Getting tattooed is only half of the battle. The real test of your patience began after you remove the wrap from your brand new tattoo.
One of the biggest turn off about getting tattooed is the irritating itching that you will face after the first week.
While it is perfectly normal for a new tattoo to itch but there are good chances that your old tattoo might also itch. To stop new and old tattoo itching you can follow various tips that we are going to discuss below.
The Reasons Behind Tattoo Itching –
First of all you need to know why your tattoo is itching. While scabbing is the most common cause behind tattoo itching yet there are other factors as well that can cause your tattoo to itch.
Tattoo Peeling –
When your tattoo starts to flake away the scabs from the skin then it will give way to the new extra sensitive skin lying underneath the tattoo. This sensitive skin is very tickle and keeping it open in air (or rubbing it unknowingly) can cause the tattoo to itch.
This is the most common reason behind tattoo itching and you don’t have to worry much about it.
Skin Problems –
Any good tattoo artist will ask you about your skin condition and reactions before tattooing. If you are already facing skin related problems then you should consult a doctor before getting tattooed.
Consulting a dermatologist can help you know about hidden skin problems as well. If your skin is sensitive then be prepared to face the wrath of Itch god after first week.
Ingrown Hairs –
Shaving the area of skin before puncturing it with a tattoo machine is a very common practice. However there are still very few artists who do not follow it.
If you do not shave your hairs before getting tattooed then you are giving an invitation to tattoo infection.
The tattoo machine will either take down the hairs with it inside the skin or push out the ingrown hair. Both are painful and dangerous.
When the artist shaves your hair, they usually start growing back by the end of the second week. Their regrowth is also one of the major reasons for tattoo itching.
Choice of Ink –
Do you know why most tattoos are inked in black and grey ink? This is because the black ink is made from chemical compounds that are safe to use on skin.
However, other colors of ink (especially green and red) are made using compounds that can be harsh on certain skin types.
Popular Designs of Anime Tattoos
So if you are opting for a colored tattoo then consult a dermatologist to get knowledge about your skin type and condition.
How To Get Rid of Tattoo Itching?
Your new tattoo is like an open wound that needs to be taken care of just like any other wound. If your new tattoo is large then it will require even more special attention from you.
One very common question asked by our clients is that if they can itch a new tattoo (or even an old tattoo)?
NO.
It doesn’t matter if your tattoo is old or new, itching It will cause several problems. If your tattoo is new then itching will pull out the ink from the dermis (the second layer of skin) and thus the whole design will mess up.
If your tattoo is old then instead of itching it, you should moisturize it with a good lotion.
Tips To Stop Tattoo Itching?
You cannot stop a tattoo from itching. However, there are certain tips that you can follow to relieve yourself from tattoo itching.
Tip 1 – Use Moisturizing Lotion
The most important tip to control your tattoo itching is to keep it moisturize as much as you can.
Do not let your skin go dry. Keep yourself hydrated and apply moisturizing lotion on your tattooed skin 2 3 times a day.
Do not go for a cheap moisturizing lotion. One of the most recommended lotions in the tattoo industry is the Hustle Butter.
Many artists found it to be the most effective lotion that can stop tattoo itching and also speed up your tattoo healing.
There are other options too but I will recommend trying only the best i.e. Hustle Butter.
Tip 2 – Keep Your Tattoo Clean
While it is not advised to keep your brand new tattoos in water for long however gently cleaning your tattoo with lukewarm water helps in tattoo healing.
The more you clean out plasma from your tattoo the less scab it will form and thereby reducing itching.
You can also take a 2-3 minute shower in lukewarm water to relieve yourself from itching. However do not use soap on it.
Instead pat it with a paper towel.
Tip 3 – Lower the temperature
Cold temperature helps in relieving from tattoo itching. If you got tattooed in winter then you will not face much temptation to itch.
However, if you got inked in summer then try to stay in a cool room. Using ice on tattooed skin is not advised.
However, placing a slightly wet cloth can help. But remember the cloth should be clean and bacteria-free.
Tip 4 – Focus
Do you know the best mantra given by Dwayne Johnson? It is – FOCUS.
Instead of focusing on your tattoo itching, try to focus on your work and another important part of your life.
Distraction is much needed in the second and third weeks of the tattoo healing process. Therefore, I would suggest you to do activities that you find entertaining during this period.
Tip 5 – Stay Away From Sun
The more you stay under the sun the more chances of tattoo itching there will be. Sweat and humid weather are two major enemies of a new tattoo. Keep your fresh tattoo protected from them.
Small and Simple Tattoos of Pokemon
In the end, it all comes to your will and determination. If you are a strong-willed person then you will not be bothered much by tattoo itching.
If you are going for your first tattoo design then I would advise you to go small and choose a body part that is visible to you. Also, the best season to get your first tattoo is winter.
I hope this guide helped you in giving knowledge about tattoo itching. If you have any queries then do mail us in the contact section.
