In today’s society, as the stigma around tattoos continues to fade, neck tattoos are becoming increasingly more acceptable. Their striking appearance often represents a bold and adventurous attitude, but because they can’t be concealed under clothing, it’s especially important to help them heal properly. When I got mine, I realized how crucial it was to maintain its signature look by sticking to a consistent aftercare routine to keep the ink fresh forever.
Choosing a unique place on my neck felt empowering—it became a statement piece and the perfect canvas for my next tattoo. While neck tattoos are undeniably noticeable, no matter what you wear, that wasn’t a concern for me. I loved the idea of embracing something impressive and personal. With so many designs available to suit every style and preference, there are enough options for everyone. Whether you’re considering your first tattoo or adding to your collection, the popularity of neck tattoos might differ, but anyone can feel equally fit to carry one with pride.
Neck Tattoo Placement
While a neck tattoo is naturally going to be on your neck, the exact placement depends on a mix of personal preference, the size, and the shape of the chosen artwork. From my experience, working closely with your tattoo artist makes all the difference. They’ll help you choose the perfect options to ensure the appearance of your design looks polished and impactful.
- The front of the neck
- The back of the neck
- Under the chin
- The side of the neck
- Right under the hairline
Are Neck Tattoos Painful?
Neck tattoos are more sensitive than others because the skin in this area is thinner, more elastic, and close to the bones. Additionally, the neck has many nerves, making the process more intense. For those who are more sensitive, small tattoos may be a better option.
- Thinner skin increases sensitivity.
- Elastic skin and proximity to bones make the area delicate.
- The neck contains numerous nerves.
- Small tattoos are ideal for sensitive individuals.
- The skin of the neck can sag with age, so think long-term before committing.
Aftercare for Your Neck Tattoo
The aftercare process for neck tattoos is similar to that of other body parts, with a few extra things to consider. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your new ink is essentially a fresh wound that must be treated with care. You’ll need to protect it by practicing standard wound care, avoiding sources of bacteria like swimming, sunlight, and dirty jewelry, and by carefully monitoring for signs of infection.
Before you focus on how to properly care for and preserve your tattoo, understanding the basics of proper hygiene and healing is key to ensuring your tattoo looks its best for years to come.
How to clean a neck tattoo
For the first 24 hours, it’s essential to move your head as little as possible. You may not even realize how often you twist or tilt your neck forward while using your phone. These movements can stretch and wrinkle the skin, leading to damage to your tattoo before it has a chance to heal. This can cause the skin to crack, bleed, and increase the risk of infection or ink damage.
After your session, your neck will be covered with a wrap or bandage. Leave this on for 8-12 hours to allow your skin to begin healing without the risk of infection. If your session was in the morning, remove the wrap before bed. If it was in the afternoon, keep it on and sleep with it for the first night.
4 Important Tips to Use First Time Moisturize
Remove the wrap
Your wrap or bandage might stick to your skin when you try to pull it off, but this is completely normal. Be sure to gently remove it to avoid damaging the area. This is one of those situations where you should absolutely not “rip the Band-Aid off.”
Wash your Hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water for 30 seconds before touching the area. Skip drying your hands, as you’ll use your fingertips to clean your neck tattoo.
Clean the Area for Your Tattoo
When washing your tattoo, use cool or lukewarm water and apply a fragrance-free, antibacterial liquid soap to your skin. Gently scrub the area using your fingers. You should repeat this process twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. If you plan to workout or accidentally expose the skin to harmful bacteria, be sure to clean it immediately after the exposure. Sometimes, you may need to clean it three times per day.
You can do this at the sink or in the shower, whichever is easiest for you. At the sink, use the mirror to make sure you’ve cleaned it thoroughly. If you choose to clean it in the shower, make sure to lower the water temperature so you don’t accidentally burn your skin.
Wash & Dry Your Skin
After you’ve properly cleaned the tattoo area, wash off the excess soap with cool water. Next, gently dab the area dry using a disposable paper towel or an antimicrobial cloth. Don’t rub your skin with the paper towel as it can damage the ink immediately. Avoid using a hand towel, as these can harbor bacteria, putting you at risk of a potential skin infection. This is particularly true if multiple people use the same hand towel to dry their hands.
6 Steps How to Moisturize a Neck Tattoo
Moisturizing your neck tattoo is essential to ensure that it heals properly, stays vibrant, and doesn’t dry out. The right aftercare can help prevent itching, scabbing, and fading. Here’s a simple guide to properly moisturizing your neck tattoo.
Step 1: Wait for the Right Time
Before you apply any moisturizer, wait until the tattoo has fully healed. This can take about 2-3 weeks, depending on how well you take care of it. Right after getting your tattoo, it’s important to follow your artist’s instructions, which might include not moisturizing for the first few hours. Once the initial healing phase begins, you can start moisturizing.
Step 2: Clean the Area
Before moisturizing, wash the area gently with cool water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat the tattoo dry with a disposable paper towel or an antimicrobial cloth—do not rub the skin. This step removes dirt or bacteria and prepares the tattoo for moisturizer application.
Step 3: Choose the Right Moisturizer
Use a fragrance-free, gentle moisturizer that is safe for tattoos. There are many products specifically designed for tattoo aftercare, but any fragrance-free, non-comedogenic lotion works. Avoid anything that contains alcohol, as it can dry out the skin and cause irritation. You can also use petroleum jelly or a tattoo-specific balm, but it’s important not to over-apply.
Step 4: Apply Lightly
When moisturizing, apply a thin layer of cream to your tattoo. Gently rub it in with clean hands, making sure the entire tattooed area is covered but not too thick. Applying too much can clog pores and cause irritation.
Step 5: Keep It Moisturized Regularly
Moisturize your neck tattoo at least 2-3 times a day, especially after showering or washing your face. Regular moisturizing keeps the skin from drying out and helps prevent peeling. Just don’t overdo it—too much moisturizer can suffocate the skin and delay healing.
Step 6: Protect It From Sun Exposure
Even after healing, it’s important to keep your tattoo moisturized and protected from the sun. Sun exposure can cause fading and damage to the ink, so always use a sunscreen or cover your tattoo when spending time outdoors. Make sure your sunscreen is fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin.
By following these simple steps, you’ll ensure your neck tattoo stays moisturized, healthy, and vibrant for years to come.
Don’t Move or Tilt Your Head too Much
As mentioned earlier, you’ll find that you turn your neck quite frequently throughout the day. It’s especially critical during the first few days to remain as still as possible. Wrinkling your skin too much can make it impossible for your tattoo to heal properly. This may cause the ink to fade quickly or even lead to infection due to constant bleeding.
For the first few days, simply sit still—you can watch TV, read a book, or even work at your computer. If you’re seated on a chair or couch with a tall back, you can place a pillow between your head and the surface to keep your neck from touching it.
How to Sleep with a Neck Tattoo
Sleeping with a new neck tattoo can be tricky, but there are a few tricks to make it more bearable. Start by cleaning your sheets and pillow cases beforehand to prevent dirty sheets from infecting your skin. Sleep in a tank top and try to keep the area of your tattoo directly off the pillow.
If your tattoo is on the back of your neck, sleep on your side. If it’s on the front or side of your neck, sleep on your back. You may also want to place a towel between your neck and the pillow to prevent blood from staining your sheets, especially during the first 72 hours.
Skip the Workouts for a Few Days
Gyms are a breeding ground for bacteria, and as much as we all love a good workout, your skin needs to rest for a few days. Sweat can irritate your ink, delaying the healing process. After about 3-4 days, you can resume your normal routine. However, if you’re planning to sweat heavily in the first few weeks after getting your new piece, it’s best to wait a bit longer.
Don’t itch Your Neck Tattoo
This may be easier said than done, but scratching freshly tattooed skin will prevent it from healing. The skin can become inflamed, infected, and may fade in color if you scratch it. If you’re constantly fighting the urge to itch the tattoo, try rinsing the area with cold water and applying moisturizer to get rid of the sensation.
Stay Out of the Sun
Even a few minutes of UV exposure can fade, crack, and/or blister your tattoo, so be sure to cover it with plenty of sunscreen. It’s best to completely avoid the sun for 3-4 weeks after your session while your tattoo heals, but with summer plans, that’s not always possible.
To protect your ink, use a broad-spectrum, fragrance-free sunscreen that has at least 30-50 SPF. Try to find one made from organic ingredients, as artificial ingredients can irritate your healing skin.
How Long Does a Neck Tattoo Take to Heal?
A neck tattoo typically takes about 2 to 4 weeks to heal on the surface, but the full healing process can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months. During the initial 2 to 4 weeks, the tattoo will scab, peel, and may appear slightly red or swollen. It’s important to follow proper aftercare, such as moisturizing and avoiding UV exposure, to ensure proper healing.
The deeper layers of skin continue to heal during the 4 to 6 months period. Even though the surface may look healed sooner, it’s still crucial to avoid activities that could irritate or damage the tattoo during this time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, healing a neck tattoo requires a careful and consistent approach. By following proper aftercare steps like keeping the tattoo clean, moisturizing regularly, avoiding sun exposure, and minimizing movement, you can ensure your tattoo heals properly and stays vibrant for years to come.
Faqs
How long does it take for a neck tattoo to heal?
A neck tattoo typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to heal on the surface, but complete healing of the deeper layers can take 4 to 6 months.
Can I wash my neck tattoo during the healing process?
Yes, you should clean your neck tattoo with cool water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Make sure to gently pat it dry with a clean towel, avoiding any rubbing or scrubbing that might irritate the skin.
How can I prevent my neck tattoo from fading?
To prevent fading, keep your tattoo moisturized, avoid excessive sun exposure, and use sunscreen with a high SPF. Always protect your tattoo from UV rays during the healing process and after it’s healed.
