Using Shea Butter on Tattoos

Shea butter is excellent for tattoos due to the following properties:

What Can Shea Butter Do?

This solid, thick cream naturally contains a range of raw minerals and vitamins that contribute to its exceptional properties. It primarily consists of oleic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid, all of which occur naturally and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Moisturizing

In the tattoo industry, petroleum has been used for many decades, and although it might still have a presence, many artists are retracting their recommendations for this raw material. There’s still a need for an effective agent that protects the area from drying out without applying liquid water to the healing tattoo. This is where natural ingredients like Shea butter have gained importance.

Its solid consistency melts when exposed to heat, which can be an issue if left in the sun. However, it naturally starts to melt as soon as it comes into contact with your hands, making it easy to apply to the skin as a moisturizer. In this state, it is also more readily absorbed by the skin.

Healing

Shea butter is an excellent choice for tattoo care and a valuable addition to your skincare routine, thanks to its high vitamin A content, which makes it an excellent natural skin barrier.

The skin affected by a tattoo needs to regenerate, and when the natural barrier is protected, it can start pushing out the ink, leading to blurry edges. A smoother healing process results in a beautiful tattoo.

UV protection

We emphasize, from our own experience, the importance of protecting your tattoo from the sun, especially in the first few weeks. If possible, never use sunscreen on a new tattoo until you are completely sure it has healed. Sunscreen, as a chemical component, can clog pores, trap bacteria, and irritate the tattoo.

Antioxidants are often promoted as anti-aging agents because they can tighten the skin, leading to a clear tattoo appearance. High levels of vitamin E, vitamin C, and cinnamic acid in Shea butter provide a mild UV protective barrier over your tattoo in case you are exposed to direct sunlight. Vitamin E is even known for its strong scar-healing quality.

How to Use Shea Butter for a Tattoo

A little goes a long way with Shea butter, and its virtually unlimited shelf life makes it an excellent foundation for your tattoo care. Opting for pure Shea butter instead of an emulsion with chemicals is the way to go.

You can even become a DIY scientist and use Shea butter as a base, along with other healing and beneficial substances like coconut oil, tea tree oil, calendula, grapeseed oil, or Manuka honey.

Of course, Hustle Butter primarily consists of the ingredients listed above.

Depending on the size of your tattoo, an amount the size of a dime should be sufficient to generously cover a tattoo the size of your shoulder.

1. Preparation: After ensuring that your hands are clean, take the required amount and gently rub it between your fingers or in the palm of your hand until it reaches a consistency between cream and oil.
2. Apply Gently: Apply it to your tattoo with smooth strokes in the natural direction of the hair and skin growth.
3. Let it Absorb: Avoid vigorous rubbing – by applying the Shea butter, the skin will do its job and absorb it.

Conclusion

Shea butter is essentially a fatty acid containing many helpful and healing vitamins and minerals that support skin regeneration. It can have excellent antioxidant and moisturizing effects on your tattoo wound while allowing the skin to breathe.

You can purchase a commercial tattoo product, especially if it contains Shea butter, although many of the additives in these creams can trigger skin sensitivities. The best option is to use pure Shea butter.