New Tattoo Aftercare

Now that you've got fresh ink, it's crucial to kickstart the healing process with proper aftercare.

Tattoo Care First 24 Hours

Here's what you need to do in the first 24 hours of new tattoo care:

Remove the plastic wrap: Within 1-4 hours after getting tattooed, gently take off the plastic wrap.

Wash your tattoo: Use clean hands, warm running water, and unscented soap. Ensure you wash away any residue, plasma, or dried blood, completely cleaning the area. Once done, pat it dry with a paper towel or a clean towel and let it air dry.

Apply aftercare cream: Opt for a thin layer of your preferred aftercare cream. At Thirteen Feet Tattoo, we stock Inky Tattoo Salve. Alternatively, you can use Bepanthen Antiseptic Cream, which is available at any conventional chemist/pharmacy. Avoid coating your tattoo thickly, as it may suffocate and hinder healing.

Tattoo Care Tips

Taking care of a tattoo is an ongoing process. Here are some essential tattoo care tips for the days following your tattoo session:

Clean morning and night: Make cleaning your tattoo routine in the morning and at night or whenever necessary. Use warm water and unscented soap, followed by aftercare cream.

Twice per day: Cleaning your tattoo twice a day is recommended to ensure it doesn't get too dry throughout the day.

Moisturise regularly: As your tattoo heals, you may notice the skin under the tattoo feeling dry and tight. Continuously apply your aftercare cream to prevent excessive dryness.

Avoid picking or scratching: It's normal for a slight flaking of the skin and the first millimetre of pigment to drop out during the healing process. Resist the urge to pick or scratch your tattoo, which can lead to damage and loss of pigment.

Be mindful of clothing: Ensure that the clothes worn over your tattoo are clean, soft, and tight. Avoid anything that might suffocate or rub against the area, as it can hinder healing.

After The Healing Period

The tattoo healing process will take approximately 2-4 weeks to heal. Once the initial healing is complete, your tattoo enters a different phase of care. Follow these steps for long-term maintenance:

Sunscreen: Always apply a high-SPF sunscreen on your tattoo when exposed to sunlight. This prevents fading and protects against harmful UV rays.

Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration promotes skin health. Drink plenty of water to keep your tattoo looking vibrant.

Common Symptoms in The Healing Process

During the healing period, you may experience:

Skin flaking: A natural part of the healing process.
Pigment drop-out: The first millimetre of pigment may drop out, which is normal.
Scabbing:Occasionally, a scab may form, which is also perfectly normal. Avoid picking at it.

Please note: Thirteen Feet Tattoo cannot take responsibility for how your tattoo heals. If you experience any issues, discontinue and contact our studio. In case of an emergency, seek attention from a medical professional.

About the Saniderm

At Thirteen Feet Tattoo, we prioritise your comfort and healing process. For larger tattoos, we recommend using Saniderm, a transparent adhesive bandage. Saniderm protects against dirt and bacteria while allowing your tattoo to breathe.

Keep it on for 3-5 days: This second skin may fill up with ink and blood, but don't worry, as this is entirely normal.
Remove if uncomfortable: If Saniderm causes discomfort or irritation, or starts lifting off, remove it in the shower under warm water and resume aftercare from Step 2 mentioned above.

For Larger Tattoos

For larger tattoos, such as sleeves or portraits, take these additional steps:

Re-wrap for the first 2 days: Use cling wrap and surgical tape to allow the tattoo to seal up and prevent airborne bacteria from entering. Remove before showering.
Nightly re-wrap: Wrap your tattoo before sleeping
Consider daily re-wrapping: If your job involves contact with soil, dirt, oil, debris, sand, dust, or bacteria, re-wrap before work.

What To Avoid After Getting A Tattoo

To guarantee the longevity of your tattoo's vibrancy, steer clear of the following:

Baths, spas, saunas, swimming, salt water, chlorine, direct sunlight, sunbathing, touching with unwashed hands, oral contact, strenuous physical exercise, excess sweating, shaving, waxing and exfoliating.

Get Your Next Tattoo At Thirteen Feet Tattoo

Are you already thinking about your next tattoo? You’re at the right place. Our Sydney-based studio is dedicated to providing unique tattoo pieces for young and vibrant people. Book your appointment now and bring your vision to life.

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