What you need to do after you have your first tattoo

Your first tattoo is a hugely exciting moment, but you may also be apprehensive about how you should look after it once it is finished. A fresh tattoo should be treated with a lot of care, especially if it is your first one.

Despite the fun of a new tattoo, it is important to remember that, technically, you have undergone an intense procedure in which a needle pierces your skin. It will take time for your body to heal properly, and you need to avoid aggravating it at all costs.

After all, without proper treatment, your tattoo could become infected and require further medical attention to put right – hurting your skin, endangering your health and ruining your new tattoo in the process.

However, unlike other medical procedures, you will not necessarily be given concrete guidance by your tattoo artist about how to protect your skin.

This is what you need to do after you have your first tattoo:

Make sure your tattoo is properly protected

One of the most important steps you need to take after you get your tattoo is to make sure it is properly protected. Tattoo aftercare should be provided by your tattoo artist in the form of antibiotic ointment, followed by the application of a thin plastic wrap or another form of bandage.

Once this is in place, you should leave it in place to allow the wound to heal and be cleaned (this process usually takes a few hours but follow the advice of your tattoo artist). 

After this period is over, you should be free to remove the protective wrapping and clean the affected area. Remember to be gentle and to use warm water and soap. 

Once this process is done, you need to do everything you can to protect your tattoo. This means keeping it out of strong direct sunlight and avoiding wearing overly tight clothing.

Avoid tampering with the affected area while it is healing

Crucially, you need to avoid the temptation to rub or tamper with your tattoo while it is still healing. The affected area is going to be deeply aggravated because the needle pierces below the skin. 

As a result, your skin may itch, ache or sting. No matter how much you want to rub it, you should keep your hands away from the tattoo, as it can damage the skin further and cause complications (both to your health and the tattoo quality itself). 

If necessary, go back to the tattoo artist with questions or touch-ups

Getting your first tattoo is a stressful process. You will be wondering whether any discomfort you are experiencing is normal and if you are happy with the result.

It is not uncommon for tattoos to need touching up after the skin heals, so don’t worry if you need to return to your tattooist for adjustments in the future. You should also take the opportunity to discuss any concerns you have with the healing process with them, as they will likely offer constructive advice. 

If you do fear that you are experiencing more serious side effects, remember to contact a healthcare professional immediately.