You generally should avoid using Vaseline (petroleum jelly) on a new tattoo because it's too thick, blocks air, traps bacteria, and can hinder healing; instead, use a thin layer of an unscented, water-based lotion or a tattoo-specific aftercare product to keep it moisturized without suffocating the wound, reserving petroleum jelly for fully healed tattoos if needed for dryness. Always follow your tattoo artist's specific instructions, as they know your skin and tattoo best, but lighter moisturizers allow the new skin to breathe and heal properly.
DON'T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo. DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection). DON'T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal).
A&D ointment is actually the best thing for a new tattoo, not lotions or Vaseline(the worst thing you could use)... even unscented lotions have nasty chemicals in them that aren't good for it, and they are just absorbed doing nothing to help the healing process. Use just enough to keep it moist.
It's a Lubricant: The primary reason is to lubricate the skin. This allows the tattoo needles to glide more smoothly, which can reduce friction and make the process a bit more comfortable for you. It Manages Excess Ink: Fresh ink and blood can create a messy surface.
To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks to help wound healing.
Better Alternatives Available:
Some popular alternatives include coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and specialized tattoo aftercare products.
Fragranced lotions- I know some of you love using perfumed lotion products from bath and body works, and while they smell great, they contain a bunch of artificial fragrances and contaminants that can cause infections in your open wounds. I would avoid using these until your tattoo is completely healed and settled!
Artists recommend fragrance-free, non-petroleum products specifically formulated for tattoo healing. Tattoo balms (like Hustle Butter, Redemption, After Inked) keep skin hydrated and reduce irritation. Lotions (Lubriderm, Aveeno, Aquaphor Healing Ointment in moderation) work well if applied thinly.
Avoid using petroleum jelly and other petroleum-based products to hydrate your tattoo, as these can cause ink fading. Instead, opt for a water-based moisturizing cream or lotion to keep your tattoo hydrated.
Calendula Oil/Extract: Calendula has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It can help reduce redness and irritation around the tattooed area. Lavender Oil: Lavender oil is often added for its calming and healing effects. It can help reduce pain, inflammation, and promote a sense of relaxation.
A $2000 tattoo can range from a detailed half-sleeve to a large, intricate thigh or chest piece, or even the beginning of a full back or sleeve, often taking multiple sessions and significant artist hours (8+ hours) for complex designs, but it depends heavily on the artist's skill, location, and the design's intricacy.
Here's a handful of bad habits that are top of the list of things tattoo artists hate.
While this might seem like a good thing for trapping moisture, it can have negative consequences for your tattoo. Tattoos need to breathe during the healing process, and Vaseline can clog pores, potentially leading to infection and delayed healing.
If you can't find tattoo aftercare cream, we recommend Bepanthen, Vaseline or Palmers Cocoa Butter as a last resort. For approximately 10 days, or until the area has healed, steps 3-5 should be repeated for three to four times each day as necessary.
Barrier Protection: Vaseline creates a protective barrier on the skin, helping to prevent excess ink from staining surrounding areas and making it easier to wipe away excess ink during the tattooing process.
Yes, a $50 tip on a $300 tattoo is a good tip, falling slightly below the standard 20% ($60) but representing a solid 16.7%, showing appreciation, especially if you had a good experience; however, tipping $60-$75 (20-25%) is generally considered excellent for great service, so $50 is a respectable amount.
Color vs.
Color tattoos often cost more than black and grey because they typically require additional passes and materials. The difference ultimately comes down to the time involved, the intricacy, and the technique.
Among the rest of the Stories & Ink team, the most painful places to get a tattoo include:
Research on tattoos older than 40 years shows that ink particles remain in the deep dermis and local lymph nodes. According to the WHO data from animal experiments, black and red tattoo ink particles reach the liver, and titanium dioxide (white pigment) reaches the liver, spleen, and lung (4).
Lasers heat up the ink particles in your skin to break them down into smaller particles, which are easier for your immune system to remove. It can take multiple laser therapy sessions to remove a tattoo.
First, moisturizing a new tattoo is crucial for preventing scabbing. Heavy scabbing can dull the appearance of your tattoo and even lead to some fading over time. Keeping the skin supple allows it to heal more evenly, resulting in a brighter, sharper tattoo that lasts.
Week one. Some tattoo artists recommend waiting between 24-48 hours before applying moisturizer, though others recommend doing so as soon as the first wash. A person with a fresh tattoo should follow their tattoo artist's instructions on when to start using moisturizer.