When can I use a loofah on my tattoo?

Author: Amelie Johnson  |  Last update: Thursday, July 31, 2025

For new tattoos, it's only safe to begin exfoliating once the tattoo is healed. For some people this may take two or three weeks, but more likely it's going to take up to a month, potentially longer.

How long after a tattoo can you use a loofah?

AFTER 1 - 4 HOURS

Do not use a washcloth, loofah, or scrubby on your tattoo while it is healing, use only your clean hands, soap, and water. Pat the tattoo dry with a clean soft cloth or paper towel, do not rub it.

When can I start scrubbing my tattoo?

It's part of my routine as well, but I always wait at least 2-3 months before exfoliating a new tattoo.

When can I start using body wash on my tattoo?

Comments Section I started using regular body wash I think about a month after I got the tattoo. The tattoo was completely healed and it felt like normal skin. (Not a doctorHonestly once the skin has formed a new layer of skin covering the tattoo you can use it. Usually happens between 2-3 weeks if you healed fine.

When can I take a normal shower after a tattoo?

Wait 24-48 Hours: After getting your tattoo, wait at least 24 to 48 hours before showering. This allows the initial healing process to begin and reduces the risk of infection.

How To Shower With A NEW Tattoo The RIGHT Way!

Why is my tattoo fading after 3 days?

Don't worry, this is completely natural. It happens because the old skin, damaged during the tattooing process, forms a thin layer over your tattoo and masks its true appearance. In time this old skin will naturally exfoliate itself, revealing your tattoo underneath in all its vibrant glory.

When can I wash my tattoo with a washcloth?

NEVER rub a wet tattoo with a washcloth, sponge, or towel when it is still in the healing stages. When the protective scab is wet it is at risk of being rubbed away, resulting in loss of ink. *Scabs will often form in the first few days. It is important not to pick the scabs or scratch the skin.

Should I let my tattoo dry out and peel?

If scabs develop, they can remove the color beneath them if prematurely removed. It's important that they're allowed to dry out completely, and not get waterlogged at any time. The scab will eventually fall off on its own, and the tattoo should be fine if no deep cracks have formed.

What is the best body wash to use after a tattoo?

Bronner's Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap for tattoos is perfect for this step! Most tattoo professionals recommend the Unscented variety so that you are not putting any potentially irritating essential oils on your sensitive skin.

When can I touch my tattoo without washing my hands?

While it is healing, NEVER touch your tattoo without first washing your hands with a mild, liquid antibacterial soap. Initially, leave your bandage on for 1-3 hours. After removing the bandage in a clean environment, gently wash the tattooed area with warm water and an antibacterial soap. Do not scrub.

Will exfoliating fade a tattoo?

Contrary to what some believe, exfoliation will not fade a healed tattoo. Tattoo ink is injected into the dermis, and we only deal with our epidermis during the course of normal skincare. Remember: This is only for healed tattoos! Don't scrub at a tattoo that's still peeling!

How to tell if a tattoo is over moisturized?

Signs of an Over-Moisturized Tattoo
  1. The moisturizer you've applied isn't absorbed in the skin. ...
  2. Your skin looks or feels irritated. ...
  3. The tattoo isn't scabbing or the scabs don't fall off.

How long after can I scrub my tattoo?

After one month, most tattoos should be healed well enough to use a gentle exfoliating product, such as Stories & Ink's Exfoliating Body Wash. However it's still worth noting that some experts say it can take up to three months for your tattoo to fully heal, so it's best to go gentle while your tattoo is still fresh.

When should I stop using Aquaphor on my tattoo?

Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand. 5. Fresh tattoos sometimes “weep” during the first couple of days, meaning that plasma and ink form a thin moist coating on the skin. This can be DABBED with a clean paper towel.

What stage of tattoo is itchy?

Stage Two (Days 7-14) – Itching and flaking begins, and this continues until layers of dead skin and scabs have fallen off. 3. Stage Three (Days 15-30) – Tattoo looks fully healed but may look slightly cloudy for a few weeks. Deeper layers of skin are still repairing, so continue to look after your tattoo.

Can I touch my tattoo while its peeling?

Can you rub a peeling tattoo? You should not rub, scratch, or peel the tattoo, no matter how tempting it may seem. "If there is some scabbing or flaking, we advise clients not to pick and to allow the scab or dry skin to come off on its own," says Otsuji.

Should I sleep with cling film on my tattoo?

Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.

Why did my tattoo artist tell me not to use ointment?

Others will tell you that antibacterial ointment is a major "no-no." And the old-school artists advise against using any ointments or lotions at all, saying they may be vehicles for bacteria and can cause infection and scabbing.

When can I wash my tattoo with a loofah?

A fresh tattoo is a wound, so you must treat it as such. Scratchy, rough loofahs exfoliate the skin and may cause infection or bleeding on the tattoed area. Gently wash the tattoo with your clean hands and a tattoo foam soap and pat it dry with a lint-free towel.

When can I start showering normally after a tattoo?

The general rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours after getting a tattoo before showering or washing your tattoo. This is because the first 24 hours are critical to the healing process, and any exposure to water can increase the risk of infection.

How to sleep with a new tattoo?

Tips for sleeping with a new tattoo
  1. Make sure your bedding is clean. ...
  2. Get lots of high-quality sleep. ...
  3. Wear loose clothing. ...
  4. Clean your tattoo before going to sleep. ...
  5. Make sure your pets stay out of bed. ...
  6. Ask your tattoo artist for advice. ...
  7. 5 Tips To Create The Perfect Princess Bedroom.

Why do tattoo lines get thicker?

Natural migration of pigment in the skin is manifested by: lines become visually wider; a small (about a millimeter) shadow may appear near the tattoo lines; there will be less empty space between the lines.

Will my tattoo smudge if I sleep on it?

Back is Best: Whenever possible, try sleeping on your back to relieve pressure on your tattoo. This helps prevent smudging and ensures your tattoo heals beautifully. Don't: Squash Your Art: Avoid sleeping directly on your tattoo, especially during the first few nights when it's most sensitive.

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