When you get a new tattoo, the right tattoo aftercare is more essential than ever. Learning the different phases of tattoo aftercare, like tattoo care first 24 hours, and tattoo care first 48 hours are important. Getting inked is just the first step, the tedious task of taking care of the tattoo is awaiting. It will typically take at least 2 - 3 weeks for the tattooed skin to fully recover. In today’s tattoo blog, we are going to talk about the best tattoo aftercare tips for the first 24 - 48 hours after you get a new tattoo. If you’d like a full compressive guide check out our tattoo aftercare instructions guide.

Tattoo Aftercare - First 24 Hours

In the entire tattoo aftercare process, the first 24 hours happens to be the most vital. Why? This is because the tattoo is technically an open wound anywhere there is ink and any mistake can lead to some potential long-term damage. So, you have to be extra careful when dealing with a fresh tattoo during the immediate hours after the session.

Check out these tips you have to must follow:

• Remove the cover - Once the tattoo is inked, the artist will traditionally cover it with a thin plastic film, unless the artist is using a revolutionary spray on bandage which will not need to be removed as it naturally disintegrates when it's ready. For the purpose of this article we will speak to the traditional method of plastic wrap. The dressing is meant to keep all kinds of dust and dirt particles out of the open wound that is your new tattoo. Depending on the size and type of tattoo, your tattoo artist will recommend the right time for removing the cover. So pay attention to all their instructions. In most cases, the artists tell their clients to remove it within 4 - 6 hours. But, it may vary in your case. When the time comes, remove the cover and then you have to wash the tattoo carefully.
• Clean the tattoo - In the tattoo recovery process, you have to keep your tattoo clean in order to let it heal properly and avoid infection. As soon as you remove the thin protective cover, clean the tattoo thoroughly. Use lukewarm water and mild tattoo soap to lather on gently and slowly. Avoid any fragrant soap because they contain chemicals which can lead to irritation and other skin problems. Wash away all the plasma and blood that has oozed out of the fresh tattoo. Don't scratch or rub the tattoo with your hands. Gently pat it clean with a soft towel and then let it air dry.
• Tend the tattoo well - When you have thoroughly cleaned the tattoo, you can air dry it, use a fan, or use a blower to dry it (try to use a slight cooler temperature.) After a few minutes when the tattoo is all dried up, use a small amount of tattoo cream and apply it on the tattooed area. This will help the tattoo to stay properly moisturized. Learn how often to moisturize your tattoo! Keep in mind that you should never put on any other bandage or protective cover from now on as the tattoo needs to breathe in order to heal properly.

So, these are the few essential tips that you have to follow in the first 24 hours of getting inked. Follow these steps carefully and your tattoo will be in a good shape.

Now, let's talk about the aftercare tips for the second day.

Tattoo Aftercare - Next 24 Hours

On the second day, you will see that the tattoo has taken a rather dull appearance. This is absolutely fine and normal, you don't have to worry about it. This happens because the skin has started to heal and is going to do so in the upcoming days as well. You don't need to wash the tattoo immediately after waking up in the morning. Avoid getting the tattoo wet as much as possible. This will allow the skin to dry and as a result of which the tattoo will heal better. Be sure to properly moisturize the tattoo when you wake up each day after getting a new tattoo.

If you are planning to go out in the sun, you must cover the tattoo with a thin cloth just to protect it from the direct sunlight. Learn how to protect your tattoo from the sun. The harmful UV rays of the sun can pose a serious threat to your fresh tattoo. So, use a clean and soft towel to keep it covered at all times or even use a bandana if you're looking to add some swag to your fit. After coming back home, if you think your tattoo has come into contact with dust and dirt, once again use lukewarm water and mild tattoo soap to clean it. Keeping the tattoo clean, moisturized and ventilated is an integral part of the **tattoo recovery **process.

During the cleaning process, you might see some ink coming out of the tattoo. Don't be worried. This is just your skin discarding all the extra ink and plasma that was accumulated on the surface. The tattooed area may even appear to be red and swollen. Nothing to worry about here as well. In the next few days, both these signs of getting tattooed are going to go away. If you see any type of prolonged redness or swelling, contact your artist right away.

We would suggest you to avoid going out in the sunlight in the first 24 - 72 hours. This is the time when your tattoo needs to rest and not come into contact with continuous heat or water. Avoid going to the swimming pool, gym and don't engage yourself in any intense sporting activities. All of them can be harmful for your tattoo. Tattoo artist’s advice their clients to avoid such activities for at least 2 - 4 weeks. This is the time an average tattoo mostly takes to heal and recover properly. You can use a **tattoo cream** to keep the area around the tattoo moisturized throughout the day.

Final Words - If you have read till this point, then you are now aware of the best tattoo aftercare tips for the first 24 - 48 hours. Your tattoo is very sensitive during this time and you must maintain a strict routine to ensure it is healing in a safe process. Be sure to study all the tips and information we just shared with you and you tattoo is going to be pristine! Good Luck!

- The Inkeeze Family