One of the key aspects of getting inked on Maui is the tattoo aftercare process to keep it safe, healthy, and clean. Since a tattoo involves piercing your skin, it’s important to take several precautions to ensure that it heals properly. So, once you get your tattoo on Maui, you’ll most likely get a series of aftercare instructions from the artist.

To make it easier for you to take proper care of your tattoo, we’ve explained key tattoo aftercare instructions in this article. And you’ll be able to go over these aftercare instructions anytime you want.

Tattoo Aftercare instructions on Maui

These Maui tattoo aftercare instructions will help your tattoo heal faster:

When should you start your tattoo aftercare?

It starts right after your tattoo is done. First, the artist will most likely apply a layer of antibiotic ointment on the tattoo before covering it with a bandage or plastic wrap. Don’t forget that how fast you can heal depends on the size and design of your tattoo. A larger tattoo with a complex design will most likely require more piercing than a small one with a simple design.

That will prevent the tattoo from rubbing onto your clothes and causing discomfort. The covering also prevents bacteria from entering your skin. You’re advised to keep the wrapping on for a few hours to soak up any excess fluids or inks that leak from the tattoo.

You can remove the covering after some hours to let your skin breathe and then wash your hands with soap and water. Next is to gently wash the tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free soap. Once you’re done, use a soft cloth to pat your dry skin. Get an alcohol-free and fragrance-free moisturizer and apply a small amount to the tattoo.

Maui tattoo aftercare instructions

Here are Maui tattoo aftercare instructions to follow while your tattoo heals:

• Whenever you’re going out and the sun is up, wear sun-protective clothing
• If you experience any symptoms of infection, rashes, or any other problem, don’t hesitate to call your doctor and the tattoo artist
• Avoid covering your tattoo with sunblock until it’s totally healed.
• Avoid scratching or picking at the inking. This is another crucial Maui tattoo aftercare instruction
• While a shower is fine, avoid swimming or plunging your body in water
• You should avoid wearing tight clothing over the tattoo while it heals
• Within the second to the third day of inking your tattoo, continue to wash it twice a day and apply an alcohol-free and fragrance-free moisturizer
• Within days 6 to 14, the scabs will harden and begin to flake off gradually. You should avoid pulling them off or picking at them regardless of how itchy they may seem.
• After a week or two, if your tattoo is still swollen and red, chances are that you have an infection. Don’t hesitate to see your tattoo artist or a doctor. This is one of the most important Maui tattoo aftercare instructions to take note of.
• Within 15 to 30 days, you’ll most likely observe some dead skins gradually clearing up. Also, the tattoo area might look dry and even dull, you’ll have to keep moisturizing until the skin is hydrated again.
• Within the second and third week, you’ll observe that the outer layers of your skin are healed. However, it may take up to three to four months for the lower layers to fully heal.
• At the end of the third month, the tattoo should appear as bright and crystal clear as the artist anticipated.

Wondering where to get your first tattoo? Here’s how to find good tattoo shops on Maui and get a tattoo right away!