How To Care For 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).
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How long does it take hand tattoo 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.
Are hand tattoos hard to maintain?
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.
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; .
How do I keep my hand tattoo from fading?
Pat it dry with a soft cloth taking care not to rub or scratch, and then slather on a moisturizing cream designed for post-tattoo care (speak to your tattoo artist for their recommendation). For the first two weeks, you need to keep your new ink covered as much as possible to avoid sunlight, dirt, etc.
Why are hand tattoos so hard to heal?
‘Movement of the hand over decades causes exaggerated skin lines over joints, and laxity over the back of the hand increases as we lose fat volume and underlying tendons and vessels become more prominent,’ explains San Diego board-certified dermatologist Melanie Palm.
What should you not do after a tattoo?
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).
Do hand tattoos age well?
Tattoos on the flat of the forearm – Credit: Instagram Credit: Instagram Credit: Instagram Credit: Instagram Credit: Instagram Tattoos, just like real estate, are all about location. Some parts of the body are more generous in the way they allow tattoos to age well. Others not so much! Body ink in areas with high friction tends to fade fast. These areas include feet, hands, and other parts of the body which come into contact with friction.
It’s useful to remember that some high-friction zones are not the same for everyone. Clothes you typically wear, activities, and lifestyle in general play a role in how much friction a certain part of the body endures.
One area that doesn’t usually endure a lot of friction is the flat of the forearm. This specific area is tight, relatively large, and flatters both big and small tattoos. Plus, tattoos on the flat of your forearm are easy to conceal with clothes when necessary.
What jobs dont allow hand tattoos?
How painful is a hand tattoo?
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.
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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Does lotion keep tattoos from fading?
Download Article Download Article Tattoos are a cool form of artistic expression, a fashion statement, and a unique image you get to wear on your skin all the time. You may wonder how you can keep your tattoos looking vibrant and beautiful for years to come, especially in the summer months when you can show them off in all their glory. To stop your tattoos from fading, you should apply moisturizer and sunscreen as well as clean and maintain them properly.
- 1 Use a dye- and fragrance-free moisturizer. Fragrances may make moisturizers smell good, but they will can cause skin irritation and slow down healing. Check that the moisturizer has no chemicals or preservatives, as these can break down the color in your tattoos. Keeping your tattoos moist can prevent them from fading.
- Look for a dye-free, fragrance-free moisturizer at your local drugstore or online.
- 2 Get a cream sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher. The sun is one of the biggest causes of fading for tattoos. Protect your tattoos from the sun by using a cream-based sunscreen rather than a spray, powder, or oil, as they may not spread properly on your skin.
- Make sure it has broad spectrum protection against UV/UVA and UVB rays. It should also contain zinc or titanium dioxide for maximum protection against the sun.
- If you are fair-skinned, use a higher SPF, such as SPF 30 or 60, on your tattoos.
- Use a waterproof sunscreen if you plan to go swimming.
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- 3 Apply a thin layer of moisturizer and sunscreen once a day. Do not glob on a thick layer of lotion or sunscreen on your tattoos, as this can drain out the color. Instead, apply a thin layer of moisturizer, followed by a thin layer of sunscreen. Do this once a day, or multiple times a day if you plan to be in the sun for a prolonged period of time. [1]
- Get into the habit of moisturizing your tattoos in the morning or evening so they stay fresh and bright.
- Do not go into the sun without first applying sunscreen to your tattoos, especially if they are new.
EXPERT TIP Burak Moreno is a Professional Tattoo Artist with over 10 years of experience. Burak is based in New York City and is a tattoo artist for Fleur Noire Tattoo Parlour in Brooklyn. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, he has worked as a tattoo artist throughout Europe. He works on many different styles but mostly does bold lines and strong color. Burak Moreno Tattoo Artist The color and placement of your tattoo might affect how quickly it fades. White and yellow tattoos tend to fade the fastest, but it also depends on where the tattoo is. If the tattoo is on your hand or finger, for instance, it might fade as fast as 6 weeks.
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- 1 Wash your tattoos with antibacterial soap once daily. Use soap that does not contain any harsh chemicals, dyes, or fragrances.
- If your tattoo is new and still healing, make sure you wash it well twice a day with the soap for the first few weeks.
- 2 Use a tattoo brightening cream once a day. Look for a brightening cream that contains natural products like vitamin E, lavender oil, and other essential oils. Make sure the cream does not contain bleach or any other harsh chemicals that can damage your skin and your tattoo.
- Some tattoo brightening creams will take time to work effectively, usually a few weeks to one month. If you do not see results after one month, you may want to try a different brand.
- 3 Keep makeup, oil, and chemicals away from your tattoos. Avoid applying these products directly on your tattoos, as they can irritate your skin and fade the coloring of your art. Make sure you wash your tattoos if they appear oily or have come in contact with makeup or chemicals so they stay clean and fresh. [2]
- If you do end up applying makeup to your tattoos to cover them up temporarily, use antibacterial soap to remove the makeup and moisturize your tattoos with lotion right away.
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- 1 Stay out of direct sun as much as possible. Exposing your tattoos to direct sunlight can drain out the color and fade them. Try to spend the least amount of time possible in direct sunlight, especially if your tattoo is new and still healing.
- Wear long sleeves or pants if you go outside in the sunlight to keep your tattoos covered.
- Always put sunscreen on your tattoos to protect them if you go outdoors in the sunlight.
- 2 Avoid pools, hot tubs, and long baths. Pools and hot tubs contain chemicals that can fade your tattoos. Soaking in a bath can also cause your tattoos to fade over time. Take light showers and do not scrub hard at your tattoos, as this can potentially damage them.
- Avoiding pools, hot tubs, and long baths is especially important when you first get your tattoo, as they can impede skin healing.
- 3 Maintain a stable weight to prevent stretching or fading. If you have tattoos on your stomach, arms, legs, or chest, they may stretch or fade if you gain or lose significant weight in these areas. Stay fit and at the same weight by working out regularly and eating healthy so your tattoos are not at risk of becoming warped. [3]
- If you have tattoos on your hands, wrists, feet, ankles, and the back of your neck, they may not be affected by weight gain or weight loss.
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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.
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.
Do hand tattoos heal well?
‘ Depending on the exact area of the hands, it can heal completely different,’ he explains to Allure. ‘The best bet for hand tattoos are the top of the fingers and top of hands — those two areas will heal well and will not fade quickly.
How painful is a hand tattoo?
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.
Are hand tattoos a good idea?
Pros and Cons of Hand Tattoos – The following are some of the key pros and cons to consider before getting a hand tattoo:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Having a piece of artwork in a prominent place like a hand can be a way to express yourself. It can also act as a conversation starter if you enjoy socialization. | Having such a visible tattoo can make it easier for people to pass judgment on you before even getting to know you. You can be viewed as scary, trashy, a delinquent, and incapable. |
| It could serve as a confidence boost and a way of putting yourself out there with no shame. It can show that you’re self-assured, strong-willed, and bold. | It can limit the type of jobs you can get. Most professionals in higher-paying jobs do not have tattoos or keep them in less visible areas. |
| Hand tattoos are diverse. They do not all have to be big statement pieces. You can get a dainty minimalist tattoo on one of your fingers or a roaring lion on the entire back of your hand. It is all up to you, and that wiggle room is what makes them appealing. | They fade faster and need to be touched up more. You really need to think about whether you would be getting your bang for your buck when it comes to hand tattoos. |
| They are very painful. If you don’t have a high pain tolerance or if this would be your first tattoo, then getting a hand tattoo is not a recommendable choice. | |
| They are riskier to get. You need to be willing to do your research before getting a hand tattoo. Do not just go to your closest tattoo shop and get it done on a whim. Look up and call as many artists as you can. Make sure they have experience in tattooing hands and fingers or even specialize in those areas. | |
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How do I know if my tattoo is healed?
You will know that your tattoo is completely healed when there are no scabs, the texture of your skin where the tattoo was placed is the same as a similar surface of skin, and the colors on your tattoo are no longer faded.
