So, you’re stoked about your new ink, huh? Whether it’s your first time under the needle or you’re already covered in artwork, the excitement is real. But hold up, we gotta talk about tattoo aftercare. Yeah, I know it sounds like a buzzkill, but trust me, it’s mega-important. Proper aftercare is the only way to make sure that your tattoo looks awesome and heals the way it’s supposed to.
Ever watched a tattoo being done on YouTube? If not, go check it out. You’ll see the artist wiping down the area like a million times. Why? To get rid of extra ink and blood and keep things clean. They’re all about that tattoo aftercare from the moment you sit in that chair, my friend.
Honestly, it ain’t rocket science. It’s pretty straightforward if you just listen to what your tattoo artist tells ya. They’ll give you a list of DOs and DON’Ts that you better pay attention to. Still, folks mess it up all the time, so here are four tattoo aftercare mistakes you definitely wanna avoid:
Tattoo Aftercare No-No #1:
Don’t suffocate your new tat: Let that bad boy breathe! You might wanna keep it covered up to show off later, but trust me, airing it out is key for proper healing.
Tattoo Aftercare No-No #2:
Quit picking those scabs: I know it’s tempting, but just don’t. Picking scabs is a one-way ticket to ruining your new art.
Tattoo Aftercare No-No #3:
Avoid the sun like a vampire: Sunlight is the enemy right now, okay? Tanning and exposing your new ink to the sun? Bad news for tattoo aftercare.
Tattoo Aftercare No-No #4:
Stay away from pools and baths: Yeah, I get it, a soak sounds good. But excess moisture is a no-go. Showers are fine, though.
Tattoo Aftercare Tip #4 isn’t just a random point; it’s the whole ball game. If you remember nothing else, remember this: KEEP. IT. CLEAN. Wash those hands before you even think about touching your tattoo. Anything that’s gonna touch your ink should be clean, which basically means your hands.
So, wash ’em! Sharing ointment? Nah, fam. That’s how germs get around.
Why’s cleanliness such a big deal? Because your fresh tattoo is basically an open wound. You’re not just making sure your tattoo heals right; you’re also dodging infections. Trust me, you don’t wanna be the coolest-looking patient in the ER.
Down in Austin? Then you know that Platinum Ink is the go-to place for tattoos and aftercare. Swing by one of our two spots for top-notch body art and safety standards.
Are you into body piercing? Check out our sister company Metal Illness for some killer body art jewelry options. As an added benefit, if you’re local to Austin, TX then you can buy your jewelry at Metal Illness and bring it in to Platinum Ink and we’ll switch out your jewelry for FREE!
But hey, tattoo aftercare doesn’t stop at what you put on your skin; it’s also about what you put in your body. A balanced diet isn’t just good for your waistline; it’s good for your tattoo’s healing process. Munch on foods rich in vitamin C, E, zinc, and omega-3s. Your body needs that good stuff to heal properly, making it vital for tattoo aftercare.
Avoid processed junk food, sugary snacks, and booze. Those things slow down the healing process and can mess up your aftercare routine.
To wrap it up, tattoo aftercare is about more than just avoiding rookie mistakes. What you eat also matters. Keep your diet in check, and you’ll be giving your body the tools it needs for that tattoo to heal like a champ. So, as you rock that fresh ink, remember that good tattoo aftercare is a two-way street involving both your outside and your inside.
