How do you clean a fresh tattoo?

Gently wash the tattoo with antimicrobial soap and water and be sure to pat dry. Apply a layer of antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't put on another bandage. Gently wash your tattoo area twice a day with soap and water and gently pat dry before reapplying the antibacterial/Vaseline ointment.

When should I wash my new tattoo?

The first wash of your new tattoo is essential, you are supposed to wait at least 5 hours, and then you can wash the tattoo if you absolutely need to, but 24 hours is the consensus recommended timeframe. After 5 hours, it becomes safe to remove the tattoo bandage and clean it effectively.

How do you clean your tattoo the first day?

The First 24h

After the first 24 hours are over, remove the bandage, and clean your tattoo with cold water and antimicrobial soap. Gently rub it against the wound circularly and let the water wash it off. Don't scrub the wound, instead, use a cotton-made towel that feels smooth and pat dry the wound.

Can I clean my tattoo with just water?

Wash and Treat

Use lukewarm water and mild, liquid antibacterial or antimicrobial soap to gently remove any ointment, blood, and plasma and to completely clean the area. Provon Antimicrobial Lotion Soap is a good choice; it's a mild moisturizing cleanser specifically made for piercing and tattoo care.

What should you not do after a tattoo?

Other tattoo aftercare tips
  1. Don't scrub your tattoo when washing it.
  2. Don't submerge or keep your tattoo wet for a prolonged period of time. ...
  3. Don't pick at any scabs that may form on your healing tattoo. ...
  4. Don't put your tattoo in direct sunlight or go tanning for 2 to 3 weeks.


'Keep It Clean!' How to Take Care of Your Fresh Tattoo | Ask the Artist



How do I take care of my tattoo the first night?

Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.

Should you use Vaseline on tattoos?

Vaseline isn't the best choice for tattoo aftercare. Petroleum jelly traps moisture and bacteria, which can lead to infections and scarring if your tattoo doesn't get enough air while it's healing.

What do you wipe a tattoo with?

Green soap is an environmentally friendly, oil-based vegetable soap. Professionals use this soap in medical facilities, tattoo parlors, and piercing studios to help sanitize and clean the skin.

How often should you moisturize a new tattoo?

Yes! Moisturizing your tattoo regularly is extremely important. You should moisturize your clean tattoo 3 – 6 times per day, for roughly two weeks (though proper skincare is always important, and most tattoo enthusiasts moisturize their tattoos daily for life!).

Do you wash a new tattoo with cold or warm water?

Cleaning you tattoo should occur 2-3 times a day. We recommend using hot water. You can run hot water on a paper towel and hold that to your tattoo like a hot compress for 3 minutes. Then give it a gentle wipe removing the excess moisture from your tattoo.

How long should you keep tattoo covered?

You'll need to keep your tattoo wrapped in cling film from one to three days. Depending on the size of your artwork this may be longer and your artist will let you know but a general rule of thumb is: Small line-work pieces – keep the cling film on for one to two days.

How long do tattoos take to heal?

Most sources indicate that tattoos generally take about 2 weeks to heal. However, it may take up to 4 weeks for the skin to fully recover. Some complications may prolong the healing process. The following is what a person can typically expect.

How should tattoo feel after 3 days?

Days 1 to 3: Inflammation

It is normal for a tattoo to be red, swollen, and tender for the first 48 to 72 hours. There may also be some oozing of blood and/or ink during this time period. 1 Makharita notes that these symptoms should improve significantly each day.

What happens if I over moisturize my tattoo?

Due to excess moisture, the tattoo won't be able to dry and heal. Excess moisture can create a perfect environment for bacteria and germ growth. Over moisturizing can lead to tattoo inflammation and infection. Excess moisture can cause clogged pores since the moisturizer prevents the skin from breathing.

Are you supposed to let your tattoo dry out?

Tattoo dry healing is an acceptable part of a tattoo aftercare routine as long as you follow all other aftercare instructions closely. Not taking extra care of your tattoo can lead to scabbing or scarring.

What is the best moisturizer for tattoos?

  • Best Overall: Aquaphor Healing Ointment at Ulta. ...
  • Best Drugstore: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion at Amazon. ...
  • Best Splurge: Billy Jealousy Tattoo Lotion at Billyjealousy.com. ...
  • Best Vegan: Hustle Butter Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream at Ulta. ...
  • Best Gentle: ...
  • Best Soothing: ...
  • Best Water-Based: ...
  • Best Color-Enhancing:


What do tattoo artists use to wipe away ink while tattooing?

as for wiping the ink away, use a dry paper towel.

What water do you use for tattoos?

Water that is not sterile, including tap, bottled, “spring”, reverse osmosis filtered, and distilled water, may not be safe to cleanse the skin, rinse needles and to dilute inks that are injected into the skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the use of sterile water when tattooing.

How do you take care of a tattoo for the first 48 hours?

The First 48 Hours
  1. Keep it bandaged. Once completed, the tattooist will place a bandage over the tattoo to protect it from dirt and other foreign objects. ...
  2. Keep it clean. ...
  3. Change the wrap. ...
  4. Moisturize. ...
  5. Don't pick at it. ...
  6. Don't go swimming. ...
  7. Don't take it out in direct sunlight. ...
  8. Don't scratch.


What do tattooist use to clean the skin?

Green soap is the go-to for most tattoo artists out there as it's a medical-level soap that's fragrance-free and environmentally friendly. This should be applied via a spray bottle and diluted before use. Using a spray bottle will remove the need to directly touch your skin, keeping things more hygienic.

Should I clean my tattoo the first day?

The first wash

After usually no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the bandage and wash the tattoo. After thorough hand-washing, a person can gently wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and warm water using their fingers.

Should I cover tattoo when sleeping?

A lot of tattoo artists recommend sleeping with the wrap that was put on. Others recommend re-wrapping, or just applying healing ointment and keeping the tattoo clean. The important thing is avoiding infection.

What happens on day 2 of a tattoo?

The Attentive Stage (Days 2-3)

The initial bleeding, swelling, redness, inflammation and weeping will likely still be present. Continue to wash and moisturize the tattooed area carefully twice a day. It is normal for the skin to feel like it's sunburned during this period.

What helps heal tattoos fast?

There are some things you can do to speed up the healing process.
  • Cover tattoo with clothing. Sunlight can cause your tattoo to fade, and fresh tattoos are especially sensitive to the sun. ...
  • Don't re-bandage after you take off the initial dressing. ...
  • Clean daily. ...
  • Apply ointment. ...
  • Don't scratch or pick. ...
  • Avoid scented products.