The Guide to Ankle Tattoo Aftercare
Getting ankle tattoos is a great entry point for people new to the ink scene. These simple, inexpensive, and relatively painless tattoos on various body parts require proper aftercare. Whether your designs vary from small ones on the ankle bone to medium-sized ones that wrap around or larger pieces that extend downwards onto your feet, aftercare is important
Popular designs like flowers, a word, butterflies, or even barbed wire, may cost between $50 and $300, depending on the size and style. These small tattoos often hurt less and for a shorter amount of time. Once you’ve got your sleek, stylish new piece, be sure to protect it to keep it fresh forever.
When you get home
Once you leave the studio with your fresh ink, your artist will have already applied a thin layer of petroleum jelly or Vaseline and covered it with a bandage or wrap to protect your skin from any immediate infection. When you get home, it’s time to take care of that new piece.
Start by kicking your feet up and apply ice directly to the area to help reduce blood flow and limit swelling.Since ankle tattoos tend to swell more than others due to blood flows downwards when you’re on your feet, keeping the area elevated and iced can make a big difference. The more you elevate, the less likely you’ll see major swelling occur.
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To pass the time, you can watch Netflix, play video games, or listen to some music while your body starts to heal. Just remember to leave the initial bandage on for at least 24 hours after your session, and once removed, you can begin your routine aftercare.
How to clean
When you get a new ankle tattoo, cleaning it properly is one of the most important aspects of aftercare. It’s pretty straightforward – first, wash your hands with warm water and soap for 20-30 seconds before touching the area. Then, apply fragrance-free antibacterial liquid soap directly to the skin and gently rub in a circular motion with your fingers.
You might notice a slimy substance called plasma while you’re cleaning; though it’s a bit unpleasant to touch, continue until all of the plasma is gone, as leaving it can cause the surface to scab and potentially damage your new ink.
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Make sure to clean the area 2x a day—once in the morning and again before bed—especially if you sweat or accidentally expose it to a possible infectant, in which case you should clean it immediately afterwards.It’s best to choose a fragrance-free liquid pump soap to prevent damage and avoid irritations or infections.
Stay away from moisturizing soaps, exfoliating scrubs, or bar soaps, which can collect bacteria from standing water. Once you’ve finished, pat your skin dry with a clean paper towel or antimicrobial cloth—never use a cotton hand towel as it can harbor germs and bacteria.
How to moisturize
What to apply
For your ankle tattoo, use a scent-free or fragrance-free white cream lotion or moisturizer to hydrate the skin and promote healing. Apply it 3-4x a day and avoid Aquaphor or Vaseline, which can trap moisture. Alternatively, try Balm, which you can apply directly 1-2x daily to help protect, preserve your ink, relieve pain, reduce itchiness, and prevent infections, keeping your tattoo vibrant forever.
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Why moisturizing is important
After cleaning your tattoo, moisturizing is the most important part of the healing process. It helps encourage skin regeneration, reduces itching and irritation, and creates a healthy environment for your cells to heal the damaged skin.
If you don’t moisturize at least 2-3x a day, your skin can dry out, potentially damaging your new tattoo before you get the chance to show it off. Dryness can also slow the cellular healing process and leave your tattoo exposed to more infections.
When to moisturize
After your tattoo session, it’s important to apply a daily tattoo moisturizer as soon as the area begins to dry out, usually within 24 hours. Once you remove the initial bandage, make sure to clean the area and moisturize immediately after the first cleaning session.
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If you’re using lotion, apply it 3-5x per day during the first two weeks, and then continue regularly as part of your daily skincare regimen. For something simpler, Ink Balm can be applied just once or twice daily for optimal moisture, improved skin health, and lasting ink vibrance. With daily cleaning and moisturizing, your skin and ink will heal in no time.
Other things to keep in mind
Can I wear socks or shoes after getting an ankle tattoo?
After getting an ankle tattoo, it’s best not to wear socks or shoes that cover the tattooed area. Items like jeans or tight pants can rub against your skin, causing friction that might damage or fade your tattoo. Additionally, these clothes trap heat and moisture, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow and potentially infect your body.
If your tattoo is high on your leg, you can safely wear low-rise socks or shoes that don’t touch the area. Otherwise, it’s advisable to stick with sandals or flip-flops to avoid interference. If your tattoo extends low onto your foot, you can wear capris, yoga pants, or cuffed pants that don’t touch the area—and if you’re unsure, just wear shorts.
When to get an ankle tattoo
It’s best to plan your ankle tattoo for the summer because you won’t be able to wear socks, pants, or shoes for the first 2-3 weeks while your tattoo heals. During the warmer months, your ankle can breathe freely without having to worry about your feet or legs getting cold like they would in the winter. This makes it much easier to follow aftercare instructions and avoid irritating your new tattoo.
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Where sunscreen
After getting your ankle tattoo in the summer, it’s important to cover it with sunscreen whenever you’re outside. Even a few minutes of UV exposure can fade, crack, or blister your tattoo.
Try to avoid the sun for the first 3-4 weeks, but if that’s not possible, use a broad-spectrum, fragrance-free sunscreen with at least 30-50 SPF. Choose one without artificial ingredients that can irritate your skin, and look for organic ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which are recognized as non-toxic by the FDA.
Stay out of the water
It’s important to avoid pools, lakes, and oceans for the first few weeks after getting a tattoo. Even chlorine pools aren’t sanitary and can risk infecting the healing skin, causing permanent damage to your tattoo. Plus, the chlorine and other pool chemicals can negatively affect the color and vibrance of your tattoo’s cosmetic appearance.
If you want to spend a day at the pool or beach, keep your feet out of the water and cover the area with a waterproof bandage and sunscreen just in case. If it gets accidentally wet, make sure to clean and moisturize the area immediately to prevent infection.
When it comes to showering, avoid a scalding hot shower—opt for cool water instead to prevent burning the skin. Also, refrain from using a loofah or washcloth to clean your ankle, as these can create friction and harbor hidden bacteria.
Don’t itch the ink
It’s easier said than done, but you must resist the urge to scratch or itch your skin after getting a tattoo. While it may temporarily relieve subtle irritation, it’s important to avoid doing so, as it can damage the ink and cause further irritation. If you’re constantly fighting the urge to itch your tattoo, try to apply moisturizer to the dry skin. This will help get rid of the sensation and keep your tattoo looking its best as it heals.
How long does an ankle tattoo take to heal?
With proper aftercare, the top layer of skin on your ankle tattoo should heal within 2-4 weeks, depending on the size and location of the tattoo, as well as your commitment to the healing process. At this point, you can start wearing shoes and socks regularly, but it’s important to continue your standard aftercare routine.
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Keep in mind that tattoo ink penetrates deep into the skin, so while it may appear healed on the outside, the deeper layers of skin can take up to six months to fully heal. Factors like sun exposure and infections can significantly delay the process, so be sure to follow all steps and take good care of your new masterpiece to be healed and back on your feet in no time.
Final Thought
Ankle tattoo aftercare is essential for keeping your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant. The healing process takes about 2-4 weeks for the top layer of skin, but deeper layers can take up to six months. During this time, proper cleaning, moisturizing, and protection from the sun are key to preventing damage and infection.
Avoid wearing tight clothing, socks, or shoes that could rub against the tattoo, and make sure to apply sunscreen if you’re exposed to the sun. Additionally, refrain from scratching or itching the skin, as this can cause further irritation. By following these steps, you can ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and lasts a long time.
Frequently Asked Question
How do I protect my new ankle tattoo?
To protect your new ankle tattoo, remove your shoes and wash the area immediately. Keep it out of the sun, and if needed, apply strong sunblock. Be cautious of friction and UV rays, which can cause fading. For the first three months, be extra careful to ensure proper healing.
Are ankle tattoos a good idea?
Many people choose to get their feet tattooed on the top or bottom part of the foot, depending on the design. Both locations can be fitting, but the ankle area is often considered the best place to get inked, especially for those with long feet.