Tattoos are a great way of self-expression. You can find the right design that can mean a lot to you. There will be dates of important events in life and names of loved ones that you want to get in permanent ink. One takes their own time and finalizes what one wants to get inked on their body.
You decide what is suitable for you and take the big step – you are now inked. But that does not mean your tattoo journey has ended. As part of the aftercare of a tattoo, there are a lot of factors that one needs to understand.
Tattoo aftercare
While tattoo aftercare is not a complicated process, it is still necessary to ensure the skin which is now inked heals well. This aftercare will act as a make or break for how well your tattoo and its vivid colours stand the test of time.
Before we talk about the post-inking process, ensure that you get a tattoo from a tattoo artist who is following the required health standards. This includes someone with a certification, who uses gloves and cleans the area where you are getting tattooed well and makes it sterilized. Check online or with people in your life for reviews of the tattoo parlour or tattoo artist to verify if they practice the necessary steps. At Ace Tattooz, you can rest assured that we will ink you in the safest way possible.
Post tattoo care
We have an aftercare sheet as well to remind you of some do’s and don’ts however we are adding some points for our readers as well first if all you need to remove the bandage within 1 hour, clean your tattoo with lukewarm water always use the foam of pears soap foam for cleaning your tattoo apart from that preferably use paper towels and wear loose clothes for at least next 2 weeks apart from that do not scrub your skin in tattoo area as dead cells will start coming off and new skin will replace them but dont worry the ink colors will remain and your tattoo won’t fade in this process.
As soon as you are inked, the aftercare begins. We provide you with a special after tattoo cream for special care and healing that can be wrapped in a plastic film or bandage to prevent bacteria from entering the wound. You will need to remove the bandage after a few hours and let it dry. Wash it with mild soapy water with clean hands. Remember to only lightly pat down with a soft towel on the tattoo to dry it out. Never do a wiping motion on it or else the ink might wipe out. You then add a layer of the cream again.
By day 7 you will have repeated the above process every day to keep the tattooed area clean and infection free. You will have to wear loose clothes around the inked area and make sure you are not getting the inked area sunburnt. In a week the inflammation and swelling will have gone down and the skin will now turn into scabs. This will mean it is recovering. If the inked skin is still inflamed and swollen a week in, it may be infected and will require medical attention. It is recommended that you avoid intense exercises for at least 2 weeks after getting inked, and also avoid swimming and all water related activities for at least 4 weeks to avoid getting an infection. If you must, start with light intensity workouts like stretching, yoga, walking, etc., at least 2-3 days after getting the tattoo. Also, keep in mind that you cannot donate blood till at least 6 months after getting a tattoo- you have to wait for that time period and let the tattoo heal to prevent any sort of infection from spreading during the blood transfusion process.
Now, after 14 days, the scabs should have hardened. Your skin will be very itchy but you need to prevent scratching it or picking on it with pointed things. The flakes should naturally fall off. Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to help you ease the itchiness.
After a month, you will be on the way to a healthy and happy tattoo. While there may still be a few flakes falling off, the tattoo should be mostly healed. Cleanliness and moisturization are going to be a constant during this entire process. Varying individuals can have different healing speeds, so maintain this routine till you are fully in the clear.
And there you have it! You have now successfully been inked and maybe, this is just the beginning of a new tattoo journey in your life.
