Tattoo aftercare: your essential four-step routine

Tuesday, 28 May 2019 - 13:36 | Views - 604

Tattoo aftercare is essential. Keep it clean, disinfected and loosely covered, and it should heal nicely on its own. But if you allow friends to trace the ink in appreciation with their grubby fingers; if you can't resist to toy with the scab like a broken fingernail and if you irritate it with harsh soaps and perfumed lotions, then you're asking for trouble

Gone and gotten yourself inked? Whether this is your first time or merely the latest, proper tattoo aftercare remains essential to avoid unwanted scarring and infections. While that might sound like a scary business, the truth is that tattoo aftercare is nothing to worry about. Especially if you listen carefully and follow the advice of your tattoo artist.

Since having a needle stuck in you for what can be hours on end can be somewhat distracting, we wouldn’t blame you for needing a refresher on how to keep your tattoo in shape. That’s we’ve roped in Darryl Gates from London's much-loved tattoo studio Diamond Jacks for his top tattoo aftercare tips. From cleaning your new tattoo to resisting the temptation to scratch at it, this is all the advice you need for steering clear of any redness or irritation.

And if you’re already looking for inspiration when it comes to your next inking? Take a look at our guide to the best tattoos for men, which covers all the necessary bases. From art styles that will stand the test of time to thinking twice before committing to an inedible ode to your latest beau. Whatever you’ve had etched on your body, this step-by-step tattoo aftercare guide is judgement free.

1) Apply a dressing.

Usually your tattoo artist should make sure your tattoo is appropriately wrapped up before you leave their studio. If that’s not the case, you’ll want to fix that up pronto.

2) Gently wash your tattoo.

Keeping your tattoo clean is your top priority in the aftermath of getting one done. Just like nursing a hangover, you need to be kind to yourself to get your body in shape.

3) Get yourself some healing cream & moisturiser

If gentle cleaning is the first rule of tattoo aftercare, then moisturising is the second. Both with a dedicated cream and moisturiser that can handle the necessities of hydrating your affected skin.

4) Check with your artist in case of an ‘angry’ tattoo

By following the above instructions, you should steer clear of any unwanted aggravation. Don’t panic if you do experience some irritation though. With the right advice the situation should be easily remedied.

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