Tattoo Aftercare 101

Hi everyone! Welcome to my blog, where I’ll be sharing my thoughts on all things tattooing: the industry, the ups and downs, what everyone should know before getting a tattoo, some life stories, and my love for traditional Japanese tattoos.

One aspect of tattooing that often gets overlooked is that the job does not end in the studio. The truth is, where my job as an artist ends, yours as a customer picks up. And I say "picks up" and not "begins" because, as a customer, you’ve already put a lot of work into the tattoo: looking up references, finding inspiration for your design, deciding on the placement, saving up the funds, and facing the needle. The last thing you want is for all that effort to go south because you missed the crucial last step: taking good care of your tattoo!

Here's where I clarify that I'm obviously not a dermatologist, and my views should not be taken as medical advice. If you are currently dealing with a skin infection, please consult a doctor. That being said, after more than 10 years in the business, I've had my fair share of experiences. Here are some simple steps to ensure your skin heals well and you have a fabulous tattoo to be proud of!👌

Fully healed tattoo back piece

Keep Pets Away

Beware of your dog, or any pets for that matter. As a dog owner myself, I know how easy it is to forget about the bacteria they carry. I'm not saying you shouldn't go near them, but avoid snuggles in bed or on the couch. A good rule of thumb is to keep your freshly inked skin away from them or places they've been. This includes throws, blankets, or pillows they've used. Healing can take up to 20 days, so keep that in mind.

Hygiene is Key

Driving the point home: it all comes down to hygiene. Change your bed sheets and body towels, and avoid wearing dirty or well-worn clothes before washing them. If you planned a shopping trip, you might want to reschedule it.

Avoid Tight Clothing

Avoid tight fabrics or layers around the tattooed area. This is one of the top ways to get an infection. Tight clothing can cause friction and irritation, which can hinder the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Opt for loose, breathable clothing that allows your skin to breathe and the tattoo to heal properly.

Humidity is Your Enemy

This doesn't mean you shouldn't wash or moisturize your tattoo (more on this in a bit). It means avoiding humid or steamy places like saunas, pools, or the beach. Personally, I would avoid high-intensity exercise for the first 5 days to prevent excessive sweating and skin irritation. When you wash your tattoo (as directed by your tattooist), pat it dry with a paper towel. I wouldn't recommend using an actual towel unless it's very clean. And when moisturizing, apply a very thin layer of cream, as recommended by your tattooist. Don’t overdo it!

Sun Exposure

As mentioned, the pool or sea is not the best place for a fresh tattoo. Neither is the sun. If you live in England, the chances of sun exposure are slim. But if you live in a hot country, protect your skin by wearing layers. Only after your skin has healed should you apply a high-factor SPF when going near the sun.

Healing Process

You might find your tattooed skin gets wrinkly and scabby—this is a good sign that it's healing. Don't pick the scabs or scratch the skin. Apply some mosquito bite logic and save yourself some trouble.

Follow Aftercare Instructions

Lastly, ask your tattooist for aftercare instructions if they haven't provided any, and follow them religiously for at least 20 days. And really, for the rest of your life. Never over-moisturize, try new creams without patch testing, or expose the tattoo to the sun without SPF, even when fully healed. It might seem high-maintenance, but when healed correctly, your tattoo will take care of itself.

I hope you've found these tips useful. If you have any other ideas, please share in the comments! 😊✌️

I look forward to reading your comments and hopefully tattooing you soon!

Take care,

Caio