Why You Should Wet Heal a Tattoo

Many tattoo artists now recommend wet healing a tattoo as a great way to keep your tattoo moist during the healing process. However, it’s vital that you complete the process correctly and repeat it regularly to avoid any issues.

Areas of the Body That Should Be Wet Healed

There are certain areas on your body that benefit from wet healing rather than dry healing. Wet healing is generally used in areas where you have lots of motion, such as your joints.

It’s also used on larger tattoos and areas that will be covered with clothing as the material can irritate the tattooed skin.

Why You Shouldn’t Dry Heal These Areas

Dry healing your tattoo when on a part of your body that moves all the time or is used regularly would cause the skin to tear. 

This would then increase the scabbing of the area which will prolong the healing process and may damage the tattoo.

If the tattooed area is covered by clothing most of the day, you should also look to use the wet healing method. This will stop any irritation from clothing damaging the tattoo or opening the wound, causing potential scarring.

How To Wet Heal Your Tattoo

Once you’ve left the tattoo studio it’s down to you to look after your tattoo. 

Approximately six hours after leaving the tattoo studio you should remove the wrap and clean the tattoo area. This should be done using a fragrance-free liquid soap and rinsed thoroughly to reduce any chance of infection. This should then be carefully patted dry.

You should then apply a thin layer of ointment to the area and allow it to air dry. Once this is almost dry, wrap the area in fresh plastic wrap and secure it in place. 

How Long Does the Wet Healing Process Take?

This process should be repeated every six hours for the first four to five days or until the tattoo area starts to flake. 

You should then continue to clean the tattoo and apply the ointment as before, however, you should no longer wrap it. At this stage, the tattoo should be left to air dry as the traditional healing procedure.

The Benefits of the Wet Healing Process

By keeping your tattoo moist it keeps the moisture in your skin, trapping essential oils from the ointment that will help the skin to recover. It also stops the skin from losing ink from your tattoo, keeping the tattoo looking fresh and clean.

By air-drying the area between washes and wrap changes, you allow the skin to breathe. Keeping the tattoo moist will stop it from scabbing over which will lessen the chance of scarring or damaging the tattoo. 

The Disadvantages of the Wet Healing Process

By choosing wet healing for your tattoo you open yourself up to getting an infection in the area. This is why if you choose this option, you should make sure it is done correctly.

You should also be careful with the ointment that you put on the area and how much you use. This should not be perfumed and you should only use enough to cover the tattoo. 

Summary

Both dry healing and wet healing have their benefits for your tattoo and your skin, there is no right or wrong option. However, you should check the advice of your tattoo artist as they will understand the tattoo and the skin’s needs. 

Wet healing can be a great option and gives amazing results when done correctly. The cleaning, drying and wrapping can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it!