Tattoo Aftercare Don’ts
- Don’t Submerge Your Tattoo in Water
Avoid soaking your new tattoo in baths, hot tubs, pools, or natural bodies of water during the initial healing phase, typically the first 2–4 weeks. Submerging a fresh tattoo can introduce bacteria, leading to infections, and may cause the ink to fade or blur.
However, after 48 hours of removing the bandage, swimming in the sea at clean, monitored beaches can be acceptable, provided the tattoo shows no signs of infection or irritation. Always consult with your tattoo artist before swimming to ensure your tattoo is healing properly. - Don’t Let Others Touch Your Healing Tattoo
Your new tattoo is essentially an open wound and is susceptible to infections. Avoid allowing others to touch your tattoo, even if their hands appear clean. Unwashed hands can transfer bacteria to the healing area, increasing the risk of infection. - Don’t Expose Your Tattoo to Direct Contact with Non-Sterile Objects
Keep your healing tattoo away from direct contact with non-sterile surfaces, such as gym equipment, shared towels, or unclean clothing. These surfaces can harbor bacteria that may infect your tattoo. - Don’t Scratch or Pick at Scabs
As your tattoo heals, it may scab or peel. Resist the urge to scratch or pick at these scabs, as doing so can remove ink, cause scarring, and prolong the healing process. - Don’t Apply Heavy Ointments or Petroleum-Based Products
Unless specifically recommended by your tattoo artist, avoid using heavy ointments or petroleum-based products on your new tattoo. These can clog pores, trap bacteria, and hinder the healing process. - Don’t Wear Tight or Abrasive Clothing Over the Tattoo
Tight or rough clothing can rub against your healing tattoo, causing irritation and potentially pulling off scabs prematurely. Opt for loose-fitting, soft clothing to allow your tattoo to breathe and heal properly. - Don’t Expose Your Tattoo to Direct Sunlight
Keep your new tattoo out of direct sunlight during the healing process. UV rays can fade the ink and damage the sensitive skin. Once healed, always apply a high-SPF sunscreen to protect the tattoo. - Don’t Engage in Strenuous Activities That Cause Excessive Sweating
Intense physical activities can cause excessive sweating, which may irritate your healing tattoo and introduce bacteria. It’s advisable to limit such activities during the initial healing period. - Don’t Shave Over the Tattooed Area
Avoid shaving over your new tattoo until it’s fully healed. Shaving can remove scabs prematurely and introduce bacteria, leading to infections or scarring. - Don’t Re-Bandage the Tattoo Without Professional Guidance
After removing the initial bandage applied by your tattoo artist, do not re-bandage the tattoo unless specifically instructed. Allowing the tattoo to breathe aids in the healing process.
