Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience, but it’s important to take proper care of your fresh ink during the healing process. The first few hours after getting tattooed require careful attention to avoid infection and promote proper healing. So what should you do in the hour following your new tattoo? Here’s a guide to the crucial aftercare steps to take during this period.
Keep it Clean
The number one priority is keeping your new tattoo clean. Your artist will bandage and wrap the tattoo immediately after completing it. Leave this original bandage on for at least 1 hour afterwards. This helps protect the open wound from bacteria, dirt, and contamination.
After 1 hour, you can gently remove the bandage and clean the tattoo for the first time. Make sure your hands are freshly washed before touching the tattoo. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water to gently cleanse the area. Do not scrub hard as this can damage the skin. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
It’s important not to soak the tattoo in water during this initial healing phase. That means no baths, pools, hot tubs, etc for at least 2 weeks until it fully heals. Showers are okay, but avoid direct water pressure on the tattoo.
Apply a Thin Layer of Moisturizing Ointment
After gently washing your new tattoo, apply a thin layer of moisturizing ointment like Aquaphor or A&D. This will help keep the tattoo hydrated and promotes healing. Only use a tiny amount – you want a sheer layer just enough to moisturize the skin. Too much ointment can clog pores and lead to infection.
Gently dab the ointment onto the tattoo with clean fingers. Do not rub it in. Make sure the ointment is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Continue to apply a thin layer 2-3 times per day during the healing process.
Let it Breathe
It’s important not to re-bandage or cover your tattoo after the initial 1 hour period. Keeping it covered can lead to irritation, infection, and damage the ink. Let your new tattoo breathe by leaving it uncovered. Wear loose, breathable clothing that won’t rub against or stick to the tattoo.
If your tattoo is in an area that makes leaving it uncovered difficult, use light gauze rather than a bandage. Secure it loosely rather than wrapping tightly so air can still reach the skin. Replace the gauze 2-3 times per day and allow some air exposure in between.
Protect It from the Sun
It’s crucial to keep your new tattoo completely hidden from sun exposure during the healing process. UV rays can fade and blur the ink before it fully sets. Wear loose, breathable clothing that covers the tattoo if going outside in the first month.
If the tattoo cannot be covered with clothing, apply a layer of non-scented sunblock to protect it. Reapply sunblock every 1-2 hours if spending time outdoors. Avoid tanning beds as well. Continue to guard your tattoo from sun damage even after healing to prevent fading.
Avoid Sweat and Friction
Vigorous activity that produces sweat can irritate and compromise the healing tattoo. Avoid exercise, sports, and activities that cause sweating for 1-2 weeks. This includes running, cycling, swimming, hot yoga, etc. Gentle activity is okay in the first 24 hours, like walking.
Friction from clothing rubbing on the tattoo can also cause damage and irritation. Wear loose, breathable fabrics near the tattoo site. Don’t let clothing or bands create friction on the area. Be mindful of items like watches, jewelry, or glasses resting on the tattoo.
Don’t Scratch or Pick!
It’s vital not to scratch or pick at your new tattoo, even if it feels itchy or irritated. This can pull out ink, damage healing skin, and lead to infection. If your tattoo feels uncomfortable, gently wash it and apply a light layer of ointment. Slap the area gently instead of scratching if it itches.
Keeping your new tattoo covered in clothing or bandages can increase discomfort and the urge to scratch. Try an anti-itch cream if it feels very irritated. See your artist immediately if signs of infection appear like redness, swelling, oozing, or pus.
Watch for Signs of Infection
While rare, a tattoo infection is possible if aftercare isn’t done properly. Signs of infection include:
– Redness or swelling that spreads beyond the tattoo site
– Green, yellow, or foul-smelling discharge
– Unusual warmth radiating from the tattoo
– Fever
See your doctor right away if you notice these infection signs. You may need oral antibiotics to clear it up. Don’t try to treat an infection yourself with home remedies.
Avoid Submerging in Water
It’s vital to avoid soaking your new tattoo in water during the initial healing phase. That means no swimming, baths, hot tubs, or long showers where the tattoo is submerged. Water exposure can wash away protective blood and plasma, pull out ink, and lead to infection.
Quick showers are okay as long as you avoid direct water pressure on the tattoo. Gently cleanse it with mild soap and your fingers – no loofahs, washcloths, or brushes which harbor bacteria. Pat dry with clean paper towels and let it air dry the rest of the way.
Don’t Re-Bandage Too Tightly
While it’s fine to cover a new tattoo with gauze for protection at times, don’t wrap the bandage too tightly. Restricting air flow to the tattoo can lead to irritation, infection, and even damage ink. Use paper tape on the edges of the gauze rather than wrapping tape all the way around the tattoo.
Check periodically that the gauze isn’t sticking to the tattoo. Change it 2-3 times per day to avoid trapping bacteria against the skin. Always allow some periods of no bandage so the tattoo can breathe freely.
Watch for Signs of Allergic Reaction
Some people may experience an allergic reaction after getting tattooed. Signs of a reaction include:
– Raised, itchy rash surrounding the tattoo
– Hives or welts on the skin
– Swelling beyond the tattoo site
– Redness spreading outward
See a doctor immediately if you notice an allergic reaction to avoid further complications. You may need prescription steroid cream and antihistamines. Allergic reactions likely indicate you cannot receive that ink formula again.
Avoid Direct Pressure on the Tattoo
Try to avoid having direct pressure placed on the tattooed area in the first 24 hours. For example, don’t have a tightly restrictive waistband go over a new hip tattoo. Don’t sleep with pressure on a new arm or leg tattoo.
Direct pressure can pull out plasma and blood from the tattoo, taking ink with it. Let your artist know the tattoo location so they can advise proper aftercare to avoid friction and rubbing. Protect new foot or ankle tattoos from pressure with shoes.
Resume Normal Cleansing After 24 Hours
For the first 24 hours, gently cleanse your new tattoo only with your hands and mild, fragrance-free soap. After the first day, you can resume regular hygiene like showers and applying deodorant. Avoid scrubbing the tattoo site and don’t use anything abrasive like loofahs or exfoliants.
Use a gentle touch when shaving or styling hair near the new tattoo for the first week until initial tenderness subsides. Be very careful not to bump or abrade the tattoo when styling. Avoid chemical hair treatments until fully healed.
Avoid Alcohol and Hot Temperatures
Exposure to alcohol and extreme heat can irritate and dry out your healing tattoo. Avoid saunas, hot tubs, or very hot showers for 2 weeks until skin is healed. Don’t apply ice packs to swollen areas which can damage skin.
Also avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours after getting tattooed. Alcohol thin the blood and increases inflammation and bleeding. Alcohol dehydrates the body which interferes with the plasma and blood needed in the tattoo.
Watch for Signs of Infection
While rare, a tattoo infection is possible if aftercare isn’t done properly. Signs of infection include:
– Redness or swelling that spreads beyond the tattoo site
– Green, yellow, or foul-smelling discharge
– Unusual warmth radiating from the tattoo
– Fever
See your doctor right away if you notice these infection signs. You may need oral antibiotics to clear it up. Don’t try to treat an infection yourself with home remedies.
Don’t Re-Bandage Too Tightly
While it’s fine to cover a new tattoo with gauze for protection at times, don’t wrap the bandage too tightly. Restricting air flow to the tattoo can lead to irritation, infection, and even damage ink. Use paper tape on the edges of the gauze rather than wrapping tape all the way around the tattoo.
Check periodically that the gauze isn’t sticking to the tattoo. Change it 2-3 times per day to avoid trapping bacteria against the skin. Always allow some periods of no bandage so the tattoo can breathe freely.
Let it Breathe
It’s important not to re-bandage or cover your tattoo after the initial 1 hour period. Keeping it covered can lead to irritation, infection, and damage the ink. Let your new tattoo breathe by leaving it uncovered. Wear loose, breathable clothing that won’t rub against or stick to the tattoo.
If your tattoo is in an area that makes leaving it uncovered difficult, use light gauze rather than a bandage. Secure it loosely rather than wrapping tightly so air can still reach the skin. Replace the gauze 2-3 times per day and allow some air exposure in between.
Resume Normal Cleansing After 24 Hours
For the first 24 hours, gently cleanse your new tattoo only with your hands and mild, fragrance-free soap. After the first day, you can resume regular hygiene like showers and applying deodorant. Avoid scrubbing the tattoo site and don’t use anything abrasive like loofahs or exfoliants.
Use a gentle touch when shaving or styling hair near the new tattoo for the first week until initial tenderness subsides. Be very careful not to bump or abrade the tattoo when styling. Avoid chemical hair treatments until fully healed.
Conclusion
The first hour after getting inked requires careful attention to begin the healing process properly. Keep the bandage intact for the first hour before gently cleansing with mild soap and water. Apply a thin layer of moisturizing ointment after washing and let the tattoo breathe without covering. Avoid direct sun, friction, and pressure on the tattoo. Watch for signs of infection and seek medical care if they appear. With proper aftercare in the initial stages, you can help your amazing new tattoo look vibrant for years to come!
| Time After Tattoo | Recommended Care |
|---|---|
| First hour | Keep original bandage intact |
| 1-2 hours | Gently wash with mild soap and water, apply ointment, leave uncovered |
| First 24 hours | Cleanse gently by hand, avoid sun, friction, pressure, and long showers |
| 2 weeks | No baths, swimming, or sweating until tattoo fully heals |
| 1 month | No sun exposure without sunblock until healed |