How to heal a tattoo: complete guide in 5 steps

Do you want your new tattoo to heal perfectly and keep bright, intense colours? In this complete step-by-step guide we share the 5 keys to healing a fresh tattoo. Read carefully to the end: the last point is the most important.

By following these instructions, you will help your tattoo heal properly and keep its look and quality over time.

1. Tattoo care in the first 24 hours

Once the tattoo session is over, the area should be covered with cling film. This prevents microorganisms from getting in and protects the area from rubbing against your clothes until you get home.

When you get home, after a maximum of 2-3 hours, carefully remove the plastic film. It is time to start cleaning.

2. How do you clean a fresh tattoo?

Use lukewarm water and a neutral soap to clean the tattooed area. Avoid cloths or sponges, as rubbing can irritate your skin and leave fibres behind. Once clean, dry the tattoo with kitchen paper, dabbing gently without rubbing.

For the first 24 hours, repeat the cleaning routine morning, afternoon and night, and do not apply any cream.

Remember, a fresh tattoo is like an open wound: keeping it clean on the first day is vital to prevent infections.

Jon Arenas’ tip: “On the first night, cover the tattooed area with cling film again so it doesn’t stick to your pyjamas or sheets”.

3. Proper tattoo healing: timings and tips

After the first day, the healing process begins. For the next two weeks, cleaning your fresh tattoo once a day will be enough. Apply a thin layer of special tattoo cream three times a day (morning/afternoon/night). This keeps your skin hydrated and helps it recover.

Pay attention: proper healing is vital for your tattoo to keep bright colours and deep blacks.

How long does a tattoo take to heal?

Surface healing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, and full healing of the deeper layers of the skin can take up to 6 months. During the first weeks, it is normal for the tattooed area to itch or peel. Resist the urge to scratch and, if small scabs appear, let them fall off naturally; don’t pick them.

What is the best cream for healing tattoos?

There are many moisturising and healing creams on the market, with different formulas and qualities designed to improve the tattoo healing process. At Motink, a tattoo studio in Andorra and Barcelona, we only trust Balm Tattoo. Its unique formula contains key ingredients such as dexpanthenol, which promotes skin cell regeneration. If you don’t have it yet, don’t forget to buy your Balm cream at the end of your tattoo session.

4. Can I go to the beach with a fresh tattoo?

Avoid swimming in the sea or in pools for at least 3 weeks: both pool chlorine and bacteria in seawater can cause infections and affect the ink.

Can a fresh tattoo be exposed to the sun?

The sun can damage your tattoo, so avoid sun exposure during the first 2 weeks of healing. Use total sunblock once the skin has healed.

5. How do I know if my tattoo is infected?

We are convinced that if you have followed Motink Tattoo’s advice, your tattoo will heal perfectly. But how can you tell if a tattoo is infected? Signs of infection include excessive redness, swelling, heat in the area and even pus.

How to heal a tattoo and what to do if it gets infected?

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is crucial to see a doctor immediately.

Summary

In this article, how to heal a tattoo: complete guide in 5 steps, you have learned that healing a fresh tattoo is simple if you follow the right steps.

Do you like our content? Follow us on Instagram, @motink_andorra and @motinktattoopalleja: news, giveaways and big discounts are waiting for you.