Congratulations, your dream tattoo is finalized! You spent countless hours researching, planning, and preparing for this new piece of ink. Now, all of that hard work has come to fruition! However, this is not the end of the process. In some ways, it’s just the beginning of one of the most essential parts of the process. Healing a tattoo is an often overlooked part of the process, but it is often one of the most critical steps.
Good tattoo aftercare and healing will ensure that your ink remains vibrant and strong for years to come. Poor aftercare dramatically increases the odds of your tattoo fading or becoming infected. Your actions now are crucial for the longevity of your ink, so you must get the aftercare part right!
To help you think through how to heal your new tattoo quickly, Lamar Street Tattoo Club experts weigh in with their favorite post-tattoo tips.
Follow Aftercare Instructions
Your tattoo aftercare instructions are a critical piece of this healing process. We’ve seen plenty of tattoo touch-ups at our Dallas tattoo shop, and each is a little different. However, one throughline unites many of these poorly-healed tattoos. Often, the recipient of the ink did not follow all post-care instructions. When you are healing from a tattoo, take the time to follow all instructions for best results.
There will come a moment when you’ll want to skip an element of your aftercare. Trust us; follow all aftercare instructions to the letter for best results. Your tattoo will thank you.
Be sure to…
- Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated is imperative for healing.
- Clean Well: Proper cleaning is a must.
- Keep the Tattoo Covered: This is essential for basic wound care.
- Maintain Relatively Consistent Weight: Sudden weight gain or loss will distort how the ink heals, so if your tattoo is healing, it’s probably best to hold off on that crash diet for a few weeks.
Stay Out of the Elements
This can be an overlooked aftercare tip. Exposure to water and sunlight can wear down your tattoo and contribute to fading. We recommend covering the ink when showering or in direct sunlight, especially for the first few days. Again, this is not to say you should lock yourself inside while recovering from a tattoo. However, avoiding direct sunlight and covering the wound is best practice. Now, you will need to wash your tattoo frequently, so balance is key. If you have a question about when and where you should keep your tattoo covered and for how long, feel free to stop by our shop on Lamar Street to discuss!
Use the Right Balm
When you get a tattoo, the afflicted area undergoes many changes. The area will leak fluid, scab, and become itchy. To counteract these symptoms, keeping the impacted area hydrated is essential. Doing so will aid in the healing process, keep the area from itching, and reduce the odds of infection. However, while it is necessary to use products, it is also important to know that not all products are created equal.
In a past blog, we have mentioned how important it is to use the correct balm when tending to a recovering tattoo. Petroleum jelly and other over-the-counter products might be cheaper, but they just aren’t up to the task of healing your skin. These products often contain harsh chemicals that can actually damage your ink.
We recommend moistening the tattoo with Mad Rabbit Soothing gel to relieve the itchiness and scratchiness of a recovering tattoo. Spread it in a thin, even layer across the tattoo and apply as necessary with very clean hands. This cooling gel works fast to alleviate irritability and itchiness. A combination of anti-inflammatory and anti-aging ingredients calms compromised skin and helps its moisture barrier bounce back.
Once the tattoo has healed, you can switch from the Soothing Gel to the Mad Rabbit Replenishing Body Lotion, and for a boost in boldness and vibrancy, add a balm in tandem with the Replenishing Body Lotion. This will expedite your tattoo’s healing process.
Click the link below to visit Mad Rabbit’s website, and be sure to use the code “LSTC” for a percentage off of your order!
Consult With The Experts At Lamar Street Tattoo Club
Are you planning out a new tat? Consult with the experts at Lamar Street Tattoo Club! We’re one of the top Dallas-area tattoo shops, and we’d love to discuss your next piece of art!
Our artists are standing by to consult with you on your next tattoo! We’ve been voted one of the best Dallas tattoo shops for a reason; we have some of the best artists in DFW, and their work speaks for itself!
- Walk-Ins are Welcomed, Appointments are Preferred
- Award-Winning Tattoo Shop
- Gift Cards Available
- Laser Tattoo Removal Available
Ready To Talk About Your Next Ink? Contact Lamar Street Tattoo Club Today!