Proper Tattoo Care: How to Achieve Desired Results and Avoid Complications

A new tattoo is not only a means of self-expression and an exciting experience, but also a great responsibility.

Proper care is crucial for ensuring proper healing and minimizing the risk of infection. The larger the area covered with ink, the longer the healing may take.

Whether you are a novice or an experienced tattoo culture enthusiast, the importance of care never diminishes.

After finishing the tattoo session, the artist treats the damaged area and applies a protective film.

Afterwards, the client receives individual care instructions. The film should only be removed after several hours, at home or in another clean environment. The exact timing of the first treatment and other instructions will be specified by the tattoo artist.

Next, you need to follow these steps:

1. Immediately after applying the tattoo, the artist will cover it with a protective bandage to prevent contact with dirt and reduce the risk of infection.
2. The bandage must be removed 2-4 hours after the session.
3. The tattoo should be gently washed with warm water and antibacterial soap.
4. Carefully dab the tattoo with a paper towel.
5. Apply a healing cream to the tattoo.
6. Cover the tattoo with a new clean bandage.

These actions (steps 2 to 6) should be repeated every 4-5 hours during the first 2-3 days until plasma stops oozing from the tattoo. Afterwards, it will be sufficient to wash the tattoo and apply a thin layer of cream 3-4 times a day for two weeks.

If you do everything correctly, a protective film (scab) will form over the area of the tattoo after 3-4 days.

The question of sterility is especially important in the first three days after the tattoo application, when it is most vulnerable. During this period, care should be most thorough and high-quality.

Similar to choosing an artist, caring for your tattoo is extremely important.

It affects the quality of the final result and the longevity of the new design. Proper care helps prevent infections and facilitates quick skin healing. Moreover, 50% of the tattoo's quality depends on the care it receives.

For safe, quick, and high-quality healing, it is necessary to:

• Wear only clean and loose clothing made of cotton or other natural materials. The same applies to towels. Sweaty, dirty, and itchy fabrics can cause healing problems.
• Avoid exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight. To protect it, it is recommended to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30-50.
• Avoid wearing accessories over the new tattoo.
• For three weeks, do not visit saunas, baths, pools, etc.
• Sleep on the side opposite to where the tattoo was applied.
• Avoid excessive physical exertion. Also, refrain from workouts and visits to the gym for 10 days.

Responsible and proper care are steps you must take for safe healing and to preserve the appearance of your body art. Whether your tattoo is small or covers your entire back, it is important to ensure that it is fully healed.

In case of problematic areas or color loss, consult your tattoo artist for corrections, but only after complete healing.

The process of tattooing involves multiple damages to the skin with needles.

This makes it vulnerable for some time. Improper care or its complete absence can provoke the following complications:

• Infection. Since a fresh tattoo is an open wound, it is prone to infections (mainly streptococcal and staphylococcal). Symptoms of this problem include swelling, fever, significant redness, pain, and pus discharge.
• Inflammation — a completely normal reaction of the body to skin tissue damage. However, when it is excessive and prolonged, it can lead to scarring.
• Blurring of contours and color loss. If the tattoo is not properly protected from the sun, the pigment can be damaged.
• Allergy. Using low-quality or unsuitable tattoo ointments or creams can provoke a rash, irritation, and other allergic reactions.
• Improper care can lead to scarring and uneven healing.

In the world of tattoos, where each line is an expression of art, proper care plays a major role. Just as choosing a tattoo artist determines the beginning of your masterpiece, proper care is key to its preservation and longevity. Responsibility for a new tattoo is not only about aesthetics but also about skin health. Remember, every step towards healthy recovery is an investment in your body art.