Tattoo Hygiene and Aftercare
Tattoo Hygiene and Aftercare FAQ's
How To Apply Tattoo Aftercare?
There is always debate over the best way to heal your tattoos, but we'd recommend simply following the aftercare instructions of your professional tattoo artist. While it's your responsibility to make sure you're caring for your tattoo, the finished tattoo can reflect on your artist in good or bad ways.
Most tattoo artists will have a preferred form of aftercare, whether it's tattoo care products like Hustle Butter Deluxe or adhesive film and bandages from brands such as Recovery or Dermalize Pro.
All of these should be applied to clean, dry tattoos, with butters, glides or lotions rubbed into the skin in a thin layer, being careful not to break off any scabs. With tattoo aftercare products, applying in small amounts is always better!
How Long to Use Tattoo Aftercare?
The tattoo healing process happens in two phases: the initial healing on the surface, which takes around two to three weeks to heal, and the deeper layers which may take up to six months to fully heal. However, you won't need to apply aftercare for the full six months!
The most important stage of tattoo healing is the first one. Immediately after getting the tattoo done, the skin in that area will become red and possibly swollen for up to a week. Ink will come out of the tattoo in that time, primarily in the first day or two, which is perfectly normal. Follow your tattooist's advice for tattoo aftercare application and avoid over-cleaning.
Over the following week or so, your tattoo will begin itching and peeling, but don't worry as this is a normal function of the body to try and "repair" the skin. At this stage, avoid itching the tattoo and keep applying your aftercare as directed by your artist.
Can You Use Vaseline for Tattoo Aftercare?
Vaseline has a lot of uses throughout the tattooing process, such as keeping ink caps in place, but we would advise against using it as tattoo aftercare.
Petroleum jelly helps to lock moisture into the skin, making for a smoother and more pleasant healing process. However, locking in moisture may work against you, as the moisture-retaining seal is now preventing your skin from breathing and healing. In addition, it's trapping any bacteria and moisture against the skin, which combined with the lack of air flow can lead to an infection.
If using Vaseline throughout the tattooing process, you may also find that it clogs up your cartridges or tubes, while the petroleum-based product will break down latex, which is the primarily material of many gloves.
Overall, it is not recommended to use Vaseline for tattoo aftercare and to opt for products such as Hustle Butter Deluxe instead, which can be used before, during and after the tattoo.
Is Aloe Vera Good for Tattoo Aftercare?
Yes, many artists recommend products that include aloe vera due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and moisturising properties. We stock a variety of green soaps and soap concentrates that contain aloe vera, such as Panthera Babool Soap, so make sure to check these out!
Can You Use Green Soap for Tattoo Aftercare?
Green soap is one of the most popular tattoo products for using before and during tattooing to clean and disinfect the skin, but it's not widely used as tattoo aftercare.
You can also check out Hustle Bubbles Deluxe, which is a wash that can be used as an alternative to green soap thanks to its anti-microbial properties. When used, Hustle Bubbles Deluxe decreases the bacteria on the skin, while gently cleaning, soothing and nourishing the area.
Where Can I Buy Tattoo Aftercare Products?
You can buy all your tattoo aftercare products from Killer Ink in our online shop. We offer a wide range of tattoo aftercare products, from Hustle Butter Deluxe tattoo care to brands like Recovery and Dermalize.