What should I do after getting a tattoo?
How should I care for a newly completed tattoo?
What should I do after my tattoo is completed?
Tattoos are not just art, but an eternal mark of self-expression.
The tattoo design you choose must have special meaning to you. It could be the work of an artist you admire, the portrait of your pet, or even a life motto. Before getting a tattoo, you should prepare well, such as purchasing TKTX numbing cream for a pain-free experience. After the tattoo, it's important to care for it properly to ensure the best possible result.
However, what you may not know is that there’s a challenging recovery period after getting a tattoo. Tattoos are created by using a tattoo needle (round liner or magunm) driven by a motor that moves rapidly back and forth (several dozen to hundreds of times per second). The needle penetrates about 1-2 millimeters deep into the skin, passing through the epidermis (which continuously sheds and regenerates) to reach the dermis (containing collagen and blood vessels, where the ink remains long-term). This causes small wounds on the skin's surface. For this reason, it’s crucial to take good care of the tattoo after the procedure to ensure the best result. If you're worried about the pain caused by the needle penetrating the skin, you can use our TKTX numbing cream to provide a comfortable tattoo experience without affecting the final outcome.
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I will guide you through the tattoo recovery timeline, explaining how to care for your tattoo during the healing process:
Phase 1: Days 1-7, Crust Formation
During the first few days, the skin will release some extracellular fluid and become red and swollen. This fluid discharge will last about 3 days, after which the skin will start to form a crust. The tattooed area may feel tight or itchy, but it's crucial to avoid touching it directly with your hands.
How to Care:
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Use medical-grade saline solution to wash the tattooed area twice a day (do not touch the wound with your hands).
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Apply a moisturizing healing ointment or petroleum jelly.
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Keep the tattoo dry while showering to avoid contact with unfiltered water.
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| Leaking extracellular fluid | Redness and swelling | Uneven color |
Phase 2: Days 8-14, Crust Shedding
During this period, the epidermis will heal completely, and the ink that has reached the dermis will begin to stabilize. The crust will start to fall off. At first, it may appear grayish, but over time, the original colors will gradually reappear. Never pick at the crust—let it fall off naturally.
How to Care:
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The skin may become dry during this stage. Use a moisturizer that does not contain alcohol, salicylic acid, or other irritating ingredients to maintain skin hydration.
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Practice physical sunscreen protection (use opaque products to cover the tattoo, not regular sunscreen).
（physical sun protection）
Phase 3: Days 15-30, Stabilization Period
The crust will have fully fallen off, the color will begin to stabilize, and the skin will have healed completely.
How to Care: Simply keep the area moisturized and avoid doing anything that might damage the tattoo design.
Common Questions:
How long after the tattoo can I get it wet?
Since the tattoo needle creates small wounds in the skin, it’s advised not to expose the tattoo to water for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, you can clean the tattoo 2-3 times a day using medical-grade saline solution.
How long should I keep the plastic wrap on?
The initial wrapping time is 2-4 hours. After the tattoo session, the tattoo artist will assist with this. If the tattoo area is large or if more fluid is excreted, you may extend the wrapping time to 4-6 hours (but not more than 6 hours). Do not wrap it overnight. If you want to protect the tattooed area afterward, you can use dressing (medicine), breathable bandages.
What if the tattooed area itches during recovery?
It’s important to gently pat the itchy area instead of scratching it. You can also apply a cold compress (for no more than 10 minutes) to soothe the skin.
What if the crust breaks and leaks during recovery?
You can clean the area with saline solution. If there is an unusual odor, it’s recommended to consult a doctor.
