
Why do hand tattoos take so long to heal?
And that’s only the half of what makes hand tattoos so different. Compared to the rest of our bodies, hands get a lot more daily wear and tear because we use them so much and they’re almost always exposed to the elements.
Do hand tattoos affect jobs?
No, Having A Tattoo Doesn’t Hurt Your Chances Of Getting A Job.
Can you wear gloves after a hand tattoo?
TIPS – If possible, shower rather than bathe during the healing period – this prevents unnecessary water exposure. Ideally the tattooed area should not be exposed to water fro more than a few minutes and ensure all soaps are rinsed well. – always pat your tattoo dry with a separate towel or tissue until it is fully healed.
Do not pick your tattoo as this will increase the healing time and will also lessen the quality of your healed tattoo. It may become itchy during the healing process, do not be tempted to scratch , a light tap over clothing may alleviate some itching if necessary.
Avoid swimming, sun bathing and sunbeds until your tattoo has fully healed – sunlight and chlorine can interact with the dyes in your tattoo causing irritation or inflammation of your skin, and public pools contain germs – even sea water is a risk. Where possible, minimise the amount of “rubbing” from clothing by wearing loose fitting clothes around the area of the tattoo – this will minimise irritation of the skin around your new tattoo.
Keep your new tattoo covered if working in a dirty or dusty environment, clothing and cream is sufficient. Avoid rubber gloves for a week or two if possible for hand / wrist tattoos. Those who work with their hands and desire hand tattoos should ideally plan 2-3 days off work.
Ensure your tattoo is kept away from contact with pets or young children. It is advisable to cover your tattoo with clothing if it is in the door or ankle and you are walking around with your pets, during the first week, but take advantage when at rest of leaving it to the air.
Signs of infection: If your tattoo appears to be getting worse rather than better, or has swelling or redness beyond the second day that is not improving, this may be a sign of infection. Prompt treatment from your GP to be prescribed appropriate antibiotics is essential.
If you have any problems or questions at any time then you should contact your tattooist – – to ask their advice in the first instance. It may be the case that they may refer you to your GP, or reassure you that what you are seeing is part of the natural healing process. You may find this health service sheet useful; .
Are hand tattoos unprofessional?
Traditionally, hand and finger tattoos have been labeled as ‘job stoppers’ because they have rendered plenty of qualified people unhirable, simply because of a visible tattoo. As mentioned before, hand tattoos have grown to become more acceptable and a more common sight in the professional sphere in recent times.
