A comprehensive guide to fully healing and maintaining the integrity of your new tattoo

After days, weeks, or sometimes months of anticipation, the big moment is finally here: new tattoo party time! There may be much to fight about in the current state of the world, but there is one thing we can all agree on: a tattoo should stay as pristine as possible for as long as possible. That’s why we’d love to tell you everything about the tattoo aftercare!

So before you embark on your newest tattoo adventure, you have, of course, read up on what to expect during a tattoo session, the do’s and don’ts during an appointment, and what a tattoo looks like over time so you know what’s coming.

From the moment the needle hits your skin, several recovery mechanisms in your body get put into high gear. This means that giving your new tattoo (and your body by extension) extra care, attention and love becomes of utmost importance. So after all the “ooohs” and “ahhhs” at your newest addition, the real work begins: the aftercare. This ensures that your tattoo remains beautiful and also prevents infections. 

In other words: how your tattoo will look when you’re rolling around the supermarket with a walker at 80 years old is entirely up to how you handle the tattoo aftercare.

Immediate aftercare after Getting the Tattoo

At BlackBear Ink, your tattoo will be covered with 1) plastic wrap or 2) second skin to protect it from dirt and bacteria. Both have different instructions, which your tattoo artist will explain in detail. However, here’s a reminder just in case:

1) Plastic Wrap After Tattooing

If your artist chooses plastic wrap, the healing process is as follows:

Day 1-2

• Leave the plastic wrap on for 2 to 4 hours
• After removing the plastic, wash your hands before washing your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild antibacterial soap. You can get this soap at BlackBear Ink.
• Pat your tattoo dry with paper towels or a clean towel and apply a thin layer of balm. You can also get this balm in our shop.
• Repeat this process three times a day and let the tattoo air out as much as possible.

Day 3-14

• Wash your tattoo every morning and evening with the antibacterial soap
• Continue to apply the balm a few times a day. How often you need to apply it depends on your skin type, but make sure that the tattoo stays lightly moisturized at this stage (not dried out or painful).

Day 14 – forever

• Continue using the balm until it runs out (even after 14 days).
• SUNSCREEN UNTIL YOUR LAST DAY ON PLANET EARTH (and whatever comes after)

2) Second Skin (e.g., Tegaderm or Saniderm)

Instead of plastic wrap, some tattoo artists use Second Skin. This is a breathable, transparent adhesive bandage specifically designed for tattoos and wounds.

Day 1-5

• Leave the Second Skin on for 2-5 days (you can shower with it on)
• It’s normal for your tattoo to become a little moist. If fluid leaks out of the Second Skin, remove it and continue the healing process from day 5.

Day 5

• Gently remove the bandage under warm, running water and wash your hands and tattoo with antibacterial soap
• Pat the tattoo dry with paper towels or a clean towel and apply a thin layer of balm

Day 5-14

• Wash your tattoo every morning and evening with antibacterial soap.
• Continue to apply the balm a few times a day. How often you need to apply it depends on your skin type, but make sure that the tattoo stays lightly moisturized at this stage (not dried out or painful).

Day 14 – forever

• Continue using the balm until it runs out (even after 14 days).
• SUNSCREEN UNTIL YOUR LAST DAY ON PLANET EARTH (and whatever comes after)

Touch-ups

In this article, you’ll read everything about touch-ups , but this is also relevant to aftercare:

When is it time for a touch-up?

A touch-up is usually done after the tattoo is fully healed, which can take between 4 to 6 weeks. It’s important to wait until the skin is completely healed to avoid damaging the tattoo.

Tattoo artists usually recommend not coming in for a touch-up too early, as your tattoo may still change during the healing process in the first few weeks. Sometimes a tattoo might appear lighter or uneven during healing, but as the skin heals, this may disappear.

Conclusion

So, now you know exactly how to do the aftercare to ensure that your tattoo stays beautiful from day 1 to the day you’re lowered into the ground (or oven). The goal is to show it off with pride for the rest of your life, and that can only happen by giving it the proper care and attention during those crucial first few weeks.

If you have any questions or doubts, feel free to contact your tattoo artist or give us a call. Enjoy your new artwork and don’t forget the sunscreen!

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