One of the many doubts and complicated activities in the first days after tattooing that may arise is to shower with tattoo. And it is not for less, since the skin is still tender and wounded.
In this article we will see a few tips that can be useful in those first days.
Before shower
If your tattoo is fresh, you probably still have the plastic wrap. Above all, follow the instructions of your tattoo artist. However, here are a couple of tips to keep in mind before getting in the shower:
- In case you have to take off the plastic wrap, remember to do it gently and without pulling. It may stick in some places and if you are too rough you can hurt yourself (and in the worst case damage the tattoo as well).
- In the event that the paper or bandage has been stuck on the tattoo, please use water to peel it off more easily. Be careful not to get inside the bandage or it may introduce bacteria and the wound could become infected.
- It is also recommended that avoid, when removing your clothes, that the tattoo rubs with themespecially if you are no longer wearing the blindfold.
- Avoid baths and choose to shower, at least during the first week, since if you bathe the tattoo is more at risk of infection. Bathrooms include not only the bathtub at home, but also in lakes, swimming pools, rivers ...
During the shower
The moment of the truth has come, time to shower with tattoo. It is a good idea to keep the following tips in mind:
- Set the shower temperature to a temperature that is neither too cold nor too hot (at least in the part that will be most in contact with the tattoo).
- Avoid directing the stream of water directly on the design. This is not only valid for the first days, but for when it is fully cured, since the water, if it has a lot of pressure, can tear off the scabs and damage not only your skin but also the design.
- Use neutral soap at least to clean the tattoo area.
- Avoid rubbing the tattooed areaespecially the first few days. Run your hand (clean them before) gently over the area both to put the soap and to rinse it.
- Try not to spend a lot of time in the shower to avoid having the design in contact with water, soap and heat for longer than necessary.
After the shower
After the shower we are clean, but our tattoo, until it is completely healed, is still in danger. That is why it is highly recommended that you take these tips into account:
- Use a clean towel to dry yourself the tattoo. If you don't have it (or you're not sure it's very, very clean) use paper towels. Dirty towels can introduce bacteria to the skin and cause the tattoo to become infected.
- Dry the tattoo very carefully. This means no rubbing: tap it lightly with the towel and paper to absorb the water little by little.
- Again, follow the advice of your tattoo artist when it comes to knowing what to do after showering. Most will recommend that you use a cream to speed up healing. In this case, remember that less is more and that you must put on a very thin layer for the tattoo to heal properly.
How often should I clean my tattoo?
In addition to showering with a tattoo, your tattoo artist may have recommended that you clean the tattoo three times a day, at least for the first week. Follow all their advice to the letter and remember to wash your hands before touching your tattoo for any reason.
We hope that these tips on showering with a tattoo have helped you to clarify doubts, something that can enter us very easily, especially if we are neophytes. Tell us, how has your experience been? Do you have any tips you want to share? Share it with us by leaving a comment!