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Everyone wants their body art to look great forever, and the best way to do it is by following proper tattoo care first 48 hours instructions. Once your design is done, your artist will wrap the tattoo with a bandage and provide you with special instructions regarding taking care of your tattoo.
Importance Of Tattoo Aftercare First 48 Hours
The first 2 days or 48 hours are crucial for keeping your tattoo healthy and looking great. Proper aftercare will bring the following benefits.
- Speed up skin healing
- The colors of the tattoo stay bright and attractive
- Prevention against infection
- Your design will always look the best
Guide For Taking Care Of Your Tattoo The First 48 Hours
Here is a complete step-by-step guide on doing tattoo care in the first 48 hours.
1- Get Tattoo Wrapped In Bandage
Before you leave the store, the tattoo artist will cover the tattoo with an ointment and bandage. Commonly, artists use special antibacterial ointments and specialty wrap films. Do not remove or disturb the bandage once you are home. Do not go outside if it’s raining; avoid swimming or taking a shower. Moreover, keep your tattoo dry.
2- Bandage Removal
Remove bandage after 24 hours. Clean the area using mild soap and pat dry your skin. Moreover, apply moisturizer or protective ointment but do not apply a bandage. Besides that, allow your skin to breathe. For the protection of tattoo colors, wash with cool water.
There will be slight oozing from the tattoo, which is plasma or leftover ink. Moreover, there will be slight soreness. These are common reactions, and after a few days, they will be normal.
3- Be Consistent With 48 Hours Routine
After getting a tattoo, you will have to follow a routine for the next 48 hours.
- Wash tattoo 2 times a day.
- Pat dry your tattoo.
- Apply moisturizer or ointment.
- Keep checking your tattoo to find any signs of infection.
Keep dirt and external objects away from your tattoo to protect it from infection or bacterial agents. It’s better to wear baggy clothes to avoid rubbing for the first few days.
4- Moisturize As Much As Possible
Using the right products for the wet healing of your tattoos will speed up the healing process and reduce the chances of any infection. Moreover, it will lower pain. Early in tattoo aftercare, you need to start applying moisturizer after 24 hours.

Tattoo Caring Salve – Organic Ingredients
It is a reliable and healing moisturizer for your tattoo. Moreover, it will allow your skin to breathe while protecting it from infections. The natural ingredients make it ideal for your skin.
Tattoo Care First 48 Hours – Protection
Protection of your tattoo is essential to maintain its colors, freshness and design. Here are a few tips to protect your tattoos.
- Do not push or rub the tattoos
- Avoid using loofahs, brushes or sponges when washing your tattoos
- Apply sunscreen when going outside
Things Not To Do During Tattoo Aftercare
Here are a few things you should never do during the healing stage of your tattoo.
- Do not swim
- Avoid picking it
- Do not go in the sunlight
- Avoid scratching
- Avoid sweating and working out
Final Verdict
The tattoo care first 48 hours is very critical. These first few days will decide how your tattoo will look after it is healed. Thus, assure that you take proper care of your tattoo and maintain an aftercare routine to get the best results.
Tattoo Care First 48 Hours – FAQs
Q. Can I Wash My Tattoo In The First 24 Hours?
Q. Can I Wash My Tattoo In The First 24 Hours?
Yes, it is better to wash the area as soon as you remove your bandage. Do not soak in water, and be gentle while removing any buildup from your tattoo.
Q. For How Long Do I Need To Keep Bandage On?
Q. For How Long Do I Need To Keep Bandage On?
You can keep the bandage for 2 to 4 hours after leaving the shop. On the other hand, if you are using protective film, you can use it for 3 to 4 days.
Q. How To Take Care Of Tattoo After 48 Hours?
Q. How To Take Care Of Tattoo After 48 Hours?
You will have to follow a similar routine of washing and moisturizing your tattoo 2 to 3 times daily until it heals properly.
Q. Can I Use Numbing Cream For Pain?
Q. Can I Use Numbing Cream For Pain?
Yes, you can use numbing cream for pain because it will make the pain more bearable and help with healing.
Q. Which Soap Will Be Best For Washing Tattoo In First 24 Hours?
Q. Which Soap Will Be Best For Washing Tattoo In First 24 Hours?
It is better to use a mild soap with antibacterial properties for cleaning your tattoo.