What is best for tattoo aftercare?

Getting a new tattoo can be very expensive and also very permanent so it's important to implement the right tattoo aftercare. In this guide, we take you from moments after your brand new tattoo right through to your tattoo being fully healed including some do's and don't to tattoo aftercare.

Moments after

As your tattooist finishes your new masterpiece, the first thing they will do is wrap cling film or some sort of protective barrier like a second skin tattoo aftercare tool directly onto the tattoo; this is to protect it from the elements and reduce the risk of it rubbing against clothing! or anything else you could come into contact with - it's a fresh wound after all This doesn't need to stay on for too long but ensure you leave it on for at least 4 hours, avoiding washing it and just letting it be.

Once you've finished all your activities for the day, it's now time to give it a wash. This is the part that freak a lot of first timers out...there will be plasma and no, it's not the ink from your tattoo washing away, it's just a mixture of excess ink and blood that just needs washing away (this is typical after getting new ink and has no cause for concern). Also remember not to submerge yourself in water for at least 3 weeks after your tattoo - this includes baths, hot tubs or swimming but you can still shower (please shower).

How to wash a tattoo - step by step

When washing your tattoo during the healing process, hygiene should be top of your priority list.

Step 1 - Ensure hands a thoroughly washed prior to washing your new tattoo

Step 2 - Gently wet your tattoo with clean water then apply unscented antibacterial soap. You can use something as simple as Detol Antibacterial Soap or you can explore the fancier options.

Step 3 - Once you've washed away all the plasma and gunk with antibacterial soap, the next step is to dry your tattoo. To minimise the risk of infection, we recommend using a clean paper towel or you can use a regular towel, just ensure its CLEAN!!! Once dried, don't worry about cling film/second skin. your tattoo needs to breath now

Step 4 - Repeat the steps above twice - three times a day for at least 3 weeks

Step 5 - After 24 hours, your tattoo is going to need regular moisturising. This is to help your skin recover and ensure your masterpiece stays looking vibrant for longer. After every wash, ensure you apply a tattoo cream directly onto your tattoo and you can use That Guy Tattoo Cream for this, but essentially, we recommend using un-scented moisturising tattoo aftercare cream or balm, preferably a gentle tattoo aftercare product or fragrance-free lotion.

Your full tattoo will take around 4 weeks to heal and this is when you can be a bit more care free about your aftercare. You can go back to regular baths, go back to that swimming club and start to use any moisturiser you like. to ensure your tattoo stays vibrant and looking healthy, we recommend moisturising regularly, even after your tattoo has healed.

Tattoo Aftercare FAQ

• Whats the best cream for tattoo aftercare There's plenty on the market but the main thing to look out for, is fragrance free and gentle. Shea Butter based products are highly recommended as they really help nourish the healing skin.

• How long should you leave ointment on a new tattoo? You are likely using too much/the wrong aftercare if you have to take it off after a period of time. Tattoo cream should just be like any moisturiser where is soaks into your skin and you rinse and repeat after roughly 6 hours

• What happens if you don't put ointment/cream on a new tattoo? Some tattooists prefer dry healing for new tattoos but this could affect how your tattoo looks in the long run. If you want your tattoo to stay vibrant for longer, we recommend moisturising regularly

• Can I put coconut oil on my new tattoo? Coconut oil is great for new tattoos. it helps to moisturise the skin but we prefer Shea Butter to others. Shea butter is great for both healing and moisturising but forms a protective layer over your skin, protecting it from damage. It can also lead to smoother healing which overall results in a better

• Should my tattoo burn when I put lotion on it? Your new tattoo should not burn when you put lotion onto it. We suspect you're using the wrong lotion but regardless, speak to your tattooist for advice

• Can I use Vaseline instead of tattoo cream? Some tattooist recommend using Vaseline during the recovery period but this is very controversial. Some sweat by it but most will tell you to avoid petroleum based products as they are likely going to clog your pours and not allow your tattoo the room it needs to breath