Best Paper Towels For Tattooing? The 185 Detailed Answer

Natural oils are amazing for your skin, and each oil has a different purpose and function. But for Inked Ritual, we chose not to use oils in our formula for a number of reasons

Here’s a summary of why we excluded natural oils from Inked Ritual’s serum:

They can have an overwhelming scent.

They can leave your skin feeling oily, greasy and uncomfortable.

Oils can suffocate the skin, clog pores, and cause irritation in some people.

Most importantly, they do not adequately penetrate the epidermal layer of your skin and cannot transport all of Inked Ritual’s active skin-rejuvenating ingredients into your skin.

Now with that said, the following four oils are great for moisturizing the outer surface of your skin, which will also help keep your tattooed skin looking great:

1. Vitamin E oils

Advantages:

Vitamin E oil helps moisturize and soften your skin and may help reduce the appearance of scars.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help repair UV damaged skin and protect your skin from free radical damage.

Disadvantages:

Vitamin E can clog your skin’s pores if applied in excess, especially in people with naturally oily skin. Look for “non-comedogenic” (does not clog pores) on the label.

A study on vitamin E found that applying too much vitamin E oil may worsen the appearance of scars or have no beneficial effect at all. A third of the study participants developed a rash. While this is rare, make sure you test it on a small area before using it on your tattoo.

Some vitamin E products can stain/discolor clothing.

Always read the ingredients on the label before using “Vitamin E” products. Many of the over-the-counter products contain active and inactive ingredients that can damage your tattoos. Always look for 100% pure vitamin E oil with no additives.

2. Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a natural by-product of pressing grape seeds during the winemaking process.

This oil is known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.

It is an excellent skin moisturizer that can improve the elasticity and softness of your skin while helping your tattoo heal.

Grapeseed Oil works well and naturally with Vitamin E and Vitamin C to help maintain your skin efficiently and effectively.

The powerful antioxidants in grapeseed oil can also help protect your skin from absorbing harmful UV rays.

Grapeseed oil can slow blood clotting, resulting in prolonged bleeding from cuts and bruises, which can negatively impact tattoo healing.

Although rare, grapeseed oil can cause allergic side effects such as rashes and itching.

If your skin becomes red, itchy, or inflamed after use, you may have had an adverse reaction. Stop using it.

3. Coconut Oil

Advantages:

Coconut oil is a natural fat derived from the flesh of the coconut and is packed with antioxidants and vitamins.

Coconut oil helps prevent moisture loss and skin dryness.

Coconut oil’s natural disinfecting and anti-inflammatory properties can protect your skin from microbial infections and bacteria.

Coconut naturally contains vitamin E.

Disadvantages:

While coconut oil is an excellent natural food source, it’s not automatically the best for skin care.

Coconut oil has a high comedogenic rating with a high chance of clogging pores and causing breakouts on most skin types.

Coconut oil has no moisturizing properties, meaning it repels water (this reduces the skin’s ability to stay hydrated). Coconut locks in moisture, but it can also smother your skin.

Coconut oil doesn’t absorb well and can leave a thin, sticky or oily layer on the skin.

If you like the smell of coconuts, great! If not, you might want to think twice before applying it to your skin.

4. Tea Tree Oil

Advantages:

Tea tree oil is antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral, antimicrobial and can heal wounds.

Its powerful antiseptic properties are an excellent and well-known option for acne-prone skin.

Tea tree oil can treat dry skin. With regular use, your outer skin can stay moisturized and feel supple and soft.

Disadvantages:

Use tea tree oil with caution as it can cause skin irritation and swelling in some people.

Tea tree oil can affect your skin’s PH balance and moisture barrier, leaving your tattoos looking dull and faded.

Tea tree oil can cause allergic rashes and dryness. Do not use if your skin is dry, scaly, scaly, or irritated.

The risk of skin irritation is higher when the oil is applied to dry or broken skin. Always do a patch test.

So you have four natural oils that you can use to moisturize your skin. There are many more, and you might even have a favorite that isn’t listed. And the great thing about these natural oils is that you can layer them over the Inked Ritual Serum. This will help lock in moisture and give your tattooed skin a second layer of protection from the elements and aging.

A daily skincare ritual is essential to maintaining the boldness of your tattoos and keeping them looking as fresh as the day they were inked.

Have you checked out all the amazing natural ingredients in INKED RITUAL Anti-Fading Tattoo Serum? Read here now:

The exclusive ingredients of INKED RITUAL

By Derek Avery 55848 views

Photo by Romona Robbins Photography / Getty Images

Green soap is one of the most important things you use as a tattoo artist – but not everyone knows exactly what it is. Or they have some of those life-changing questions like, “Why do we use green soap?” or “And why isn’t it green…?” We’ve rounded up some of the most frequently asked questions about it here to help you finally get a good night’s sleep…or maybe just improve your Jeopardy skills. Either … or.

What is green soap?

Green Soap is a water-soluble, vegetable oil-based, eco-friendly soap commonly used in tattoo and piercing studios. Unlike traditional soap mixes, most green soap is plant-based and eco-friendly.

It’s kind of yellowish – why isn’t it green?

Green soap gets its name from its green tint, not the ectoplasmic coloring! It’s a completely dye-free soap – those yellow and greenish hues you see come from the glycerin and vegetable oil used in the manufacturing process.

What exactly is green soap used for?

Green soap is used in tattoo and piercing studios for everything from preparing the tattoo or piercing site to cleaning tattoo machines. It is a great dirt, blood and tattoo ink remover. Being non-corrosive, it can also be used to safely soak equipment to loosen dried debris prior to cleaning and sterilization.

Why should I use green soap? Can’t I just use regular soap?

Green soap is the industry standard because it has a soothing effect on the skin. The oils in the soap provide extra moisture, which prevents further irritation of the skin. Regular antibacterial soap dries out the skin and strips it of its natural oils, making it poorly suited for tattooing or piercing, both of which activities can be traumatic to sensitive skin.

There are similar cleansing products like neem soap and hemp soap, but these options tend to be more expensive and usually come mixed with fragrances and other additives that can irritate sensitive skin. Short side knot: Neem oil, while expensive to use in soaps, is a hugely popular aftercare ingredient due to its soothing and moisturizing properties.

Green soap is a great, inexpensive way to keep your shop clean, improves tattoo and piercing healing (unlike traditional soaps), and makes wiping your tattoo a breeze during the session. Green Hot Zone Soap, typically found in Nalgene squeeze bottles in the workplace, is easily wrapped in plastic to prevent cross-contamination. If this is your first time using green soap, make sure you read the manufacturer’s label – green soap is sold full strength and should be diluted before using it on your clients.

Do you have a question about green soap? Let us know in the comments below!

tattoo aftercare

Tattoo Aftercare – Click on the link to download the Tattoo Aftercare information.

Tattooing breaks down the surface of the skin, so there is always a potential risk of infection afterwards. Your tattoo should initially be treated as a wound and it is important that this advice is followed to minimize the risk of infection.

If you have any problems with your tattoo or if you feel it needs touching up, please give us a call. Don’t be afraid to come back, we want you to be 100% satisfied with your tattoo.

MINIMIZING THE RISK OF INFECTION

Avoid unnecessary touching of the new tattoo to reduce bacterial load. For the same reason, you should not pick or scratch a healing tattoo.

Always wash and dry your hands before touching a new tattoo.

Leave the bandage applied by your tattoo artist for 2 hours until the skin bleeding stops.

After carefully removing the bandage, gently wash the tattoo with unscented baby wipes or warm water and an antibacterial liquid soap (hand wash). Using wax-based soaps can leave residue and dry out your skin, which can take longer for your tattoo to heal. After your tattoo has been cleaned, gently pat dry. Allow the tattoo to air dry for 5 minutes.

After you have given your tattoo some air, you can put cream on it. We can recommend creams, but stop using them if irritation occurs. If you are unsure whether the creams will irritate your tattoo, please call us. The creams we recommend are Palmer’s Cocoa Butter and Bepanthen. These creams help protect your skin and reduce dryness/scabbing.

Wash the tattoo and apply a pea-sized amount of cream. Continue to apply the cream 2-3 times a day for 7 days. If you are unsure about any part of this, please ask your artist.

Tattoo scab is usually gone in 9-14 days; They are replaced with “Silver Skin” that lasts about a week. Your tattoo may appear dull until the “new skin” has fully healed. After that, your tattoo will appear nice and bright. If you think your tattoo needs a touch up, or if you are in any way dissatisfied with the end result, please get back to us sooner rather than later.

GENERAL FOLLOW-UP

If possible, shower while the tattoo is healing instead of bathing – this prevents premature scabs. If you’re only able to bathe, be careful not to soak the new tattoo for too long and always pat the area dry with a clean towel.

Avoid petroleum-based products (such as petroleum jelly) as they can limit fresh air access to your tattoo. This could cause an infection.

Do not pluck or rub your tattoo. This will cause your tattoo to stain.

Avoid swimming/sunbathing/sunbathing until your tattoo is fully healed as chlorine and/or sunlight can interact with tattoo ink pigments causing irritation/inflammation. This can lead to infection.

Try to wear loose-fitting clothing to minimize friction or irritation from a new tattoo.

If you have any problems or questions about your tattoo, please contact your artist on the number overleaf or give us a call. Your artist will advise you or if they think you need further treatment, your artist will refer you to your GP.

1. Wash your hands first (never touch your fresh tattoo with dirty hands).

2. Remove the plastic wrap.

3. Wash the tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap.

4. Pat dry with a kitchen towel (do not use a towel or toilet paper).

5. Apply a moisturizing cream of your choice (your artist can recommend one).

6. Allow the tattoo to air out for 5/10 minutes and re-wrap in fresh plastic wrap.

7. Repeat 4 to 5 times a day for 3 days.

8. After the first 3 days, keep cleaning your tattoo and apply the cream but do not use the plastic wrap.

9. Never scrape or scrape your new tattoo.

10. Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds until your tattoo has healed.

11. To ensure your tattoo always looks its best, you should use sunscreen when your healed tattoo is in direct sunlight.

12. Avoid swimming pools, saunas, spas, hot tubs, etc. until your tattoo has healed.

13. Avoid fake tans and makeup until your tattoo has healed.

14. Mild infections can be quite common as tattoos heal

If you feel like you have an infection please contact the studio and one of our artists can point you in the right direction.

We hope you enjoyed your experience at Life’s Too Short today. Please take a moment to leave a friendly review or rate us on Facebook and Google.

THANKS.

How to clean a tattoo

Last updated: October 13, 2021 Posted by Dan Hunter on July 15, 2017 Last updated: October 13, 2021

It’s important to make sure you get a great tattoo aftercare if you want a great looking tattoo that will stand the test of time. One of the most important tasks to do throughout your healing process is to clean your tattoo correctly and effectively. In this article we will show you how to carefully and properly clean a tattoo to prevent infection and promote fast and efficient healing during the aftercare period.

To clean a tattoo, wash your hands thoroughly before wetting the area with a mixture of lukewarm water and skin-sensitive antibacterial soap. Rub the tattoo in a circular motion with your fingertips before rinsing off the soap and patting the skin dry with a clean paper towel. After it is completely dry, apply a suitable moisturizing lotion to the area.

Why cleaning a new tattoo is so important

After your artist has finished their work and you are happy with it, in the studio your artist will wipe your tattoo down with antibacterial soap and wrap it in either plastic or surgical wrap and advise you on how long you should wear the wrap before removing it.

A good tattoo artist will also advise you on the best way to clean your tattoo and how often.

Once you are able to remove the foil, now comes the big moment – the first cleaning. You have to remember that as soon as you remove your foil, you want to clean your new tattoo immediately. This is the first step in your tattoo aftercare routine. Cleaning a tattoo isn’t the most pleasant thing, but it is so important throughout the healing process.

When the artist wrapped your tattoo, the area was sterilized and wrapped bacteria free. Once the dressing is removed, free-flowing air will re-enter the area and bacteria will begin to grow around the open wound, so it is important to clean the area again as soon as possible.

Not only that, but the entire time the area has been wrapped it will have been seeping through with blood, excess ink, and plasma. But no worry; this is perfectly normal, so don’t be alarmed if you see blood running under your tattoo sheet.

Things can get a bit ugly under a tattoo foil

All of this oozing must be removed to avoid excessive scabbing. The plasma (clear, sticky liquid) is a major part of the crust-forming process, and to prevent thick, ugly crusts from forming, you should remove as much of this excess plasma as possible on the first wash.

Please note that your tattoo will definitely scab to some extent (this is how any open skin wounds heal naturally). However, as long as you can keep the area free of leaking plasma for the first few days, the scabbing should generally be very light, rising only slightly above the skin.

As the tattoo continues to heal, the daily cleaning process of your tattoo must continue to be strictly followed as your tattoo remains susceptible to infection until the outer layers of skin are fully healed (usually 3-4 weeks).

How to Clean a New Tattoo: The First Wash

Undoubtedly the most important wash you will ever do in your tattooed life is your first wash after inking.

Although there are many different methods of cleaning a new tattoo, the following steps have been proven to ensure the area is completely cleaned of harmful bacteria and ensure your tattoo heals as quickly and easily as possible.

1. Wash your hands

Extreme important! What’s the point of worrying about getting your tattoo clean if you’re only making it worse by rubbing your dirty hands all over the area without washing them first?

ALWAYS make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with a good antibacterial soap before even lightly touching your tattoo.

Once your hands are thoroughly clean, run a faucet until the water becomes lukewarm. The water should not be warmer as the skin is very sensitive and the warm water can be painful and harmful.

2. Wet the area

Once your hands are thoroughly clean, run a faucet until the water becomes lukewarm. The water should not be warmer as the skin is very sensitive and the warm water can be painful. Not only that, warmer water can open up your pores, which in turn can potentially cause ink to be drawn out of your skin.

DO NOT stick the tattoo directly under the faucet. Scoop up the water with your hands and gently pour it onto the tattooed area. Lightly rub the water around the tattoo in a circular motion with your hand until the entire area is wet.

DO NOT do this for too long as too much water can saturate the area and wet your pores, allowing ink to potentially diffuse out of where it was expertly implanted.

Note: The tattooed area is likely to be very sore at this point and will burn slightly if you rub the area with water. This is normal and unfortunately you will have to fight your way through the pain. Just try to be gentle. The pain should subside over the next week.

3. Add soap

Once the area has been wetted, rub a mild, fragrance-free, alcohol-free soap onto the area with your fingers/palms.

If you are looking for soaps that are safe to use on your tattoo, here are our favorite tattoo soaps.

DO NOT use used washcloths or towels to scrub the area as they are likely to be riddled with germs and bacteria. Clean and dry your tattoo with your hands only for at least the first month.

You also shouldn’t rub the soap into the area too hard, but you should make sure that your tattoo no longer feels slimy or slippery (from excess plasma) when you’re done cleaning. If your tattoo feels clean after using the soap, you’ve most likely done enough.

If hardened and stuck ink/blood residue doesn’t come off with gentle rubbing, just leave it where it is and don’t force it off. They will fall off on their own over the next few days or the next time the area is cleaned.

Check the product! Be sure to check the ingredients in the soap, as any artificial additives (like unnatural fragrances) are likely to irritate the area.

Alcohol is also very harsh on your sensitive skin as it naturally dries out the surface. Make sure the soap is designed for use on extra sensitive skin.

4. Rinse

Once you’ve gently cleaned the area, take some more lukewarm water and proceed to wash off any soap that’s still left on the area.

Do not worry! Don’t worry if you notice ink coming off your tattooed area during washing or drying! This is perfectly normal and will likely continue to occur for the first few days after receiving your new tattoo.

A good artist will try to fill in the area with as much ink as possible and this will result in some ink getting naturally trapped in the higher layers of skin and this excess ink will drain over the course of the coming week or so during the area continues to heal.

5. Drying

Once the cleaning is complete, you want to make sure the area dries as much as possible. You can either gently press a paper towel over the area or simply allow the tattoo to air dry.

If you decide to use a paper towel, remember to gently blot the area and be careful when peeling the paper away from the skin as it can easily stick.

For the first few days you may see spots of excess ink on the paper as you dry the area. As long as you are gentle, this is perfectly normal and will not harm your tattoo.

Warning Do not rub/scrub the area dry. This can remove crusts and peeling skin and possibly cause irritation in the area. Always gently blot the area instead of scrubbing/rubbing.

Also, never use a scrubbing cloth (or any type of cloth/towel for that matter). These products are likely to contain many different types of harmful bacteria (even after washing). It’s best to stick to a new piece of paper towel when it comes to drying your tattoo.

6. Apply lotion

Once the tattoo is completely dry you should use a lotion/ointment of your choice to moisturize the area and aid in healing.

When adding lotion to the area, you only need a very small amount; just enough to cover the area with a very fine layer to make the tattoo look a little shiny. Too much lotion can prevent the area from getting enough oxygen, potentially delaying healing time.

The best tattoo lotion I’ve personally used is a vegan aftercare product called After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Lotion. This stuff works amazingly well during the healing process; not only by moisturizing your tattoo really well, but also by relieving annoying itching and irritation. When used from the beginning of the healing process, this lotion will help reduce tattoo healing times and work to eliminate persistent dryness and scabbing.

This is WAY too much lotion and some should be blotted up with a paper towel

Warning Do not apply moisturizing lotion to the tattoo while the area is still damp, especially if your tattoo has reached the stage where it is beginning to crust.

Any moisture trapped under the lotion layer can be drawn into any scabbed areas and cause the scabs to swell and become “sticky”, increasing the risk of the scabs sticking to various objects/surfaces and peeling off.

Clean your new tattoo next month

As mentioned earlier, after the first wash, you will need to clean your tattoo many more times. Ideally, you should clean your tattoo about twice a day, preferably in the morning and evening, for up to a month after tattooing.

In some situations, you may want to wash your tattoo more frequently. For example, if you have worked in the garden or worked out in the gym, you should clean your tattoo as soon as possible after you have finished, as by their very nature these areas are very dirty and usually contain many different types of germs and bacteria.

If you engage in activities that might involve dirt or other unhygienic substances rubbing against the tattoo, try your best to keep those areas well covered. For example, if you’re camping with a new arm tattoo, try wearing a long-sleeved jacket to protect the area.

Between one and two weeks after tattooing, it will begin to scab before peeling off. During these stages, you still need to clean the area just as regularly, but you need to be extra careful not to accidentally rip off scabs or remove prematurely flaking pieces of skin.

Do not worry! During the final stages of peeling, you will likely find that if you continue to wash and dry the tattoo as usual, many pieces of flaking skin will fall off as you rub your hand/fingers over the area to clean it.

As long as you are gentle, this is perfectly normal; it just means the skin is ready to fall off. You should see some nice clear colors appearing from below as the top layers begin the flake path.

Also, don’t worry if the peeling skin contains paint/ink. Again, this is completely normal. This is just more of the excess ink that accumulated in the top layers of skin while your tattoo was being completed.

Tattoos can come off severely when washed.

How to Clean Your Tattoo: Quick Summary

Wash your hands thoroughly. You don’t want additional germs spreading to the tattooed area

Run the faucet until the water is lukewarm, no hotter than here. Use your hands to scoop up the water and gently wet the area with your fingers/palm

Gently but firmly rub a mild fragrance-free and alcohol-free soap over the tattoo, making sure to wash away as much of the excess ink/plasma/blood as possible

Pour some more water over the area to wash away excess soap

Allow the tattoo to dry completely, either naturally or with a paper towel. Do not use washcloths or towels as these can be too harsh and are likely to harbor bacteria

Apply a very thin layer of lotion to the area. This will help hydrate the area and ensure your tattoo heals as well as possible

It is recommended to wash at least twice a day, especially after dirty activities.

summary

I hope you can now appreciate the importance of washing your tattoo properly and how to properly clean your tattoo to promote quick healing and reduce the risk of infection. It should also be noted that cleaning an infected tattoo should be done in the same way.

The process of cleaning a tattoo is not time consuming or difficult. It should only take 5 minutes every morning and night for the first 3-4 weeks, so make sure you’re doing it properly and consistently. The result should be that you have a beautiful, well-healed tattoo that you can show off for the rest of your life.

Why do tattoo artists use petroleum jelly when tattooing?

Last updated: November 27, 2020 Posted by Dan Hunter on October 1, 2020 Last updated: November 27, 2020

If you’ve recently gotten a tattoo and are wondering why your tattoo artist is smearing copious amounts of a jelly-like substance over the area every few minutes, you’re not alone. In this article we will advise you exactly what they put on your skin during the tattooing process and what their real purpose is.

tattoo structure

A tattoo may seem like an artistic design that you can put anywhere on your body, but in order to get this tattoo you need to transform your body and the skin cells that you will be inked in. The tattooist’s needle allows the ink to penetrate under the top layer of skin called the epidermis.

Tattoo ink reaches the dermis, which is still part of your skin. The dermis contains hair follicles, connective tissue, and sweat glands. Meanwhile, the epidermis is the layer of skin that peels off, so a tattoo wouldn’t last there.

By reaching the dermis, the tattoo can be permanent, but it can also leave scars. Biologically, your body shouldn’t have such a change, so scarring is a natural reaction that petroleum jelly can help with.

Vaseline purpose

Vaseline is the most common brand name for petroleum jelly, a blend of natural waxes and oils. It’s a purified version of petroleum jelly that can moisturize dry skin and heal minor wounds.

Tattoo artists use petroleum jelly’s healing properties to help their clients. Artists can use regular petroleum jelly, which is 100 percent petroleum jelly.

during the tattooing process

Tattooists use petroleum jelly when tattooing because the needle and ink cause a wound. The wound needs something to help it heal, and petroleum jelly can act as a protector for your skin. While it can’t prevent scarring and other changes, it can help keep your skin healthy.

A tattoo artist can use a little petroleum jelly, or they can use more of it all over the tattoo area. Using a small amount can help prep your skin for a tattoo, so you don’t need a ton of petroleum jelly for it to help.

After the artist has finished your tattoo, they can wipe away the product. You can then apply a new layer of it as part of your aftercare.

Why water doesn’t work

You can use many things to add moisture to your tattoo, although water isn’t the best. Water can help moisturize the area, but it doesn’t hold as well as some products.

Tattoo artists and clients can use petroleum jelly for longer lasting hydration. You don’t have to worry about applying moisturizers all the time, you can still reap the benefits of hydrating your skin.

Even a regular moisturizer without petroleum jelly can add moisture and help your tattoo heal. You can use a tattoo-specific moisturizer, but almost anything will be more effective than water alone.

healing of the tattoo

Before you leave your tattoo artist, ask them any aftercare questions. While the tattoo artist may use petroleum jelly to help during the tattooing process, you must follow their instructions to keep your new body art in good condition while it heals. Vaseline isn’t always the best thing to use on your tattoo once you’ve left the studio, so you need to be careful if you’ve been instructed to use it by your artist.

Using some of these will help lock in moisture and promote your skin’s healing and repair. However, too much of it can trap bacteria and lead to infection.

Too much petroleum jelly can also affect the ink and cause your tattoo to start fading. If you plan to use petroleum jelly in your tattoo aftercare, be sparing with it. Be sure to use other moisturizers and aftercare products recommended by tattoo artists to help your tattoo heal without increasing the chance of infection.

The best tattoo lotion I’ve personally used is a vegan aftercare product called After Inked Tattoo Aftercare Lotion. This stuff works amazingly well during the healing process; not only by moisturizing your tattoo really well, but also by relieving annoying itching and irritation. When used from the beginning of the healing process, this lotion will help reduce tattoo healing times and work to eliminate persistent dryness and scabbing.

Why Tattoo Artists Use Vaseline

Using petroleum jelly while tattooing can help protect the skin from scars and other changes associated with tattooing. It can also be a useful tool during tattoo aftercare, but it’s possible to use too much of it.

If you’re getting a tattoo, be sure to talk to your tattoo artist about what to use to clean and protect your tattoo while it heals. Then you can reduce your risk of infection and other problems while enjoying your tattoo for years to come.

Tattooing is an art form that requires a high level of skill and experience. It can be difficult for beginners to wipe off excess tattoo ink without completely removing the stencil. If the stencil rubs away, you may be using the wrong tools and methods. Use the right materials and techniques to ensure the stencil stays on throughout the process.

Reading time: < 1 minute Hello Gary, Voltage settings are always dependent on your tattooing style, the machine used and your personal taste. You should take time with your machine to determine what voltage is right for you and the machine. In general, most artists use voltages around 7V-9V for lining (8 should be a good start) and 8-10V for shading.

One cause of ink not penetrating is:

The needle is exposed too far for this viscosity paint. The tip is the reservoir for the ink. Surface tension keeps the ink in the tip and on an object (the needle cluster). You notice that the ink does not drip out at the end during the work preparation. As the needles move up and down (in and out) very quickly, the surface tension is broken and the ink flows. Thinner inks flow more freely and easily. The further the needle moves outward and away from the tip, the longer the ink has to flow down the needle and onto the needle tip. Thick, slow-flowing inks cannot travel as far as thinner inks. So hanging the needle far out will prevent the ink from flowing such a long distance. Different inks have different viscosities and flow at different speeds. The distance the needle travels out of the tip is adjusted by moving the tube up or down.

Ink flow is regulated by moving the tube up or down. If you experiment a little, you’ll find that even with very thin inks, if the needle hangs out far, you can start a line, but run out of ink quickly. If you move the tube down a little each time, you’ll see that your line gets longer and longer for each different setting. A point will be reached where a small drop will form on the surface and move along with the needle as you draw your line. Many artists use this droplet as a marker so that the line of ink has an even density of ink. When the needle drop starts to decrease, the line will stop to refill. Of course, if tolerances are critical when working in the drip, you’ll need to visualize where your template line is. This is the surest way to ensure your line art has the same ink density. Shading with larger groups of needles is often done the same way, but usually with larger amounts of ink on the surface.

Reading time: 7 minutes

Whether you’re a newbie to the tattoo industry or a seasoned pro, the wide range of different tattoo needle groupings, diameters, tapers, and needle counts can be hard as hell to understand. In fact, as soon as it makes sense, you’ll wonder why you didn’t get it first!

This article will help you make sense of it all and help you make the best possible decision when it comes to buying tattoo needles.

We also want to be quick to mention that we (Barber DTS) go back a long way (click here to see how long) when it comes to tattoo products (click here to see how long) so you can be assured that the information found here is as accurate and knowledgeable as you are are got!

Tattoo Needle Types

When you look at a tattoo needles page on a website or catalogue, it can seem a bit overwhelming with all the different options available. But no need to worry! This is where learning begins.

All of these options fall into six basic tattoo needle groupings: Round Liners, Round Shaders, Magnum Shaders, Curved Magnum Shaders, Flat Shaders, and Double Stacks. Below we go into more detail about each type.

Round liner needles

The pins on round liner needles are soldered in a circular pattern to create sharp, clean liner tattoo work. The thickness of the line will depend on the number of round liners you choose (e.g. 01 very fine, 14 very thick) as well as the thickness/gauge of each needle (see tattoo needle sizes below). Lining needles, once dipped in your ink, only release small amounts of ink, which is then worked into the skin. If too much ink was let out, lining would be quite a task!

Commonly used for: dot work. All chucks work both bold and complicated. writing and writing. Japanese. Traditional and neo-traditional. Geometric. Tribal-. Samoan.

Round shader needles

Round shaders are very similar to round liners, except the pins aren’t placed as close together. This means that in addition to thicker lines, they can also be used for color filling and basic shading.

Commonly used for: Some line work. writing and writing. Basic shading and color fill. Japanese. Traditional and neo-traditional. Geometric. Tribal-. Samoan.

Magnum shader needles

Magnum shaders are the preferred grouping or needle type for pretty much all shading work. Magnums hold and deliver a lot of ink, making them perfect for large areas of color and shading. Fewer passes over an area are required to work the ink in, meaning less skin trauma. There are a few different variations of magnum needles. See below.

Commonly used for: Black and Gray. All kinds of shades and color wraps. color realism. Japanese. Traditional and neo-traditional. Tribal-. Samoan.

Curved magnum shader needles

Curved magnum shaders — also known as soft magnums, soft-edge magnums, and round magnums — are used in the same way, except the pins are arranged to curve in the middle. This means the needle’s edges run along the skin with more conformity, allowing for better ink distribution and a more consistent line. It is also less harmful to the skin and helps with smooth shading.

Commonly used for: Black and Gray. All kinds of shades and color wraps. color realism. Japanese. Traditional and neo-traditional. Tribal-. Samoan.

Double Stack Magnum Shader Needles

Not as relevant as they might have once been. The pins of double-stack magazines, or double-stacks, are packed much more densely together. This helps with intricate shading or color work where you want it to still work like a magnum with lots of pens, but isn’t as widely used.

Commonly used for: shading and color packaging. black and grey. color realism. Japanese. Traditional and neo-traditional. Tribal-. Samoan.

Flat shader needles

Flat shader pins are pins that are soldered onto the pin bar in a straight line. These needles are used for lining because their shape allows them to deliver more ink onto the skin. That means clearer, darker lines with just one stroke. Larger flat needles can be used for color fills and shading because they deliver more ink quickly in a single pass. Flat needles work well for intricate shading as in geometric patterns and some mandala work. Flat shading needles are also common in semi-permanent makeup.

Commonly used for: Some line work. Small shading and color packing. black and grey. color realism. Japanese. Traditional and neo-traditional. Tribal-. Samoan. Geometric.

Tattoo needle sizes explained

Now you know all about different needle groupings or types. It’s time to look at needle diameters, also known as gauges.

The strength of a tattoo needle is directly related to the ink flow. The narrower the gauge or diameter, the more controlled and finer the ink flow. Thickness is indicated by a number (usually 8, 10, or 12) and diameter by a millimeter measurement. EVEN THOUGH THEY MEAN THE SAME! Needle manufacturers and tattoo suppliers both use terminology depending on where the needles come from and where they are sold to, ie. H. Country/Language.

#8 gauge (0.25mm diameter)

One of the smaller gauge needles available (but not the smallest) and sometimes referred to as a bugpin. Used when slower ink flow is desired for intricate or detailed work. Some use 8 gauge needles for most of their work simply because they like that they hold more ink at a time (since the pens are denser).

#10 gauge (0.30mm diameter)

A very common needle size. Also known as a double zero. Popular with all tattoo styles and needle groupings as they are basically the medium gauge (if 8, 10 and 12 are accepted as the three most important gauges). Ink flow on 0.30mm needles is still a steady, controlled flow, but not as restricted and slow as with a #8 or 0.25mm.

#12 gauge (0.35mm diameter)

Just like the 0.30 mm needles. #12 gauges are very popular in all needle groupings and tattoo styles. Anyone referring to #12 or 0.35mm needles may also refer to them as standards. Common for lining and traditional work as they have faster ink flow. Ideal for bold lines and color packaging/shading of large areas.

Other needle sizes not mentioned above: #6 or 0.20mm, #14 or 0.40 and #16 or 0.45mm! However, these are quite uncommon today as they have very few specific uses.

Tattoo needle counts

This is an easy one! Tattoo needle count basically means the number of pins used to form the grouping. For example, 1209RL means a 12 gauge (see above for gauge information), 09 Round Liner Needle. The 09 means 9 needle counts (or 9 needles used to form a round grouping). That would look like this:

Another example for you, just to be crystal clear.

Tattoo needle size chart and how to fit your tips and tubes

We’ve put together this handy chart to help you compare the right needles to the right size tips, or vice versa. It also indicates what type of work the needle size is used for.

0.25mm Bugpin Needles Round Liner Needle Case/Tip 03RL 03RT or 03VT 04RL 03RT or 03VT 05RL 03RT or 03VT 07RL 05RT or 03VT 08RL 05RT or 05VT 09RL 05RT or 05VT

0.25mm Bugpin Needles Round Shaders Needle Tube/Tip 3RS 03RT or 03VT 5RS 03RT or 03VT 7RS 03RT or 03VT 9RS 05RT or 03VT 14RS 09RT or 07VT 18RS 09RT or 07VT

0.25mm Bugpin Needles Magnum Shaders Needle Tube/Tip 7MG 05FT 9MG 05FT or 07FT 11MG 07FT 13MG 09FT 15MG 11FT 17MG 13FT 21MG 15FT 23MG 15FT or 17FT 25MG 17FT or 19FT

0.25mm Bugpin Needles Curved Magnum Shaders Needle Tube/Tip 7CM 05FT 9CM 05FT or 07FT 11CM 07FT 13CM 09FT 15CM 11FT 17CM 13FT 21CM 15FT 23CM 15FT or 17FT 25CM 17FT or 19FT

0.30mm DoubleZero Needles Round Liner Needle Tube/Tip 01RL 03RT/03VT 03RL 03RT/03VT 04RL 05RT/05VT 05RL 05RT/05VT 07RL 07RT/07VT 08RL 09RT/09VT 09RL 09RT/09VT 11RL 11RT/11VT 13RL.1 11RL 13RL 13RL 11RT/11VT /14VT 18RL 18RT

0.30mm DoubleZero Needles Round Shaders Needle Tube/Tip 03RS 03RT or 03VT 05RS 05RT or 03VT 07RS 07RT or 05VT 08RS 09RT,07VT,09VT 09RS 09RT,07VT,09VT 11RS 11RT,09VT,11VT 14RS 14RT,18RSVT,141

0.30mm double-leader magnum shaders needle tube/tip 05mg 07mg 05ft or 09mg 07ft 11mg 11ft 13mg 13ft 15mg 17ft 17ft 19mg 19ft or 19ft 23mg 23FT OR 21FT 25MG 25FT or 23FT 27MG 27FT or 25FT

0.30mm Doublezero Needs Curved Magnum Shader Needle Tube/Tip 05cm 05ft 07cm 07ft or 05ft 09cm 09ft or 07ft 11cm 11ft or 09ft 13cm 13cm 13ft or 11ft 15cm 15ft or 13ft 17cm 17ft or 15ft 19CM 19 21FT 25CM 25FT or 23FT 27CM 27FT or 25FT

0.35mm Standard Needles Round Liner Needle Cover/Tip 01RL 03RT or 03VT 03RL 03RT or 03VT 04RL 05RT or 05VT 05RL 05RT or 05VT 07RL 07RT or 07VT 08RL 09RT or 09VT 09RL 09RT or 09VT 11RL 11RT or 1RT 1 RT 14RT or .1RT 11VT 11VT 3 or 14VT 18RL 18RT

0.35mm Standard Needles Round Shaders Needle Tube/Tip 03RS 03RT 05RS 05RT 07RS 07RT 08RS 09RT 09RS 09RT 11RS 11RT 14RS 14RT 18RS 18RT

0.35mm Standard Needles Magnum Shaders Needle Tube/Tip 05MG 05FT 07MG 07FT 09MG 09FT 11MG 11FT 13MG 13FT 15MG 15FT 17MG 17FT 19MG 19FT 21MG 21FT 23MG 23FT 25MG 25FT 27MG 27FT

0.35mm Standard Needles Curved Magnum Shaders Needle Tube/Point 05cm 05ft 07cm 07ft 09cm 09ft 11cm 11ft 13cm 13ft 15 cm, 15ft, 17cm, 17ft, 19cm, 19ft, 21cm, 21ft, 23cm, 23ft, 25cm, 25ft, 27cm, 27ft

0.35mm Standard Needles Flat Shaders Needle Tube/Tip 04FS 05FT 05FS 07FT 06FS 07FT 07FS 09FT 09FS 11FT 13FS 15FT 15FS 17FT

0.35mm Standard Needles Double Stack Magnums Needle Tube/Tip 05MG2 04FT or 05FT 07MG2 04FT or 05FT 09MG2 05FT 11MG2 07FT 13MG2 07FT 15MG2 09FT

0.25mm Bugpin Needles Double Stack Magnums Needle Cover/Tip 05MG2 04FT or 05FT 07MG2 04FT or 05FT 09MG2 04FT or 05FT 11MG2 05FT or 07FT 13MG2 05FT or 07FT 15MG2 07FT or 09FT

Buy a tattoo needle and what to look out for

Are the needles pre-sterilized?

We can confirm that all needles sold at Barber DTS are individually blister packed and sterilized with EO gas. Most needles these days should be pre-sterile. You always have to check this. If not, you need to properly sterilize them yourself with an autoclave BEFORE tattooing on human skin. Sterilized needles are marked with expiration dates when sterility expires.

Are the needles well made?

Make sure the needles/pins are straight and securely soldered to the needle bar. Crooked or bent needles can cause serious skin damage if you don’t realize you’re using one. They also don’t hold or distribute the ink properly, causing a complete nightmare.

Will these needles work with my equipment?

Make sure the needles you want to buy match your setup. Make sure you don’t need tattoo cartridges instead of tattoo needles. Also, make sure you have or are purchasing the correct tubes or tips that match your needle gauge, size, and style. For help, see our needle and tip matching guide above.

Are these tattoo needles right for what I want to do?

You don’t want to buy 15 magnum needles if you specifically need to do smooth line work. The same applies if you need to fill in a large color or do a soft shading; You don’t want to end up finding out that you bought some small round liner needles. Again, be sure to check out our handy guide above detailing what type of tattoo work each needle configuration is used for.

Finally

As much as this is a tattoo needle guide, we have tried to give you as much correct information as you need. . . it is just a guide. If you search and find this tattoo needle guide, you should already have a good understanding of tattoo needles and how to use them from a tattoo apprenticeship with a professional tattoo artist.

Some tattoo artists may disagree with some of the information provided above, and rightly so! Finding the perfect tattoo needle style, size and gauge for you and your style takes time and lots of trial and error. Some artists always go to a Bugpin #8 15 curved mag needle for their shading work. Others wouldn’t even dream of it! A lot of equipment and accessories in the tattoo world boils down to user preference. From inks and needles to machines and power supplies.

If you would like further advice on buying tattoo needles or customizing your needle, tips and tubes, please contact our friendly sales team on +44 (0)114 257 6022 or [email protected] Alternatively, you can reach out to us via our Facebook and contact Instagram channels.

After your tattoo is finished, your artist will bandage your tattoo for your journey home. Leave the bandage on for one to three hours. When you remove the bandage, wash it with very warm water (as hot as comfortable) and a mild liquid hand soap (like Dr. Bronner’s, Dial, or Softsoap, just no scented or exfoliating body wash). Gently pat dry with a paper towel and allow the rest to air dry (never scrub the tattoo with a towel or sponge). Then apply a very small amount of Aquaphor ointment or a plain, unscented skin lotion (we recommend Aveeno, Lubriderm, Curel or one of their generics) to the tattoo, just enough to lightly moisturize. Do not apply a large, thick layer of product on top; just enough to keep it moist and flexible. If you’re using Aquaphor, you can switch to a plain lotion after the first few days. Lotion is generally fine for everyone, your artist will recommend if you would benefit from an ointment.

When you sleep the first night, your artist may recommend wrapping the tattoo in plastic wrap (like cling wrap) so you can sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This generally applies to larger or monochromatic tattoos. If your artist didn’t recommend wrapping, simply leave the tattoo exposed to air overnight.

From then on, wash the tattoo every morning and evening and apply lotion about 3 times a day or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight.

Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo.

DO NOT apply petroleum jelly, neosporin, bacitracin, or any other medicinal or perfumed product to your tattoo.

After a few days, the tattoo forms a thin scab that flakes off after about a week in the shower. DO NOT pick or scratch the scab, just keep it clean and moist and the scab will fall off on its own in about two weeks. If you remove any of the scabs, the color will fade and the skin will be damaged.

While healing DO NOT:

After the first night, wrap the tattoo (wearing breathable clothing over it is fine as long as it doesn’t cause friction. (Keeping tattoos wrapped in plastic or bandages will prevent air from getting to the tattoo, slowing healing and allowing disgusting stuff growing in there.)

Submerge the tattoo in water. That means baths, pools and oceans. Regular showering is fine.

Expose it to strong sunlight (like outdoor activities or beach days. Walking to your car is fine)

Shave over the tattoo (ouch!)

When all the crusts fall off and the skin feels smooth again, everything is healed and you can shave, swim and everything else over it again. Sometimes, after the scab falls off, there is a secondary shiny, raised, or waxy layer over the tattoo. This is just another healing layer of skin. Keep wetting it and it will smooth out on its own over time. If you have any questions about your tattoo while it’s healing, you can always stop by the shop and have us check it out, or email the artist who did the tattoo with “AFTERCARE” in the subject line for an immediate response to obtain.

When something doesn’t look perfect

After your tattoo has healed, we will do our best to make it right. Sometimes, with excessive scabbing or other unpredictable reactions while healing, your skin may shed some ink, leaving a “light spot” that is closer to your skin color in the tattoo (or a line may become thinner or lighter in one spot). This is common because your body is unlikely to take on each pigment spot evenly. So simply email your artist after your tattoo has healed with a photo to see if a small touch up is in order. Unless you have been negligent in the care of your tattoo, touch ups are very minor and quick and are guaranteed by our artists if you contact them within 3 months of receiving the tattoo. As older tattoos that have fully settled in and aged will require more work to make them uniform we recommend coming in as soon as possible once they have healed as touch ups are available after 3 months at the artist’s discretion for a fee be performed.

Although we often discuss tattoo healing, we are not doctors and can only provide guidelines on tattoo care, not medical advice. If your tattoo develops any type of rash or discharge while it is healing, do not hesitate to see a doctor.

So you got a new tattoo a few days ago, but you realize something is wrong: Ink has spread beyond the lines of your tattoo and now looks very blurry. If you don’t know much about tattoos, you might be wondering what happens. Chances are you will experience a tattoo blowout. A tattoo blowout can occur when a tattoo artist injects ink too deeply into your skin, past the top layer and into the fat underneath. In this layer of fat, ink moves beyond the lines of your tattoo. This creates a distorted image. Luckily, a tattoo blowout is not a serious problem that can harm your health. Unfortunately, it can greatly affect the look of your tattoo.

What It Looks Like You’ll know you’re going to have a tattoo blowout within a few days of getting a new tattoo. Some people experience mild blowouts, while in other cases blowouts are more extreme. In all cases, tattoo blowouts cause the lines in your tattoo to blur, and the ink used to create the lines usually travels well beyond the edges of the tattoo. It may appear as if the ink in your tattoo is bleeding outwards, giving your tattoo a smudged appearance.

what causes it Tattoo blowouts occur when a tattoo artist presses too hard when applying ink to the skin. The ink is sent under the top layers of skin where tattoos belong. The ink spreads out in a layer of fat under the skin’s surface. This creates the blur associated with a tattoo blowout. Tissue samples, called biopsies, taken from people with tattoo blowouts show that ink is much deeper under the skin than it should be.

How to Fix It There are three ways to fix a tattoo blowout: Fix with more tattoos The least expensive way to minimize the occurrence of a tattoo blowout is to camouflage the breakout with more tattoos. You can pay anywhere from $50 to $400 for a blowout cover-up depending on the size of your tattoo and the extent of the blowout. If you notice a blowout just a few days after getting a tattoo, you may need to wait up to 2 months for the tattoo to heal before getting a cover up. It is important to be diligent with your tattoo aftercare to ensure your tattoo heals properly. The positive side of a good cover-up is that you can generally keep the look of your tattoo while reducing the occurrence of a breakout. If the breakout is severe, you may need to get a much darker or larger tattoo than the original. The tattoo you end up with could be very different from what you were hoping for. Blowout cover-ups require expertise and good tattooing skills. Choose an experienced tattoo artist to ensure you don’t have another breakout. A good artist also has the creative skills needed to maximize the appearance of your tattoo. Correcting with a Laser Laser therapy can also help reduce the appearance of a tattoo blowout. Q-switched lasers emit waves of energy that are absorbed by ink particles in the skin. The energy disperses the ink further into the skin, making it less noticeable. Laser therapy should leave you with the tattoo you intended with little to no evidence of tattoo blowout. Take good care of your fixed tattoo, especially avoid sun exposure which may cause it to fade. While Q-switched laser therapy doesn’t work for everyone, many people find it effective in fading blowouts. You may need five or more sessions to reduce the occurrence of the blowout to the point where it is no longer noticeable. The number of sessions you need depends on the extent of the blowout and your body’s response to the laser therapy. Laser therapy can be more expensive than a cover-up. The cost depends on the size, color and age of your tattoo. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of tattoo removal in the United States is $423 per treatment. Most insurance companies will not cover tattoo removal as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Surgical Tattoo Removal Surgical tattoo removal is the most invasive method to get rid of a tattoo blowout. It also requires you to get rid of your tattoo. During surgical, or excision, tattoo removal, a surgeon cuts away your tattooed skin and stitches your remaining skin back together. This procedure is the only way to completely remove a blown out tattoo. As with laser treatment, health insurance companies usually do not cover the costs of surgical tattoo removal. Other considerations for surgical tattoo removal include scarring and recovery time. The smaller the removed tattoo, the fewer scars you will notice.

How to Prevent Tattoo blowouts are not considered a complication of tattooing. Instead, they’re a mistake that can happen due to lack of experience, carelessness, or just a bad day. There are still a few things to consider to reduce the risk of tattoo blowout. Consider Placement Some experts say placing a tattoo on thinner skin, such as a These areas also tend to be the most painful when getting a tattoo. Women can also be more likely to get blisters than men because their skin tends to be thinner. Therefore, women may want to choose tattoos where their skin is thickest, e.g. B. on the legs. Choose the Right Artist While all tattoo artists can make this mistake when tattooing, choosing a tattoo artist with more skill and experience reduces your risk of a blowout. Talk to friends and family to see if they have recommendations. Before getting a tattoo, make sure your artist is licensed and their shop appears clean and tidy.

When to Speak to a Professional If you notice that your new tattoo seems to blur within a few days, you probably have a tattoo blowout. The first thing you should do is notify the artist who tattooed you. While your tattoo artist may offer to cover up the tattoo, consider all of your options. You might want someone else to cover you up if you feel the artist wasn’t skilled enough. Or maybe you’d rather try laser therapy if you like your tattoo but want to reduce the appearance of the blowout. Once you’ve decided on the next steps, you should wait for your tattoo to heal before attempting a cover-up, laser treatment, or surgical removal. Consult a reputable tattoo artist with experience in cover-ups if you want to go the tattoo route. Consult a dermatologist if you want to try laser therapy or surgical tattoo removal.

Tattoos are a form of permanent body art that an artist creates using a needle to insert ink into the skin. Although peeling can be alarming, it is a natural and normal part of the tattoo healing process and is not a cause for concern. After getting a tattoo, it’s important to understand the proper aftercare process and what to expect during healing to reduce potential risks. Exfoliation is part of the early stages of normal tattoo recovery as the body rids itself of dead skin cells. Although it can be alarming to see flakes when washing a tattoo, this is normal. It is important that people are consistent in their aftercare routine and use a skin sensitive antibacterial soap and appropriate moisturizing lotion to aid in the healing process. This article is about tattoo peeling and the tattoo healing process. It also includes tips on aftercare and when a person should see a doctor.

Is peeling normal? Share on Pinterest Photo edited by Stephen Kelly; Andrea Gjestvang/Getty Images Peeling is a normal and expected part of tattoo healing. Tattoo needles penetrate the epidermis, or outer layer of skin, and the underlying dermis. This process creates thousands of tiny wounds that damage skin cells. Tattoos usually take around 2 weeks to heal, but it can take longer for the skin to fully recover. Peeling usually occurs a few days after tattooing, when the skin begins to heal and regenerate itself. The regeneration process involves the skin removing dead and damaged cells. As skin exfoliates, a layer of dead skin cells and ink pigment sloughs off, allowing new cells to grow. Although some peeling is normal, excessive peeling could indicate a problem, especially when symptoms of infection and inflammation are present.

Can peeling harm a tattoo? Although peeling is normal and a natural part of the healing process, excessive peeling can damage a tattoo. However, if a person follows the aftercare guidelines and allows the skin to peel naturally, there should be no ill effects on the tattoo. If a person does not properly care for their tattoo, or if they scratch or pick at it, they can lift and remove ink from the tattoo. This can result in blotchy areas and ruin the look of the tattoo. Since the tattoo is an open wound, scratching or picking at it increases the risk of infection. This can ruin the tattoo and lead to certain health complications.

What if it doesn’t peel? If a tattoo won’t come off, it doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong. Each person’s skin and healing processes are unique, which means that peeling may take place later or not at all for some individuals. Other factors such as the size and type of tattoo can also affect the extent of peeling. If a tattoo won’t come off, people shouldn’t try to peel off the skin themselves. Peeling, scratching, or picking at the tattoo site can be painful, ruin the tattoo, and lead to infection or scarring.

Tattoo Healing Process Poor tattoo hygiene can lead to infections that can impede healing and damage health. For optimal healing and results, people should visit a reputable tattoo shop that uses good aseptic techniques and follow a proper aftercare routine. Healing time varies from person to person, but tattoos generally take around 2 weeks to heal. However, it can take up to 4 weeks for the skin to fully recover. When tattoo artists follow proper guidelines and aseptic techniques, and people use proper aftercare, tattoos should heal quickly and with minimal complications.

Aftercare Tips Here are some tattoo aftercare tips to keep skin healthy and a tattoo looking its best: Use a water-based cream: If the tattoo and surrounding skin feel dry, use a water-based lotion or cream to to moisturize the area. Avoid petroleum based products as they can cause ink fading.

If the tattoo and surrounding skin feel dry, use a water-based lotion or cream to moisturize the area. Avoid petroleum based products as they can cause ink fading. Protect Tattoo From Sun: Sunlight is UV light that can cause tattoos to fade. Individuals exposed to the sun should protect their tattoo with a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Remember to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours.

Sunlight is UV light that can fade tattoos. Individuals exposed to the sun should protect their tattoo with a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Remember to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours. Avoid sunbeds: Sunlamps and sunbeds can also cause tattoos to fade and increase the risk of skin cancer. Some individuals may find that this UV light causes a painful reaction on the tattooed skin.

Sunlamps and tanning beds can also cause tattoos to fade and increase the risk of skin cancer. Some individuals may find that this UV light causes a painful reaction on the tattooed skin. Avoid birthmarks: If a person is considering getting a tattoo, they should choose an area of ​​skin free from birthmarks. Tattoos can mask early symptoms of skin cancer. People should note that success rates are higher when doctors treat skin cancer in its earliest stages.

If a person is considering getting a tattoo, they should choose an area of ​​skin free of birthmarks. Tattoos can mask early symptoms of skin cancer. People should note that success rates are higher when doctors treat skin cancer in its earliest stages. Washing the tattoo: It is important to wash the tattoo regularly but gently with fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and antibacterial soap. A person should also gently pat the skin dry with a paper towel before applying any cream.

It is important to wash the tattoo regularly but gently with fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and antibacterial soap. A person should also gently pat the skin dry with a paper towel before applying any cream. Get Advice: If the skin reacts or changes, a person should see a board-certified dermatologist to avoid complications. The skin can react immediately or years after a tattoo. A dermatologist can diagnose and treat the problem. You can find more tips on tattoo aftercare here.

People should expect some degree of peeling as their tattoo heals. However, if you experience the following symptoms, you should see a doctor: Rash: If your skin becomes red or blotchy, it could be due to an allergic reaction to the ink. People with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis may find that the tattoo causes a flare-up and subsequent rash.

If the skin becomes red or blotchy, it could be due to an allergic reaction to the ink. People with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis may find that the tattoo causes a flare-up and subsequent rash. Inflammation: When the tattoo and surrounding area become warm and swollen, a person may have inflammation. Although inflammation is a normal part of the healing process, it should not be excessive or prolonged.

If the tattoo and the area around it become warm and swollen, a person may have an infection. Although inflammation is a normal part of the healing process, it should not be excessive or prolonged. Excessive Itching: If the tattoo is extremely itchy, it could be an infection, inflammation, or an allergic reaction. However, some itching is normal.

If the tattoo is extremely itchy, it could be an infection, inflammation, or an allergic reaction. However, some itching is normal. Discharge: If fluid is leaking from the tattoo, this can indicate an infection. If the person also has a fever, they should seek urgent medical advice.

If fluid leaks from the tattoo, this can indicate an infection. If the person also has a fever, they should seek urgent medical advice. Scars: Tattoos that don’t heal well can leave scars. A dermatologist can advise someone on treatments to minimize scars. If someone has an older tattoo that has healed but notices it becoming infected or becoming uneven, they should see a doctor. Symptoms can be due to a condition called sarcoid.

Proper care of a new tattoo is crucial to avoid scabbing, loss of color and detail, scarring and infection. When it comes to healing a new tattoo, every tattoo artist has the best of intentions in mind. However, new tattoo care methods for optimal healing can vary greatly from artist to artist. That’s why we want to offer our own tried and true guide to healing tattoos with a medicated skin dressing like Saniderm.

When tattooing, the tattoo needle pierces the skin between 50 and 3,000 times per minute. The needle penetrates the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and delivers the ink into the middle layer of skin (dermis). It’s easy to forget, but this new work of art is actually an open wound and needs to be treated as such. That means it’s important to keep dirt, debris and bacteria out.

A brief history of traditional new tattoo care using plastic wrap and other aftercare products

In traditional tattoo care, covering the fresh, clean tattoo with household foil (Saran Wrap) is usually the first step in the healing process. This piece of wrap usually stays on for 2-24 hours. Next, the tattoo is washed and an aftercare product is applied (usually mineral oil based like Aquaphor). Steps two and three are then repeated at least 3-4 times a day until the tattoo is fully healed. This can take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks depending on the size, location and style of the tattoo. Although this new tattoo care method has been sufficient for many, there are many disadvantages to using this healing method.

Despite the common use of petroleum-based products for new tattoo care, these products tend to smother skin pores. When the pores cannot breathe, the skin can develop rashes and the hair follicles become irritated or inflamed. This can do more harm than good to a new tattoo. Because oxygen itself plays a large role in allowing a tattoo to heal properly, smothering a new tattoo in plastic wrap and petroleum-based aftercare can interfere with the healing process.

Still, an aftercare product is extremely helpful in preventing itching and scabbing. Scratching a new tattoo can result in loss of color and detail, and can cause bleeding, irritation, or infection. And not covering a fresh tattoo can expose the tattoo to inevitable contamination. This includes bacteria, germs and dirt from your home or work environment, pet dander and more. This is the puzzle that Saniderm was created to solve.

What if your skin doesn’t hold tattoo ink?

There are several reasons and causes why your skin does not hold the tattoo ink. Some of these reasons could be the lube used, rough skin, the depth of the imprint, or your body’s rejection of the ink.

It is also very uncommon for your skin to have an allergic reaction to the ink used in your tattoo. However, if you feel you are reacting negatively to the tattoo, consult your artist and educate yourself about the ink and contact your doctor immediately.

How does Saniderm work?

Unlike Saran Wrap, Saniderm is a medical grade, breathable, waterproof tattoo dressing. Saniderm is constructed in such a way that it is permeable to gases such as oxygen. These bandages alleviate many of the pitfalls that come with other tattoo healing methods. First and foremost, Saniderm drastically reduces the risk of contaminants getting into the wound site of a fresh tattoo. Wearing Saniderm protects the area from unwanted shear/chafing and allows the body to hydrate itself. Plus, it conveniently eliminates washing and aftercare sessions for a new tattoo. The result is a tattoo healing experience that is safer, smoother, and more efficient.

Instructions for pre-application of Saniderm

Before applying Saniderm, make sure the skin around the tattoo has also been shaved. Removing a bandage from hair can be uncomfortable. After completing a tattoo session, make sure the tattoo is clean (no residue left from the tattoo session) and dry the area. Do not clean a fresh tattoo with products that contain isopropyl alcohol or glycerin. Isopropyl alcohol will certainly kill any bacteria in the environment, but it will also kill any healing elements in the body in the process. This will dry out the wound under the bandage when it is applied. If using astringents on a new tattoo, we recommend using an alcohol-free, unscented version of witch hazel. Also, glycerin can react with Saniderm’s glue and cause many problems, from skin rashes to too strong an adhesive bond.

Cut and trim Saniderm to fit around the tattoo – add an extra inch on all sides. TIP: Round the edges of the bandage for better adhesion and a more comfortable feel. First, peel off the white paper wrapper from the sticky side and gently place it over the tattoo. Once the adhesive side of the bandage is in place, remove the clear second layer from the top and slide the bandage over the tattoo. Leave the first bandage on between 3 and 24 hours depending on how much the wound is weeping. Replace within 24 hours. It’s okay if some plasma/blood/lymphatic fluid collects under the bandage during this time, but don’t leave it longer than 24 hours.

Saniderm Remove and reapply the 2nd bandage

To remove Saniderm, find an edge of the bandage and pull it back over yourself in the direction of hair growth. The shower is the ideal place to remove Saniderm. Running water will help loosen the adhesive and relax the skin, making removal much more comfortable. The dry removal of Saniderm can lead to discomfort and additional injuries to the skin. Discard the used bandage and wash the tattoo with a mild soap, preferably unscented. Allow the tattoo to air dry or pat dry with a clean towel. If desired, apply a thin layer of aftercare product to your tattoo. If you have naturally oily skin or live in a high humidity climate, feel free to skip this step. Otherwise, use a light coat of petroleum-free moisturizer to help the tattoo retain moisture and be less itchy. Sanibalm is the perfect remedy for dry skin! If you plan to apply another bandage, apply the product only to the tattoo and avoid getting it on the surrounding skin. Saniderm does not adhere well to wet/damp skin. Apply a second bandage by following the application steps above.

Additional information on removing and reapplying:

Leave this second bandage on for 3-6 days – the full 6 days is ideal. If the skin appears irritated, has a build-up of fluid, or the bandage is coming off, it’s okay to remove the bandage sooner rather than later.

Do not reapply bandages after the scabbing/scaling phase of tattoo healing has begun. If you find yourself without a bandage at this stage, make sure you thoroughly moisturize the area. As a tattoo moisturizer, we strongly recommend Sanibalm.

Coconut oil and baby oil will help to remove the glue if residues of glue remain on the skin or if the glue does not dissolve sufficiently with water.

Tattoo Aftercare Routine: Caring for your new tattoo after removing Saniderm

Once the final Saniderm dressing has been removed from your tattoo, continue caring for it by gently washing and patting with unscented antibacterial soap or air drying. Then apply a layer of aftercare moisturizer 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks or until the tattoo stops peeling, is dry or cracked.

Keep in mind that when your second Saniderm dressing is removed, the tattoo may appear superficially fully healed. However, deeper layers of skin continue to repair themselves for 2-4 months. We recommend a good moisturizing regimen for this entire period. Our product Sanibalm was specially formulated for this purpose.

How long do you have to keep a tattoo covered?

In general, you should keep your tattoo covered for about one to three hours. Once the artist has finished your tattoo, they will bandage it before sending you away. When you remove your bandage, be sure to clean it with warm water and antimicrobial soap, then pat dry. Apply a layer of antibacterial/petroleum jelly ointment (or tattoo aftercare lotion) twice a day, leaving the new tattoo open to heal.

Wearing Saniderm while showering, swimming and exercising

Showering with Saniderm is fine, but it’s best to keep the time you spend in the shower to a minimum. Water can weaken the dressing’s adhesive, allowing unwanted contaminants to enter the dressing, putting you at a higher risk of infection. It is also important to keep an eye on the temperature of the water. Too much heat can loosen the bandage from the skin, inflaming the skin and irritating the tattoo.

For these reasons, it is strongly discouraged to bathe, swim or fully immerse a tattoo dressed with Saniderm. Light physical activity while wearing Saniderm is fine, but avoid activities that cause excessive sweating. Just as water weakens the adhesion of the dressing, so does sweat and other significant amounts of liquid. Try to keep the bandage as clean and dry as possible until it’s time to remove it.

How to cure a tattoo infection at home?

An infected tattoo can be serious and should be treated by a doctor. The area around the tattoo becomes painful, swollen, red, and hot when infected. Here are some things you can do to take care of an infected tattoo at home:

Take antibiotics or antibiotic cream as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor’s instructions. If no instructions were given, you can follow this general advice:

Wash your tattoo twice a day with mild soap and warm water

Pat to dry

Cover the tattoo with a water-based cream or lotion and a non-stick bandage

Repeat as needed

Results of the new tattoo care with Saniderm

Saniderm has helped hundreds of thousands heal their new tattoos with ease. Tattoos that use Saniderm heal faster, have less scabbing and flaking, and suffer significantly less early tattoo damage. Saniderm grants an effortless and comfortable tattoo healing experience, leaving tattoos vibrant and stunning. Ask your tattoo artist or shop if they carry Saniderm and think you’d be a good candidate!

For more information and tips on proper application and use, see the Saniderm product usage section of our knowledge base.