What is the best stuff to put on a new tattoo?

Author: Prof. Leann Stamm  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Both Paul and Shuliar recommend Aquaphor healing ointment for tattoo aftercare because it's unscented and designed to create a protective healing barrier while allowing oxygen to pass through.

What is the best thing to put on a fresh tattoo?

Make sure your artist applies a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a bandage to your new tattoo. After 24 hours, remolve the bandage. Wash the tattoo gently with antimicrobial soap and water, then pat it dry. Apply an antibacterial/Vaseline ointment twice a day, but don't cover it with another bandage.

What ointment do you put on a tattoo?

Gently wash off excess ointment and fluids from tattoo with clean, bare hand. Pat dry with a clean, single-use paper towel; do not rub with towel. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin™ Zinc Oxide ointment, Neosporin™ or Vitamin A&D ointment.

What should I apply immediately after a tattoo?

Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel then allow to fully air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. DO NOT SCRUB. Once the tattoo is dry, apply a very small amount of Aquaphor or Bacitracin.

What cream is best for a new tattoo?

What products do you recommend?
  • The cream I would use would be Bepanthen nappy rash cream which is for babies. ...
  • Alternatives to Bepanthen nappy rash cream are Tattoo Goo and Hustle Butter. ...
  • My go-to soap is Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar by Dove.

How To Treat A NEW Tattoo: Step By Step AFTERCARE Guide To Get AMAZING HEALS

Is Aquaphor good for new tattoos?

We recommend Aquaphor as the healing ointment for your tattoo. Apply a small amount to the tattoo, and rub it in thoroughly, as if you were applying lotion. It should not shine or feel sticky! If it does, you are using too much ointment!

What lotion not to use on a new tattoo?

It is important not to use any scented creams or lotions. Harsh chemicals can irritate the wound and damage the tattooed skin. A person should also avoid using sunscreen on a tattoo until it is fully healed, as this can clog the pores and trap bacteria.

What you Cannot do after a tattoo?

What NOT to do after getting a tattoo
  • Scratching.
  • Picking at scabs.
  • Exfoliating the area.
  • Using petroleum jelly.
  • Direct sunlight.
  • Applying sunscreen to the area until the tattoo is fully healed.
  • Wearing tight clothing.
  • Immersing the area in water (hot tubs, bathtubs, pools, etc.) until the tattoo is fully healed.

How can I make my new tattoo heal faster?

The Ultimate Guide to Healing Your New Tattoo with Confidence
  1. Relax and Stay Calm. First things first, relax. ...
  2. Say No to Re-Bandaging. ...
  3. Let Your Tattoo Breathe—No Picking Allowed. ...
  4. Avoid Baths, Pools, and Hot Tubs. ...
  5. Stay Out of the Sun (For Now) ...
  6. Embrace Healthy Lifestyle Habits.

What are the best tattoo aftercare products?

  • Aquaphor Healing Ointment.
  • Cerave Healing Ointment.
  • Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Balm.
  • Tattoo Goo Tattoo Balm.
  • Amikole's Shea Butter Lavender.
  • Dusty Swamp Provisions Bear Grease.
  • Dove Beauty Bar Sensitive Skin Soap.
  • SecondSkin Foaming Tattoo Wash.

How long after a tattoo can you shower?

It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before jumping into the shower. This initial waiting period gives your skin time to begin healing. When you do shower, try to minimize direct contact with the tattooed area and limit its exposure to water.

What to do the first night of a tattoo?

Keep it wrapped

The first night's sleep after getting a new tattoo is always the hardest because the tattoo is probably still leaking blood, plasma and ink. If your tattoo artist placed a transparent, adhesive bandage over your tattoo, the best thing to do is to keep it on for as long as they recommended.

What happens if you put too much Aquaphor on a tattoo?

A thin layer is strongly suggested, too much aquaphor can pull out the ink and damage the quality of the tattoo, which results in a higher chance the tattoo will need a touch-up.

What draws out fresh tattoo ink?

Saline tattoo removal is a procedure that uses a saline solution to draw tattoo ink or pigment out of the skin. It can be used to lighten or fully remove tattoos, although it is not the most efficient method of removal.

What not to wear with a fresh tattoo?

Avoiding New or Tight Clothing

Fresh ink is sensitive, and wearing tight or brand-new clothes can cause unnecessary friction. This can lead to irritation or even disrupt the healing process. Tight garments can press against the tattooed area, potentially causing discomfort.

Is vaseline good for a new tattoo?

To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks to help wound healing.

How to heal a tattoo asap?

What to do:
  1. Keep it clean: Gently wash the tattoo with mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water.
  2. Apply ointment: Use a thin layer of recommended ointment or moisturizer to keep the area hydrated.
  3. Avoid covering: Try not to re-bandage; let your skin breathe.

What helps with tattoo pain?

Prescription painkillers and sedatives

Some tattooists do allow you to take Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen reduces the ability of your body to make prostaglandins, which is a chemical that promotes pain, inflammation and fever within your body.

What food is not allowed after tattoo?

Examples of the main food to avoid include:
  • Soft drinks.
  • Processed juices.
  • Fried foods, such as French fries, pastries and other savory snacks.
  • Fast food.
  • Pork and processed meats, such as sausage, ham, sausage, bacon, mortadella and salami.
  • Sweets, cream-filled biscuits, cakes, ready-made cake batters, cereal bars.

What is the best thing to put on a new tattoo?

Apply a layer of moisturizing antibiotic ointment, but don't put on another bandage. Carefully wash your tattoo area three times a day with soap and water, and gently pat it dry. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean your tattoo to keep it moist.

How long after a tattoo can you shower normally?

You can shower 3-4 hours after getting a tattoo, if you have a Saniderm bandage on, however, if you have a plastic wrap wait 24 hours to unwrap your tattoo and shower. In either case, shower in cold or lukewarm water and avoid prolonged soaking or submerging your tattoo in water for 3-4 weeks.

Is coconut oil good for tattoos?

The Final Takeaway. Because of its moisturizing properties and vitamins that are good for your skin, coconut oil is ultimately more than safe to apply to your tattoo. It's a natural, inexpensive way to heal your tattoo and keep it looking healthy and vibrant for years to come.

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