How to Heal your New Tattoo

Proper aftercare is crucial for optimal healing and the longevity of your tattoo. Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful healing process:

Cleaning:

• Gently Cleanse: Wash your tattoo with mild, fragrance-free soap. Use your clean hands, avoiding abrasive materials like washcloths, luffas, or sponges. Don’t use bar soap, it tends to be contaminated.

• Recommended soap: Dial anti bacterial soap, Ink-eeze products

• Pat Dry: After washing, pat the tattoo gently with a clean, dry cloth or let it air-dry. Avoid rubbing or excessive moisture. Sometimes keeping it in front of a fan for 5-10 minutes can help with the initial drying process.

Moisturizing:

• Apply a Thin Layer: After the drying stage, use a recommended tattoo aftercare ointment or fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer. Apply a thin layer to the tattooed area to keep it moist. Too much can impede the healing process.

•             Recommended Moisturizers: Hustle butter, ohana organics, cetaphil, lubriderm

General Care:

• Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your tattoo from direct sunlight and tanning beds during the healing process. Cover up the healing tattoo if sun exposure is unavoidable.

• Avoid Swimming: Refrain from swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water until your tattoo is fully healed.

• Avoid Tight Clothing: Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattooed area to prevent irritation. Also avoid abrasive sive fabrics.

• Do Not Pick or Scratch: Itching and peeling is a normal part of the healing process. Resist the urge to scratch; instead, pat or slap the area gently with clean hands.

• Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Proper hydration and nutrition contribute to overall skin health and can aid in the healing process.

Use of Hot Water:

• Initial Cleaning: It's advisable to use hot water during the first few washes. Hot water should sting, but its use increases blood flow, mitigates bleeding and speeds up the healing process.( it also feels really good when it starts to itch) Follow the hot water with a cool or cold rinse in order to close up your pores afterward.

• Subsequent Cleaning: After the first day or two, you can use warmer water if it feels more comfortable.

• Avoid Prolonged Soaking: While short showers are generally fine, avoid prolonged soaking in hot baths or hot tubs during the initial healing phase. It can break down the already delicate skin.

Emergency Care:

• Infection Signs: Watch for signs of infection, such as increased pain, warmth, pus, or red streaks radiating from the tattoo. If the tattoo is infected, clean it as soon as possible with anti bacterial soap and water. Stop moisturizing. Seek medical attention if infection worsens.

If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, don't hesitate to contact your tattoo artist or seek advice from a healthcare professional.

[I am not a medical professional. This is not medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing a health problem or disease. Those seeking personal medical advice should consult a licensed physician]