how to take care of your bali tattoo

There are two very important aspects to focus on during the tattoo process; the first is finding a reputable shop with experienced artists who follow sanitation guidelines, and the second is to take care of your tattoo after you get it. In this blog, we're going to talk about how to take care of the tattoo you just got, both in the short-term and long-term.

1. KEEP YOUR TATTOO CLEAN WITH ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP

The first thing every experienced tattoo artist will tell you is that you need to wash your new tattoo two to three times per day with clean water and antibacterial soap. You can get a special tattoo aftercare kit with antibacterial soap, lotion, and tattoo balm that's under $15 here! Considering the fact that a tattoo is essentially an open wound, this step is very important to help prevent infection during the healing process. Continue washing your tattoo multiple times a day for the first month after you get it.

2. Keep Your tattoo covered during the healing process

This is a step of the healing process a lot of individuals overlook. Since tattoos can get infected, it's important to keep your tattoo cleaned and covered at all times to minimize the risk of any issues. In addition, you don't want your tattoo consistently exposed to sunlight after you first get it because  the UV rays can cause swelling, blisters, itchiness, redness, and peeling. Once your tattoo has fully healed after the first month or so it can be exposed to direct sunlight but you just want to make sure to cover it with a quality tattoo sunscreen whenever possible to minimize fading.

3. Stay out of water for the first 2-4 weeks of the healing process

Now, if you're getting your tattoo in Bali, this is something you really want to plan strategically. This is because if you are simply visiting Bali and you want a tattoo, you'll likely want to get your tattoo towards the end of the trip since you won't be able to swim or submerge the tattoo under water for the rest of your trip. Once you've gotten your new tattoo, you can't fully submerge that area for the first two to four weeks (aka the entire healing process). This is because the water can cause irritation to your tattoo, especially if it's salt water or chlorinated water.

4. APPLY ointment or lotion when your tattoo gets dry

One of the final steps of the healing process is when your tattoo begins to scab over. During this time, if your tattoo is not kept hydrated with a non-scented ointment or lotion it will begin to get dry and scaly/flaky. The best thing to do when this happens is to apply a thin coat of tattoo goo, Aquaphor, etc. Ideally, this should be done after each time you wash the tattoo, which should be two to three times a day for the first month.

5. Stay Hydrated to help with skin elasticity

Water, water, WATER!! It's true what they say- water does play a role in the tattoo healing process. Drinking water each day helps to keep the skin hydrated, which then helps to quicken any healing. Staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining healthy skin and promoting the healing of your new tattoo. I've linked my favorite water bottle here because it's a good sized, lightweight bottle with a strap that comes in a number of colors. It was phenomenal to have while I was trying to quickly heal the tattoo I got in Bali, and I figured you might like it too!

6. Call Your Tattoo Artist If You Notice Anything Unusual

Unfortunately, not all tattoos heal perfectly. Each and every person heals differently, and some will experience adverse reactions. If you notice any of the following, make sure to call your tattoo artist as soon as possible:

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I hope you found these tattoo aftercare tips for your Bali tattoo helpful in ensuring a smooth healing process and preserving the beauty of your new ink. If you're planning more adventures in Bali or want to stay updated on travel tips, cultural insights, and more, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. I'll keep you in the loop with exciting Bali-related content and travel guides for planning your next adventure. You can also scroll down to see posts about Bali including a comprehensive guide on my whole tattoo experience, the pros and cons of renting a scooter in Bali, and more! Don't miss out on the latest updates; subscribe below and check out my other blogs.