When you get a new tattoo, one of the decisions you have to make is how to heal it. Do you want a dry heal or a wet heal? Both methods have their pros and cons, so it can be tough to decide which is right for you. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between dry healing and wet healing tattoos. We will also help you decide which method is best for you!
What is a Dry Heal Tattoo?
Dry heal tattoos are those that are allowed to air dry after the initial few days of healing. This means that you will not have to apply any ointment or lotion to your tattoo during the healing process.
Dry heal tattoos typically take a little longer to heal than wet heal tattoos, but many people find that they experience less irritation and discomfort during the healing process. [1]
What is a Wet Heal Tattoo?
A wet heal tattoo is when the artist lubricates the area with an ointment before starting the tattoo. This helps the needle glide over the skin more smoothly, resulting in less trauma to the area. It also helps to keep the ink from drying out too quickly, which can cause it to fade or become patchy. [2]
What’s The Difference?
The main difference between dry heal and wet heal tattoos is the healing process. With a dry heal tattoo, you will need to keep the area clean and dry for it to heal properly.
Benefits of Dry Healing
The main benefit of dry healing a tattoo is that it can speed up the healing process. When you keep your tattoo clean and dry, it’s less likely to get infected. Dry healing also prevents scabbing, which can damage your tattoo.
Some people believe that dry healing helps tattoos heal better because it allows the skin to breathe. However, there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim.
If you opt for dry healing, make sure to wash your tattoo several times a day with soap and water. Gently pat it dry with a clean towel or let it air dry. Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or petroleum jelly to keep your tattoo moisturized. Avoid using any products that contain fragrances, alcohol, or other harsh ingredients.
Benefits of Wet Healing
Wet healing has many benefits, the most notable being that it allows your tattoo to heal faster and with less scabbing.
To wet heal your tattoo, simply keep it clean and moisturized with a thin layer of lotion or ointment. You’ll want to do this several times a day for the first week or two, until the tattoo is fully healed.
Side Effects of Dry Healing Tattoos
When you dry heal a tattoo, you’re essentially not allowing any moisture to touch the tattoo during the healing process. This can lead to a number of side effects, including:
- The tattoo may take longer to heal
- The tattoo may not heal as evenly
- The tattoo may be more prone to infection
- The tattoo may be more painful during the healing process
Overall, dry healing tattoos is not the recommended method for healing your ink. If you do choose to dry heal your tattoo, make sure you are extra vigilant about keeping the area clean and protected. Talk to your artist about the best way to care for your specific tattoo during the healing process. [3]
Side Effects of Wet Healing Tattoos
Wet healing tattoos can often lead to more side effects than dry healing tattoos. These can include:
- Tattoo fading
- Tattoo infection
- Allergic reactions
- Scarring
- Skin discoloration
If you are considering a wet heal tattoo, be sure to speak with your artist about the risks involved. Dry healing is often the safer option, especially for those with sensitive skin. Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow your artist’s aftercare instructions carefully to ensure a successful tattoo experience. [4]
Which Method Is Better?
There is no easy answer when it comes to deciding which tattoo healing method is better. It really depends on your own personal preferences and needs. If you are someone who heals quickly or doesn’t mind a little extra pain, then dry healing might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you want to minimize the risk of infection or need to speed up the healing process, wet healing might be a better choice.
The bottom line is that both dry heal and wet heal tattoos have their own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which method is right for you. Whichever route you choose, just make sure to follow your artist’s aftercare instructions carefully to ensure a successful healing process.
Things to Remember When Dry Heal a Tattoo
- Don’t expose your tattoo to the sun.
- Keep your tattoo clean and dry.
- Apply a thin layer of lotion to keep the tattoo from drying out.
- Be gentle when washing your tattoo.
- Avoid picking at your scabs.
Things to Remember When Wet Healing a Tattoo
- Gently wash your tattoo with soap and water after each session.
- Keep your tattoo moist by applying a thin layer of lotion or ointment.
- Do not pick at your scabs or peel off any dead skin.
- Avoid soaking in tubs, hot tubs, or pools until fully healed.
General Tattoo Aftercare Tips
If you’re not sure how to take care of your new tattoo, don’t worry! Here are a few general tips for aftercare:
- Keep your tattoo clean and dry for the first few days. Gently wash it with soap and water, then pat it dry.
- Apply a thin layer of healing ointment or lotion to keep the tattoo moisturized. Don’t put too much on, or your tattoo will be sticky!
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least two weeks. This will help prevent fading and other damage to your tattoo.
- If you have any questions or concerns about your tattoo, don’t hesitate to contact your artist or doctor. They can give you specific instructions for your individual case.
Now that you know the basics of tattoo aftercare, you can start enjoying your new ink!
FAQ
Do tattoos heal better wet or dry?
This is a common question among those considering getting a tattoo, and unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer. The truth is, both dry and wet healing have their own benefits and drawbacks.
Dry healing is the process of letting your tattoo air out and heal without using any ointments or creams. This method is often recommended by tattoo artists because it allows them to see how your tattoo is healing and make any necessary touch-ups early on. However, dry healing can also lead to more scabbing and peeling, which can cause your tattoo to fade or become blurred.
Additionally, this method can be very painful as your skin heals over the course of several weeks. Wet healing, on the other hand, involves keeping your tattoo covered with an ointment or cream at all times. This helps to keep the area moist and prevents scabbing.
Wet healing is generally less painful than dry healing, but it can make it more difficult to see how your tattoo is progressing. Some people also find that wet healing leads to more itching and irritation. So, which method is best for you? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Talk to your tattoo artist about which method they recommend and go with what you’re most comfortable with.
Is dry healing good for tattoos?
Dry healing tattoos is the process of allowing a new tattoo to heal without using any ointments, lotions, or creams. This method is often used by those who have sensitive skin as it can help to avoid any irritation or allergic reactions. Wet healing tattoos is the process of using a thin layer of ointment or lotion on a new tattoo during the healing process. This method is often used by those who have normal to dry skin as it helps to keep the tattoo area hydrated and prevents scabbing.
How long do you wet heal a tattoo?
The answer to this question depends on the type of tattoo you have. If you have a dry heal tattoo, you will need to keep it dry for the entirety of the healing process. This means no showers, baths, or swimming. You will also need to avoid sweating or getting any other liquids on your tattoo.
What happens if you don’t moisturize a healing tattoo?
If you don’t moisturize a healing tattoo, it will eventually lead to the ink cracking and fading. This is because the skin isn’t able to properly regenerate without moisture. Additionally, not moisturizing can cause the tattoo to heal unevenly, which can result in an undesirable appearance.
What happens if you over moisturize a tattoo?
If you over moisturize a tattoo, the ink can start to spread and blur. This is because the extra moisture causes the skin to expand, which pushes the ink outwards. In extreme cases, over-moisturizing can even cause the tattoo to peel off entirely. So it’s important to be careful not to overdo it when applying lotion or ointment to a new tattoo.
How can I make my tattoo heal faster?
This is a question we get a lot, and unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
The reality is that how quickly your tattoo heals depends on a number of factors, including the size and location of the tattoo, your age and health, and whether you choose to dry heal or wet heal your tattoo.
Do tattoos need air to heal?
The short answer is yes, but the long answer is a little more complicated. When you get a tattoo, the artist creates an open wound. This wound needs oxygen to heal properly and prevent infection. In the early stages of healing, your body forms a scab over the tattoo. If this scab isn’t allowed to dry out, it can become infected. That’s why it’s important to let your tattoo air out during the healing process. This will help it heal quickly and reduce the risk of infection.
What should you not do after a tattoo?
You should avoid swimming, sunbathing, and soaking your tattoo in water for at least two weeks. After that, you can slowly start to reintroduce these activities back into your life but be sure to take extra care of your tattoo during the healing process.
Useful Video: Dry Healing VS Wet Healing Tattoos
Conclusion
So, what’s the difference between dry heal and wet heal tattoos? The main difference is that dry heal tattoos require you to keep the tattooed area dry for a certain period of time, while wet heal tattoos can be kept hydrated with lotion or ointment. Dry heal tattoos may take longer to heal, but they typically result in a better overall appearance. Wet heal tattoos are often recommended for people with sensitive skin. Ultimately, the decision between dry heal and wet heal comes down to personal preference. Talk to your tattoo artist about which method they recommend for your specific situation.
Thanks for reading!
Do you have any questions about the difference between dry heal and wet heal tattoos? Let us know in the comments below!
References:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-healing-tattoo
- https://tattify.com/wet-healing-tattoo/
- https://hushanesthetic.com/blogs/community/should-you-dry-heal-a-tattoo
- https://www.healthline.com/health/body-modification/showering-with-new-tattoo