Healing Your New Tattoo: Essential Care Tips

Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience, but the care you provide in the weeks following is crucial for its healing and longevity. Proper aftercare not only ensures that your tattoo heals well but also helps maintain its vibrant appearance for years to come. Here are some essential tips to help you care for your new tattoo.

Follow Your Tattoo Artist’s Instructions

Each tattoo artist has their method of aftercare, often tailored to their style of tattooing. Pay close attention to the aftercare instructions provided by your artist, as this will be your primary guide for the initial healing period. Your Red and Blue Tattoo artist will provide you with written after care instructions and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out!

Keep the Tattoo Clean

Clean your tattoo several times a day using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat (don’t rub) the area gently with a clean paper towel to dry it.

Do not soak the tattoo in water (no baths, hot tubs, or swimming pools) until it has fully healed, as this can lead to infections and impact the ink's appearance.

Apply the Appropriate Ointment

After cleaning the tattoo, apply a thin layer of ointment advised by your tattoo artist, such as Aquaphor or a specific tattoo-healing product. This keeps the tattoo moist and can help prevent scabbing. Using too much ointment can suffocate the tattoo and cause issues. A small amount is sufficient.

Keep the Tattoo Moisturized

Once your tattoo starts to dry out and peel, switch from ointment to a fragrance-free moisturizer. Keeping the skin hydrated helps the healing process and eases itching. Apply moisturizer as often as needed to keep the tattooed skin soft and supple.

Protect from the Sun

Direct sunlight can severely damage a healing tattoo. Keep it covered with loose clothing when you’re out in the sun. Once healed, apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect the colors and details of the tattoo.

Avoid Itching and Picking

As your tattoo heals, it will itch and begin to flake. Do not pick at the scabs or scratch the tattoo, as this can remove color and cause scarring.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Wear loose, breathable fabric to avoid excessive rubbing against your new tattoo. Tight clothing can irritate the area and hinder the healing process.

Watch for Signs of Infection

Keep an eye on your tattoo for signs of infection, which include excessive redness, swelling, or a pus-like discharge. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional immediately.

Our team will provide you with comprehensive written after care instructions to ensure your tattoo healing process is smooth.

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About Red and Blue Tattoo

Red and Blue Tattoo is located on Route 141 in New Castle, Delaware, in the Basin Shoppes shopping center, just minutes from I-95. Owner and operator John Vega has over 14 years of tattooing experience and has assembled a team of talented artists to bring your tattoo to life. We look forward to working with you.