The trauma created by a tattoo is similar to that of a skin burn. The most important aspect of tattoo aftercare is preventing infection. So let us study some homemade tattoo ointment recipes and other home remedies for organic tattoo aftercare.
1. Essential oils
There are many essential oils for tattoo aftercare. Avoid applying citrusy oils like lemon, bergamot, orange etc directly on the skin after tattoo application as these oils tend to fade the tattoo. To soothe skin irritated after tattoo application, use oils like Lavender, Chamomile, Tea Tree and Helichrysum/Immortelle. Dilute the oils before application using some sweet almond oil, or olive oil (though you can directly apply undiluted lavender oil on new tattoo to soothe the skin). Here is a natural tattoo ointment with essential oils:
- 30 ml of Aloe Vera gel
- 5 drops of Tea tree essential oil (this is antiseptic and prevents skin infections)
- 10 drops Lavender essential oil
- 2 drops of wild Chamomile essential oil
In a small glass container, add the gel and oils. Shake the container well to combine the gel and oils. Squeeze a dab of this homemade tattoo ointment directly on the pierced skin. Apply periodically through the day until the wound is healed.
2. Natural tattoo balm
Here is a simple all natural tattoo balm to reduce redness and soothe the skin:
- Olive oil
- ½ ounce beeswax
- 3 ounces each dried St. John’s Wort, dried Comfrey and dried Calendula flowers
Place the herbs in a simmer pot and cover them with 2-3 inches of olive oil. Simmer on low heat for an hour. Cool a bit and strain. Melt the beeswax and add it to the flower infused herbal oil. Whisk the mixture well to combine. Store the salve in a glass container. Apply on the tattoo several times as needed.
3. Raw potato
Grate some white potato and apply its juice on pierced/tattooed skin to soothe redness, pain and irritation. This organic tattoo aftercare is effective remedy for healing the skin quickly.
4. St. John’s Wort
Place some dried St. John’s Wort in a pan with water and bring it to a boil. Cool and use the tea as a skin wash to heal the skin quickly and soothe redness and pain caused by the tattoo needle.
5. Vinegar
Apply diluted organic raw apple cider vinegar to the skin to prevent infection and pain. You can also dip sterile gauze in apple cider vinegar and tie it loosely around the tattoo. This remedy speeds up healing and prevents infection and redness.
6. Yogurt
Apply plain yogurt to the tattooed skin and cover it up with bandage. This is one of the most effective tattoo home remedies to relieve pain.
7. Calendula
Steep the tea made by boiling dried calendula leaves and flowers in a quart of water. Strain and make a compress with the liquid decoction. Apply the compress to the tattooed skin to speed up healing and prevent pain and inflammation.
8. Chamomile
A tea made from chamomile is one of the top home remedies for tattoo aftercare. Steep chamomile flowers in hot water for a few minutes. Soak a clean cotton wool in the tea and apply it on the tattooed skin. Repeat as needed to prevent pain and inflammation.
9. Aloe Vera gel
Apply aloe vera ointment liberally to the skin after tattooing or even after laser surgery for tattoo removal. Aloe vera soothes the itch and pain and moisturizes the peeling skin post tattoo removal. It can also be used as organic tattoo aftercare to reduce pain and speed up healing.
10. Coconut oil
Natural tattoo aftercare with coconut oil helps moisturize dry skin. However, many tattooists recommend not using oils. So discuss this first with your tattooist. That said; coconut oil is safe, natural and a great moisturizer that heals and protects the skin while preventing infections.
Use these 10 home remedies for organic tattoo aftercare.