Tattoo aftercare: how to heal your new tattoo right

Congratulations on your new tattoo. A little care over the next few weeks makes all the difference between a piece that heals patchy and one that stays sharp for years. Here is everything you need to know, and if you are ever unsure about anything, just message us and we will help.

Keeping it clean

In the shower it is completely fine if normal water or a little soap runs over your tattoo. Just do not deliberately rub soap onto it, and always touch it with clean hands. Gentle is the rule.

Moisturising

Apply a thin, light moisturiser two to three times a day. Nothing thick, and no petroleum jelly or Vaseline type products. Less is more here, a heavy layer does more harm than good.

Clothing and friction

Avoid tight clothing over the area for now. Friction can lift the skin and cause it to peel before it is ready.

Gym, swimming and sweat

Skip the gym and any heavy workouts for the first week. Sweat, friction and shared equipment are the easiest ways for a fresh tattoo to get irritated or infected. Avoid swimming or soaking in water for at least two weeks.

Sun

Keep sunscreen off the tattoo for at least fifteen days. Instead, simply cover the area whenever you are out in the sun. Once it has fully healed, sunscreen becomes your best friend for keeping the work looking bold.

The flaky stage

As it heals your tattoo will go through a flaky stage, and some light scabbing is normal. Let the flakes fall away on their own. Do not pick, scratch or peel them, even when it is tempting, as this is the most common cause of patchy, faded healing.

How it heals

Full healing takes around thirty to forty five days to settle. Some days it will look dull, some days darker, some days a little flaky. That is all completely normal, so do not panic, and do not be overly cautious either. Just let it do its thing.

The first few days

Try to avoid alcohol for the first two to three days, as it can sometimes trigger heat boils. If that happens, something cooling like chaas or sabja helps settle it down.

When to reach out

If anything looks off, or you are simply not sure about something, message us anytime. Look after it well and your tattoo from Tiger Skin Tattoos in Thane will look incredible for years.