If you’re planning on getting a single-line tattoo, keeping safety and aftercare tips in mind to get the best results is essential. If you don’t follow these guidelines, you could have a blurred or blown-out tattoo, an infection, or even need to be removed down the road.
Do Not Get Wet
If you’re getting a single line tattoo, you should do a few things to keep your ink safe and good-looking. After all, they’re permanent, and if you don’t take proper care of them, they can become blurred or blown out, the infection may occur, or you might need to shell out for a touch-up.
First, avoid getting wet. That means swimming, hot tubs, baths, and any other water that will get on your skin or submerge it. It’s best to wait at least two weeks, or as long as your artist recommends, before exposing it to these environments.
Do Not Scrub
Scrubbing after getting a single-line tattoo can cause permanent scarring and ruin your new tattoo’s look. The healing process requires letting the tattoo’s skin flake and peel.
The flakes and scabs should be gone by the 14-day mark, but if you are still itching your tattoo or seeing signs of inflammation, you may need to see an artist for advice.
Gently wash the tattoo with a mild antibacterial soap. Do not use soap with fragrance or alcohol, as these products can irritate the fresh tattoo.
Do Not Pick
Unlike their three-round cousins, single-line tattoos require more precision and accuracy to look great. The needles are smaller, and there is less space for mistakes – like scratchy lines or fading ink.
It means that following the proper aftercare procedures is vital if you want your tat to last. Keeping your tattoo clean is the most obvious, but you’ll also need to apply a moisturizer, but not too much. Fragrance-free and alcohol-free. You can also use antibacterial soaps, though avoid anything with hot water.
Do Not Shave
Until your tattoo is completely healed, it is important not to shave. Shaving can remove scabbing or other signs of healing, leaving your skin at risk of infection.
In addition to this, it can also cause you to cut yourself. So instead, wait several weeks before shaving.
Once your tattoo is healed, you can safely shave it as long as you do it carefully.
Cleansing is key to healing, so use a gentle soap with no fragrance. You can also opt for lukewarm water to avoid irritation. Once you wash your tattoo, pat it dry with a paper towel.
Do Not Apply Too Much Moisturizer
One of the essential safety and aftercare tips for getting a single-line tattoo is to avoid applying too much moisturizer. Over-moisturizing the area can delay healing, causing irritation and clogged pores.
Wash the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and water using clean fingers to avoid this. Then, gently pat it dry with a paper towel.
Immediately after washing, a person should apply a thin layer of tattoo ointment or moisturizer. It will help protect the new ink from drying out and peeling, a normal part of the healing process.
