How Soon Can You Wash A Tattoo?
The first wash – After usually no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the bandage and wash the tattoo. After thorough hand-washing, a person can gently wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and warm water using their fingers. The moisturizer on the skin will come off, and the tattoo may appear as if it is oozing ink or a thick, sticky substance.
- This reaction is not usually a cause for concern, as it is just the excess fluid and ink from the tattoo process;
- After washing, a person should pat the skin with a clean paper towel and allow it to air-dry for up to an hour;
When the area is completely dry, they can apply a thin layer of moisturizer to the tattoo, but leave it uncovered to allow the skin to breathe.
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Is it safe to wash a new tattoo after 5 hours?
The first wash – After usually no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the bandage and wash the tattoo. After thorough hand-washing, a person can gently wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and warm water using their fingers. The moisturizer on the skin will come off, and the tattoo may appear as if it is oozing ink or a thick, sticky substance.
This reaction is not usually a cause for concern, as it is just the excess fluid and ink from the tattoo process. After washing, a person should pat the skin with a clean paper towel and allow it to air-dry for up to an hour.
When the area is completely dry, they can apply a thin layer of moisturizer to the tattoo, but leave it uncovered to allow the skin to breathe.
How long does it take to clean a tattoo?
How to SHOWER with a NEW TATTOO
Summary – I hope you can now see the importance of washing your tattoo properly, and now know how to clean your tattoo correctly in order to promote quick healing and lessen the risk of infection. It should also be noted that cleaning an infected tattoo should be performed in much the same way.
How do you wash your hands after getting a tattoo?
Wash Your Hands – It may seem self explanatory, but more often than not, we are so excited for the grand reveal that we dive right into pulling off our wrap without washing our hands first. You should wash your hands with antibacterial soap for 30 to 45 seconds (we recommend singing the Happy Birthday song for a thorough wash) and dry them on an unused towel or with a paper towel.
- It’s okay to use the same soap on your hands that you would on your tattoo, and you should definitely avoid anything that has fragrances or dyes;
- We highly recommend the Hibiclens Antimicrobial and Antiseptic Soak and Skin Cleanser, which is a soap used by healthcare service members;
Have a look at our complete The 6 Best Antibacterial Soaps For Your New Tattoo article for more soap options. After you are done with this step, you can unwrap your tattoo.
How soon can you shower after getting a tattoo?
Exactly when to wash your new tattoo – She adds that, when you do go to clean your new tattoo, do so with a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap (like one of these choice recommendations ) and warm water. Be sure to dry it completely, either using a blowdryer on a cool setting or gently dabbing the area with a paper towel, then apply a moisturizing ointment like Aquaphor (after the first few days, Richmond says you can switch from an ointment to a lotion).
- So, you can (and should ) clean your new tattoo pretty soon after getting it;
- But, as far as showering goes, Richmond says to wait 24 hours — and, even then, don’t let the water’s stream hit your tattoo directly;
Keep up that initial cleaning routine a few times a day for two to four weeks while your skin heals. You might start to notice scabbing or crusting around your tattoo, but this is totally normal. A tattoo is like any other wound — it has to scab in order to heal (so resist the urge to pick at it).
With that in mind, it’s still very important to keep your tattoo out of direct contact with water during this period. Richmond explains that your skin barrier isn’t fully intact until the tattoo is done healing, so any possible contaminants in a swimming pool or bath tub could very easily find their way into your skin and cause an infection.
In other words, wait until your skin looks healed and free of scabs (depending on the size and location of your tattoo, this might take longer than four weeks) before you think about taking a dip. Bottom line: Try your best to stay aware of your new tattoo and be cautious of water, sun and cleanliness for the first few weeks.
