Tattoo aftercare involves keeping the area clean, moisturized, and avoiding sources of bacteria while monitoring for signs of infection. Hand tattoos require extra care because your hands are constantly involved in daily life, facing more wear and tear and exposure to elements like sunlight and cold weather.
The skin on your hands wrinkles and stretches with pushing, pulling, and grabbing, which can reduce the lifetime of your tattoo. The side of your hand, palms, and in between fingers are the worst places for tattoos as they fade quickly.
The top of your hand and fingers are better as they absorb ink and last longer. If you get tattoos on both hands, do them one at a time to have a healthy hand for basic tasks. With proper care, your ink can last, so follow these hand tattoo aftercare tips.
What’s the best way to heal a hand tattoo?-The Answer
[su_note note_color=”#D3D3D3″ radius=”6″]To heal a hand tattoo, apply ice initially to reduce pain and swelling. Clean it 3-4 times daily with fragrance-free liquid soap and warm water, and dry gently. Wash hands frequently, especially after exposure to dirt or bacteria, to keep the tattoo area safe and clean. Avoid bar soaps to prevent infection.[/su_note]
What’s the best way to heal a hand tattoo?
Ice immediately afterwards
Getting a hand tattoo is going to hurt. To make it hurt less, apply ice once you get home to reduce the pain and inflammation. This simple step can significantly ease the discomfort and aid in your tattoo’s healing process.
Clean your tattoo 3-4x daily
It’s essential to clean your hand tattoo just like any other tattoo. Clean it 3-4 times daily using mild soap and warm water, then pat it dry with a clean towel. This helps prevent infection and keeps your tattoo looking vibrant.
Can you wash your hands after getting a hand tattoo?
Yes, you need to wash your hands after getting a hand tattoo. Do this at least three to four times per day. Clean it first thing in the morning, in the late morning/early afternoon, in the evening, and right before bed.
Besides the standard 3-4x per day, clean your tattoo after eating, exercising, working outside, or exposing the area to potential bacteria. This routine helps keep your tattoo safe and clean.
What to clean it with
When cleaning your hand tattoo, avoid scented soaps with artificial chemicals and fragrances, as they can irritate your healing skin. Instead, use a fragrance-free soap to avoid irritating your skin.
Opt for a liquid, pump soap rather than a fragrance-free bar soap. Bar soaps often sit in small pools of water, collecting bacteria that could infect and damage your new tattoo.
How to clean the area
To clean your hand tattoo, especially if it’s on the back or side of your hand, diligently wash your palms with warm water for 15-20 seconds before using your palms and fingers to clean the tattoo area.
If the tattoo is directly on your palm, gently wash the area to avoid irritation and prevent permanent damage to the ink. After cleaning, gently dry the area with a clean paper towel. Repeat this process afterwards to ensure proper hygiene.
Moisturize often
Moisturizing helps your skin regenerate, reduce irritation, and create a healthy environment for healing. Dry skin delays the healing process and is susceptible to bacterial infections that can ruin your tattoo. Avoid ointment or moisturizing cream for at least 24 hours after your session.
Use lotion and apply it 3-5 times per day for the first two weeks, then regularly. Choose a scent-free lotion to avoid irritation. Avoid Aquaphor and Vaseline; use a tattoo healing balm, applying it 1-2x per day in a circular motion with your finger for optimal moisture and ink vibrance.
Protect yourself from the sun
Even a few minutes of UV exposure can fade, crack, or blister your tattoo, so cover it with plenty of sunscreen. To be safe, avoid the sun for 3-4 weeks after your session to protect your skin. If you’re unable to avoid the sun, use a broad-spectrum, fragrance-free sunscreen with 30-50 SPF and organic ingredients to prevent irritation.
When applying sunscreen to other parts of your body, make sure it also gets on your hands and directly on the tattoo area even if you’re outside for just a few minutes.
Keep your hand out of the water
When you get a hand tattoo, it’s crucial to avoid pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans as these are breeding grounds for bacteria. Be careful about getting your hand wet and keep it out of the water and protected from the sun.
Stay away from bodies of water for 3-4 weeks after your session to prevent infections or damaging your ink. If it gets wet, clean and moisturize the area immediately. Limit time in the shower during the early stages of healing; take short, cool showers to avoid burning your skin.
Don’t wear gloves
When you have a new hand tattoo, it’s important to protect your hand from the hot sun and cold weather. However, wearing gloves is not the best decision. Constantly putting on and taking off the glove creates friction, which can be damaging to your tattoo. Instead, find other ways to shield your hand from extreme temperatures to ensure proper healing.
Frequently Asked Question
How long do hand tattoos take to heal?
The outer layer of your skin typically heals in 2 to 3 weeks, while the sub-layers can take 4-6 months to fully heal. Healing times for tattoos can vary based on the size, location, and skin type. This is why it’s important to maintain a proper aftercare routine. By doing so, you can keep your ink looking vibrant and show it off for years to come.
How to take care of a new hand tattoo?
Using moisturizers and barrier creams can help keep itching at bay. It’s also a good idea to keep fresh hand tattoos covered, which provides the added benefit of shielding your new tattoo from daily wear and tear. The skin should be kept covered and moist while healing to ensure the best results.
