Long-Term Tattoo Care: Keeping Your Ink Vibrant
We’ve all been there. You get home with a stunning new tattoo, only to feel the anxiety over how it will heal and age creeping into the back of your mind. Will those fine lines and pastel colors fade? Will that bold, dark linework bleed over time? Suddenly, “How to keep tattoos looking new?” becomes a question you spend hours researching online.
At Sullen, our collaborations with world-renowned artists give us unlimited access to the brightest minds in the industry and all their best tips on how to keep tattoos vibrant. Now, we’ve compiled all the best tattoo aftercare and maintenance tips so you can keep your ink fresh too.
Understanding Your Tattoo’s Lifespan
All tattoos will fade over time. How much they fade and how quickly depends on factors like the ink quality, placement, sun exposure, and skill level of the tattoo artist you’re working with. While many people opt for periodic touch-ups on their body art, an almost equally important aspect of keeping your tattoos vibrant is aftercare.
The Basics of Tattoo Care
Immediately after getting a new tattoo, the following tips will put you on the best track to keeping it looking new for longer:
- Listen to your artist. They will have the best advice on how to care for the new tattoo, as they have the most knowledge of the inks and techniques they used to create it.
- Keep it clean. Gently wash your new tattoos with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Do not scrub or rub the area. Instead, pat it dry with a soft, clean towel.
- Say no to soaking. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, and saunas while your tattoo is healing. Prolonged exposure to water will soften the scabs and increase the risk of your tattoo ink leaking or bleeding.
- Resist the itch. Avoid scratching your new tattoo at all costs, as doing so can damage the scabs and dislodge or pull out ink particles.
- Avoid tight clothing. Opt for loose, breathable fabrics instead that won’t rub against or irritate your new tattoo. Check out Sullen’s range of light relaxed-fit shirts and bottoms to keep you and your new tattoo looking good for longer.
Once your tattoo has healed, you should adjust your skincare routine to maintain its vibrance. This includes:
- Moisturizing and hydrating. Your skin’s hydration level will affect the longevity of your tattoo. Keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing regularly and drinking plenty of fluids.
- Trust your sunscreen. Keep your tattoos safe from harmful UV rays by always applying sunscreen to your tattoos before going out and regularly reapplying on hot, sunny days.
- Stay healthy. Poor skin health will inevitably affect the appearance of your tattoos. Avoid habits that lead to dry, damaged, or unhealthy skin, including smoking and not using sunscreen or covering up on hot days.
Choose Sullen to Show Off and Safekeep Your Tattoos
Sullen’s collection of tattoo-inspired clothing and accessories is carefully made to show off and keep your tattoos safe in the most fashionable way possible.
Our loose-fitting graphic tees are great for highlighting your tattoo art taste while keeping body tattoos out of the sun, while our bold hoodies are perfect for covering up new, healing ink in style. Whether you’ve got new leg tattoos, or you’re a tattoo artist looking for freedom of movement, our collection of cargo and chino pants are made to move with your body, minimize friction, and fit perfectly with all the other pieces in our range.
