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How Long To Wash Tattoo?

• Julia
• 11.11.2022
• 0
• 126

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.

When can I stop washing my tattoo?

What do I need to do? – Good aftercare is the single most important thing you can do to protect your tattoo. While it is healing, NEVER touch your tattoo without first washing your hands with a mild, liquid antibacterial soap. Initially, leave your bandage on for 1-3 hours. Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product. We recommend After Inked tattoo moisturizer and aftercare lotion. Gently rub the product into the tattoo area. DO NOT allow the area to dry but NEVER apply more than a thin layer of aftercare product at one time.

Is washing your tattoo once a day enough?

Disregard any advice from friends and family. We are licensed professionals and the proper healing of your new tattoo is very important to us. Your bandage should be worn for  1 to 2 hours. Thoroughly  wash your hands  and dry them with a paper towel before removing the bandage.

If you find that the bandage is stuck to your tattoo, try running the bandage under water. You DO NOT however, want to soak your fresh tattoo in ANY water to include but not limited to bathtubs, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and ponds.

These all have chemicals, dirt, and all kinds of nasties that can cause infection. Showers are fine-just NO SOAKING!             Using a mild, fragrance-free soap (Dove, Dial, and Neutrogena); gently wash all excess blood, ointment,  ink, and plasma from your tattoo.

1. Only use your hand – DO NOT use a washcloth or loofah as they can harbor  bacteria;
2. If you are not sure which soap to use, read the ingredients;
3. If alcohol is listed as one of the first few ingredients, DO NOT USE IT;

Soap with fragrance and alcohol will burn and can over-dry the skin. After washing the tattoo, pat it dry with a paper towel. DO NOT use a hand or bath towel. Towels can harbor bacteria. DO NOT re-bandage your tattoo. It needs to “breathe” and get air to heal properly.

1. Wash your tattoo  once or twice  a day for the duration of the healing time;
2. Too much washing can wash away your body’s natural bacteria which helps your skin to heal;
3. Washing the tattoo in the morning and at night before you go to bed is sufficient;

For the first day, the tattoo will “ooze” clear plasma. This is completely normal. There is  NO NEED to use any ointment  on your tattoo. Most ointments are for fighting infection and are contributing to antibiotic resistance. Additionally, ointments can “suffocate” the tattoo by not letting enough air get to it which can cause excessive scabbing.

Ointments also lead to higher rates of dermatitis in tattoos. Before going to bed, wash your hands and wash your tattoo. Sleep in something old (yet clean) to cover the area that was tattooed. Most tattoos will ooze clear plasma the first night and this can stain and stick to clothing and sheets.

By the second or third day, your tattoo will start to dry out. It will start to flake like a sun burn. You will see large black and colored flakes coming off, especially in the shower. This is completely normal. DO NOT under any circumstances, pick or “help” these flakes come off.

Doing so will result in the loss of line and color in your tattoo as well as cause scarring. And YES, we can tell when someone has picked at their tattoo! In addition,  DO NOT wear tight clothing  that may rub the tattoo.

When your tattoo starts to flake and peel, you may then start using  1or 2 drops of fragrance-free hand lotion. Keri, and Curel are both good choices. Rub the lotion in completely  or blot excess off with a paper towel. If you unsure if the lotion you have at home will work, read the label.

If alcohol is near the top of the list of ingredients, then  DO NOT USE IT. You may also do a spot test if you are unsure. Rub just a small drop into a small section of the tattoo. If it starts to burn or sting in a couple of minutes, then wash it off immediately and discontinue using it.

Continue to use the above steps until your tattoo is completely healed. Healing time varies with each individual and the area that was tattooed. Generally, tattoos are  fully healed in two to three weeks. During the healing process,  DO NOT  use anything on your tattoo that you wouldn’t use on any other wound or abrasion.

1. This includes oils, glitter, sun block, etc;
2. If you have special circumstances that require you to alter our advised healing method, please ask the artist or staff;
3. An example would be someone that works in an industry where their fresh tattoo might be exposed to dirt, germs, etc;

while it is healing.

How do I know 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.

How often do I moisturize my tattoo?

How Often Should You Moisturize Your Tattoo? – Professional tattoo artists always recommended one moisturizes their tattoo(s) once or twice a day. The best way to moisturize a tattoo is by doing it in the morning and in the evening. It is also important to apply lotion or ointment after taking a shower, to protect the tattoo from drying out.

Note : Make sure to wait between 10 and 20 minutes to apply lotion/ointment onto the tattoo after a shower. In that time, the tattoo will dry naturally, so when you do apply a moisturizer, it will soak into the skin nicely.

By applying lotion onto a wet tattoo, you’re risking overdoing it.

What happens if you forget to clean your tattoo?

REGULAR TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS –

• Wash thoroughly with a mild antibacterial soap. Avoid scents, exfoliating beads, loofahs, washcloths; really anything abrasive.
• Rinse, wash, repeat until it’s clean. The first wash is sometimes painful, but it’s SO IMPORTANT.
• Pat dry with a clean towel or let your tattoo air dry.
• Once dry, apply a very SMALL amount of moisturizing ointment. We recommend Redemption, Aquaphor, or basic white hand lotion.
• Wash again 1-3 times a day. After each wash, apply a small amount of ointment.
• After 3-5 days the tattoo will be flakey and may have scabbing.
• At the 3-5 day mark, wash your tattoo once a day, and apply lotion 2-3 times a day – not ointment.
• If it scabs, let the scabs do their thing – don’t pick, scratch, or bump any scabs.
• After 2-3 weeks, the tattoo should be healed.

THINGS TO AVOID FOR THE FIRST 2-3 WEEKS

• Do not submerge in water. No swimming, no baths, no hot-tubs – showering is okay (please shower).
• Do not scratch that itchy tattoo. Seriously. Instead try patting it or washing it and reapplying lotion.
• Do not workout if the workout feels like it is pulling on or squeezing the tattoo.
• Do not tan or spray tan.
• Do not touch the tattoo (or let others touch the tattoo) with unwashed hands. Also, that’s just gross in general. Please wash your hands.

THINGS WORTH NOTING

• Although performed in a clean environment with single use and/or sterile equipment, tattoos begin as open wounds and it is possible to get them infected. Touching your tattoo with unwashed hands increases your risk for infection. Avoid germy people/places/things.
• In general bacteria enjoys a dark, warm, wet environment. Try not to provide that. Let your tattoo breathe, and don’t smother it in moisturizers.
• If you see redness all around the tattoo and it is painful, please stop using any moisturizers, and call us so we can see the tattoo in person.
• If you see just redness and tightness around a scabby area and no red around the rest of the tattoo, that is normal. Scabs shrink once formed/dry and can pull on surrounding skin.
• If black or colored ink is flaking off and the color under the flake is different, that is normal. Expect more.
• If you miss a few chances to wash it or moisturize it, don’t worry. Your body is completely capable of healing it without any help.

Can a tattoo heal in 2 weeks?

– The healing process is different for every person and tattoo. Most sources indicate that tattoos generally take about 2 weeks to heal. However, it may take up to 4 weeks for the skin to fully recover. Some complications may prolong the healing process. The following is what a person can typically expect.

What should you not do after a tattoo?

Is it better to let a tattoo dry heal?

– Tattoo dry healing is an acceptable part of a tattoo aftercare routine as long as you follow all other aftercare instructions closely. Not taking extra care of your tattoo can lead to scabbing or scarring. And if you’re concerned that dry healing won’t work for you, feel free to use a safe, chemical-free moisturizer to prevent any reactions or interactions with your skin or the tattoo ink.

Can I over lotion my tattoo?

All the discomfort and risk can be avoided simply by moisturizing. However, over moisturizing can cause problems as well. Over moisturizing during tattoo care can lead to clogged pores break outs in the skin that can ruin your tattoo. Over moisturizing lotion can also cause oozing and discomfort.

What happens if you don’t moisturize your tattoo?

It’s a tricky line to tread, looking after your new tattoo and making sure it doesn’t get infected, while also leaving it alone to do its healing without being fiddled with! Too much balm can be problematic, as skin needs to breathe while healing, but what happens if you don’t put any on at all?

• Itchiness Without moisturiser, there’s a risk that healing skin will get very dry, tight and itchy, and itchy skin that you can’t scratch – that in fact you shouldn’t touch at all – is not much fun! If you do itch then you risk damaging the new tattoo.
• Tightness and Scabbing Dry skin can also cause very tight scabs to form; these can flake and fall off easily, pulling the ink away with them, which you also really want to avoid.
• Infection Lastly, uncovered skin can be more open to infection, which can also damage the design; a fine layer of breathable balm works like a sticking plaster to protect against irritants and microbes.

Your skin needs to be looked after whether it’s been tattooed or not; it goes through the same natural cycle of repair and regeneration every 3-4 weeks, rebuilding its outer layer so that it can provide a robust barrier to the outside world.

Can you put too much lotion on a tattoo?

Can You Over Moisturize a Tattoo? – Moisturizing your tattoo is a great way to improve the healing process and give you a vibrant, long-lasting tattoo. However, if you use too much moisturizer on your tattoo or don’t dry it thoroughly after washing, it could hinder the healing process.

• You can over-moisturize your tattoo, and this can lead to all kinds of issues;
• It can prolong the healing process and could even cause an infection;
• All of this can damage your tattoo and leave you with a less than perfect tattoo on your body that you have to live with for many years;

Your tattoo artist will discuss the tattoo aftercare regime with you before you leave the tattoo studio after getting your tattoo. They know what they’re talking about, so it’s best to listen and make sure that you understand what’s needed before leaving. This is FAR too much lotion and some should be blotted off with a paper towel.

Can I have a bath 3 weeks after a tattoo?

– Nope. Your tattoo is an open wound, and soaking in water could expose it to bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Soaking can also dry out the skin, leading to cracking and making it more susceptible to infection and scarring. You need to avoid submerging your tattoo in water or keeping it wet for a prolonged period of time.

Do you still wash your tattoo when it’s peeling?

It can be alarming to see your new tattoo peeling, but don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal, and you should care for it as usual! Peeling tends to start on day 3 or 4. It’s the top layer of the skin which peels, not the deep layers where the ink has been deposited, so any ink that comes off with peeling skin is not going to affect the brightness and intensity of your tattoo.

How long do I have to wash my tattoo with antibacterial soap?

How often should I clean my tattoo? What kind of soap should I use? – The tattoo should be thoroughly cleaned immediately after removing the bandage, and cleaned daily from there on out. We recommend cleaning it multiple times on the first day. Pat the tattoo dry (don’t rub it) with a lint-free cloth or paper towel to avoid irritation, and let the tattoo air out for 20-30 minutes before applying moisturizer. We recommend using a gentle, liquid antibacterial soap, such as Dial Antibacterial Soap , though other hand or body soaps can be used as long as they are thoroughly rinsed from the tattoo. You want to avoid excess absorption of water by the tattoo, so washings should be efficient and deliberate to minimize time. You can use antibacterial soap for the first 3-5 days and then regular soap or body wash is fine.

What happens if you forget to clean your tattoo?

REGULAR TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS –

• Wash thoroughly with a mild antibacterial soap. Avoid scents, exfoliating beads, loofahs, washcloths; really anything abrasive.
• Rinse, wash, repeat until it’s clean. The first wash is sometimes painful, but it’s SO IMPORTANT.
• Pat dry with a clean towel or let your tattoo air dry.
• Once dry, apply a very SMALL amount of moisturizing ointment. We recommend Redemption, Aquaphor, or basic white hand lotion.
• Wash again 1-3 times a day. After each wash, apply a small amount of ointment.
• After 3-5 days the tattoo will be flakey and may have scabbing.
• At the 3-5 day mark, wash your tattoo once a day, and apply lotion 2-3 times a day – not ointment.
• If it scabs, let the scabs do their thing – don’t pick, scratch, or bump any scabs.
• After 2-3 weeks, the tattoo should be healed.

THINGS TO AVOID FOR THE FIRST 2-3 WEEKS

• Do not submerge in water. No swimming, no baths, no hot-tubs – showering is okay (please shower).
• Do not scratch that itchy tattoo. Seriously. Instead try patting it or washing it and reapplying lotion.
• Do not workout if the workout feels like it is pulling on or squeezing the tattoo.
• Do not tan or spray tan.
• Do not touch the tattoo (or let others touch the tattoo) with unwashed hands. Also, that’s just gross in general. Please wash your hands.

THINGS WORTH NOTING

• Although performed in a clean environment with single use and/or sterile equipment, tattoos begin as open wounds and it is possible to get them infected. Touching your tattoo with unwashed hands increases your risk for infection. Avoid germy people/places/things.
• In general bacteria enjoys a dark, warm, wet environment. Try not to provide that. Let your tattoo breathe, and don’t smother it in moisturizers.
• If you see redness all around the tattoo and it is painful, please stop using any moisturizers, and call us so we can see the tattoo in person.
• If you see just redness and tightness around a scabby area and no red around the rest of the tattoo, that is normal. Scabs shrink once formed/dry and can pull on surrounding skin.
• If black or colored ink is flaking off and the color under the flake is different, that is normal. Expect more.
• If you miss a few chances to wash it or moisturize it, don’t worry. Your body is completely capable of healing it without any help.