How To Take Care Of Your Tattoo in 4 Easy Steps | Tattoo Aftercare Guide

So you just got your tattoo and now what? So fresh ink, whatever it is, but one thing you will have to keep in mind is the aftercare. At Inspired Beauty, we believe that the treatment doesn’t end when you leave the salon. We are big on body art here, some of our team have tattoos, so we want to dive more into the aftercare. 

I have touched a little on this topic before, but its not just for red ink tattoo, so I want to make a simple extended guide. 

How To Take Care Of Your Tattoo in 4 Easy Steps

So your treatment continues at home, this is where your healing journey truly begins. In this tattoo aftercare guide, we are breaking down everything you need to ensure your skin heals beautifully and your tattoos last longer as your confidence shines through.

Healing Timelines of What to Expect from Popular Beauty Treatments

Healing time is different for some skin types, and it may also look different. Some may appear fully healed on the surface, but your skin could still be healing itself underneath. 

So, first you should understand each timeline, as this will help you be patient and avoid rushing back into makeup or sun exposure. So here are some timeframes to work with the most common beauty treatments.

Step 1: The First 24 Hours

Usually, once finished, your tattoo will be covered with a bandage or wrap. This helps to protect it from dirt, friction, and even bacteria. 

So the recommendation time is 2-6 hours, or the time frame recommended by your artist. After removing it you need to gently wash the area with lukewarm water with mild soap. 

Now pat dry with a clean towel, do not rub! Do not re-wrapped it unless you were advised by your artist. Your skin is an open wound, basically, so keeping it clean and gentle is important from the start. Treat your tattoo like you would treat any cut on your body slightly rub, rinse, and dry.

Step 2: Moisturizing and Lotion

So when you are done properly cleaning your tattoo, it is time to apply moisturizer. This is key to keeping your tattoo from cracking. 

After I washed my tattoo for the first time, I applied a thin layer of lotion. You should apply tattoo aftercare ointment or lotion. Apply this at least 3-5 times daily for the next 7 days. Do not rub or smooth it in, as all you need is just to layer it on to keep it from drying out.

Step 3: What to avoid

So during this next period, there are things you will also need to avoid while healing. You want to avoid things that can give your tattoo bacteria that will eventually damage your fresh ink. 

So these are things you should try and avoid for at least 2 weeks, some of these are obvious, but others are not so much.

• Avoid harsh products such as perfumes and scented lotions
• Swimming in the ocean, pool, rivers, and hot tub, no soaking in water. 
• Do not pick your scabs allow them to fall off naturally. 
• Avoid direct sun exposure, as this can fade your new ink and cause irritation
• Avoid clothes rubbing on it, so basically no skinny jeans if it’s on your lower body.

These will help your tattoo to heal properly and evenly.

Step 4: Maintain for long-term care

So your tattoo is healed, you have made it!  Your tattoo healing task is over, and you did very well. However, caring for your tattoo never stops, as you want to keep the ink looking fresh, vibrant, and in shape for longer. 

So what now? This is the aftercare that is not too much. Like any part of your skin, once you maintain it, you will have your tattoo not fade for many years. 

Keep the tattoo moisturized to keep it vibrant

Avoid sunburn, so use your sunscreen 

And that is pretty much it, good skin means better looking tattoos.

So drink up your water, stay moisturized, and avoid too much sun, and doing all that will help your tattoo last for a year.