Tattoo Aftercare Mistakes to Avoid Part 2

Tattoos aren’t cheap, nor is getting a tattoo painless.

You have to go through a lot to get a new tattoo, from the money it takes to hire a great tattoo artist to sitting for hours of discomfort as you get tattooed. No one wants to end up with a ruined tattoo because of an avoidable aftercare mistake, but unfortunately, this is could be your fate if you don’t follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions. In our last blog, we touched on some of the most common aftercare mistakes we see. Keep reading to learn about a few more.

Mistake 5. Exposing your tattoo to the sun.

It’s wise to plan to get your new tattoo during a time of the year when you’ll be more comfortable covering it up. Why? Because sun exposure won’t do your new tattoo any favors. In fact, it can cause the ink to fade, and it can make it harder for your tattoo to heal properly. For the first few weeks, your best bet is to keep the tattoo covered up with your clothes as much as possible. And, when your tattoo is not covered by clothes, put sunscreen on it (SPF 30 or higher).

Mistake 6. Wearing tight clothes over the tattoo.

While it’s important to keep your tattoo covered up, it’s also important to make sure that the clothes covering that tattoo are loose and comfortable. Tight-fitting clothing will rub up against your new tattoo, causing some of the ink to rub off on your clothes and smudging it in the process.

Mistake 7. Swimming in the first few weeks after getting a tattoo.

If you’re an avid swimmer, you’ll need to plan for a few pool-free weeks immediately after getting your new tattoo. Why? For one, new tattoos should never be submerged in water in the first place — whether it’s in a public pool or your own bathtub. Another reason why swimming is a bad idea is because of the chlorine and other chemicals in the water that could infect your tattoo. Tattoos are incredible, and many people forget that a new tattoo isn’t just body art; it’s an open wound, and it should be treated as such.

Mistake 8. Picking at or scratching your new tattoo.

As we mentioned, a new tattoo is an open wound, and the healing process is going to involve some itching and scabbing. Whatever you do, though, don’t scratch or pick at your new tattoo. Not only could this leave you with light spots or holes in your new tattoo once it heals, but it can also lead to infection.

Although people make all kinds of aftercare mistakes, tattoo aftercare doesn’t have to be a challenge. The best advice we can give is to simply follow your tattoo artist’s advice, and if you any questions or concerns come up along the way, don’t hesitate to call the shop and ask!

At Fame Tattoos, we’re proud to be Miami’s premier tattoo shop. Whether you’re looking for a Polynesian, traditional, realistic, tribal or cover-up tattoo, you’ll love our incredible artists and famed work. Schedule your appointment today.