7 Hacks To Help Heal Your New Tattoo

The Ultimate Guide to Healing Your New Tattoo with Confidence

So, you’ve got a fresh tattoo—congratulations! Now comes the crucial part: taking care of it so it heals beautifully. Stress less about the aftercare process, and let these tattoo skincare hacks guide you through every step of the journey. From protecting your tattoo to improving recovery time, we've got you covered.

Relax and Stay Calm

First things first, relax. Getting a new tattoo doesn’t mean you have to put your life on hold. With the right tools and techniques, you can help your tattoo recover quickly and effectively without walking on eggshells. Let’s dive into the essentials.

1. Say No to Re-Bandaging

Your artist will cover your tattoo at the end of your session to protect it during those critical first hours. Leave this bandage on for at least one to three hours (or even longer), then remove it to let your tattoo breathe. Like any wound, a tattoo needs oxygen to heal properly. Re-bandaging can cut off this oxygen supply, leading to slower healing and even potential infections.

Instead of re-bandaging, use tattoo-specific healing products like protective patches that shield your ink without trapping moisture. A great suggestion is our Repair Tattoo Patches which are latex free, help protect against UV Rays and environmental stressors like dirt and debris. Products like these offer a no-fuss solution for the first 72 hours, creating a clean, breathable environment for your tattoo.

2. Wash Your Tattoo with Mad Rabbit Gentle Wash

Once you’ve removed the bandage, it’s time to wash your tattoo. This step is critical for preventing infections and promoting healing.

Use lukewarm water and Mad Rabbit Gentle Wash, a fragrance-free, clean formula specifically designed for tattoo aftercare. Unlike regular soaps, this gentle cleanser won’t irritate your sensitive, healing skin.

How to Wash Your Tattoo:

• Use lukewarm water—never hot, as it can open pores and cause ink leakage.
• Apply a small amount of Mad Rabbit Gentle Wash to your clean hands, and gently cleanse the area in circular motions. Avoid scrubbing or using abrasive materials like washcloths or loofahs.
• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean paper towel.

By using a tattoo-specific wash, you’ll remove excess ink, blood, and product residue without disrupting the healing process.

3. Let Your Tattoo Breathe—No Picking Allowed

Healing a tattoo takes time, and part of the process involves scabbing and peeling. While it may be tempting to pick at those scabs or flakes, resist the urge! Picking can cause scarring and pull pigment from the skin, ruining the appearance of your tattoo.

If the itching becomes unbearable, try gently patting the area with your palm instead of scratching. For added relief, use a cooling, tattoo-safe lotion to soothe irritation and keep your skin hydrated.

4. Moisturize Regularly—But Don’t Overdo It

Moisturizing your tattoo is essential to keep the skin hydrated and promote healing, but applying too much product can smother the area and prolong the process. The key is to use a thin layer of a high-quality tattoo balm or moisturizer, such as Mad Rabbit Soothing Gel, three to five times a day.

What to Avoid:

• Petroleum-based products, which can clog pores and trap moisture.
• Over-moisturizing, which prevents your tattoo from drying out naturally.

A balanced approach ensures your skin gets the hydration it needs without compromising airflow.

5. Avoid Baths, Pools, and Hot Tubs

Submerging your tattoo in water—whether it’s a bath, hot tub, or pool—is a big no-no for at least four weeks. Prolonged exposure to water softens scabs, making them more likely to fall off prematurely and cause scarring. Stick to quick showers during this phase, keeping the water lukewarm.

6. Stay Out of the Sun (For Now)

Your tattoo may be art, but the sun is not its friend during the healing process. UV rays can fade your ink and irritate compromised skin. Avoid direct sun exposure for at least two - four weeks, and once your tattoo is fully healed, always protect it with a high-SPF mineral sunscreen.

7. Embrace Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Healing a tattoo isn’t just about external care; your overall health plays a huge role too. Make sure to:

• Stay hydrated to support skin recovery and regeneration.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients.
• Get enough rest to boost your body’s natural recovery process..
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as they can hinder recovery.

Light exercise, like walking or stretching, can also improve blood flow and speed up the healing process. Just be careful to avoid activities that could strain or irritate the tattooed area.

Healing Made Easy

Thanks to modern tattoo aftercare products like Mad Rabbit Gentle Wash and Repair Soothing Gel, the recovery process for your ink is easier than ever. Follow these hacks, trust the process, and before you know it, your tattoo will be fully healed and ready to show off.

For more tips and expert advice, check out our Dermatologists Guide to Proprer Tattoo Care and explore our full line of tattoo-friendly skincare products.

Sources:

4 myths about tattoos, sunscreen and sun safety | MD Anderson Cancer Center

The Risk of Bacterial Infection After Tattooing | NIH

How to Promote Skin Repair? In-Depth Look at Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Strategies | NIH

Why Your Tattoo Itches Like Crazy | Greatist