What is the best thing to put on a new tattoo? After all, the idea is to keep it clean and moisturized to heal as quickly as possible.
What are the pros and cons of using coconut oil on tattoos? It may be a cheap, natural solution, but is it safe?
Is it safe to put coconut oil on a new tattoo?
If you’d like to put coconut oil on a new tattoo, that’s fine by us. After all, it’s one of the best essential oils for healing tattoos.
But there’s a catch.
We recommend using a fresh bottle or jar of coconut oil. It doesn’t stay fresh forever. Worse, an open container could be contaminated, and germs could transfer to the skin and cause infection.
Thankfully, coconut oil isn’t expensive, and it’s easy to find. The biggest challenge is deciding which kind of oil you want to use. Let’s talk about the differences.
Which kind of coconut oil is best for tattoos?
The two most common kinds of coconut oil are fractionated and virgin.
Fractionated coconut oil is a colorless, odorless liquid. It comes in a bottle and is often used for massages, DIY cosmetics, and diluting essential oils.
You might worry that it’s too processed to have any nutrients left. Happily, that’s not true. Moreover, it absorbs quickly and shouldn’t clog pores.
If you’re concerned about using fractionated coconut oil, purchase it from a manufacturer that avoids chemicals during the refining process.
The second type of coconut oil is virgin, unrefined, and cold-pressed. When it’s below room temperature, it has a waxy texture. Purists prefer virgin coconut oil because they believe it’s better for the skin.
On the downside, the thicker texture means it may sit on top and stay greasy for longer. But you may enjoy the pleasant coconut fragrance all the same.
The cons of using coconut oil on tattoos
Coconut oil may not absorb as quickly as a tattoo aftercare balm. Therefore, the skin may look and feel greasy for several minutes, making it likely that you’ll stain clothing.
Also, if the coconut oil isn’t fresh, it may irritate the skin. There may be contamination in an open jar that could seep into the tattoo and cause an infection (1).
Some people are allergic to lauric acid, a major component of coconut oil. If you’ve never used this oil on your skin before, we recommend a patch test before applying it to a new tattoo.
The pros of using coconut oil on tattoos
On the other hand, coconut oil is good for old tattoos as well as new ones. It revives the colors, making the ink vibrant again.
It’s a remedy used for wounds and burns since ancient times. It’s gentle enough to use on new tattoos as it shouldn’t sting or burn.
The oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It can fight off fungal and bacterial infections.
Plus, coconuts are packed with antioxidants like vitamins E and C. These help the skin repair itself faster.
Lastly, the fatty acids in the oil seal in moisture, keeping the tattoo hydrated.
How do you apply coconut oil to a tattoo?
It’s no surprise that coconut oil is a base ingredient in many of the best tattoo healing ointments. Here’s how to use it on your new ink.
Once you’ve washed your hands and the tattoo, pat the skin dry with a clean paper towel.
Take a small dab out of the jar and warm it in your fingers before rubbing a thin layer across the tattoo. If you’re using fractionated coconut oil, you can pour a drop or two on your fingers, then smooth it onto the skin.
Apply more coconut oil each time you wash. It will help with the sting and soothe itching.
When it comes to old tattoos, slather on coconut oil just like you would lotion. You’ll notice that it instantly makes the ink brighter and clearer.
Furthermore, coconut oil provides a minimal amount of sunscreen. It helps keep the ink from fading.
Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil
Here’s delicious natural coconut oil that you can use on tattoos or include in your diet. It’s USDA-certified organic and made with non-GMO coconuts.
While your tattoo heals, it provides antioxidants and fatty acids to regenerate the skin and ward off irritation and infection.
Try it on your hair as a deep conditioner, or ask someone to give you a massage with it.
Also, you can enjoy it for baking, sautéing, and frying. As you can see, there’s no need for this coconut oil to go to waste.
Since the oil is made with cold press extraction, it’s free of hexane and other harmful chemicals. It features 63% medium-chain triglycerides, making it nutritious for your body inside and out.
Majestic Pure Fractionated Coconut Oil
You may find it easier to use fractionated coconut oil. It has no scent and no color. It has a liquid consistency that mixes easily with other essential oils.
What’s also nice is that fractionated coconut oil sinks into the skin rapidly. It doesn’t stay greasy. And if you get it on your clothes, it washes out easily.
It’s still rich in medium-chain triglycerides and vitamins. Moreover, it has a long shelf life compared to solid coconut oil.
Feel free to use it as lip balm, moisturizer, oil cleansing to remove makeup, shave cream, and hair conditioner. Unfortunately, it can’t be used for cooking.
Hustle Butter Deluxe
Hustle Butter is one of the tattoo artist’s favorite aftercare products. One of its main ingredients is coconut oil. It’s blended with shea, aloe, and mango butter, green tea, and other natural extracts.
It’s an excellent moisturizer that accelerates healing. Happily, it’s formulated with vegan components and does not contain petroleum or parabens.
We hope our article about the pros and cons of putting coconut oil on tattoos helped you to make up your mind. Let us know if you have other questions about giving or getting a tattoo by leaving us a comment below.
Source:
1. https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2014-05/treatment-dermal-infections-topical-coconut-oil Treatment of Dermal Infections With Topical Coconut Oil: A review of efficacy and safety of Cocos nucifera L. in treating skin infections, by Lindsey K. Elmore, PharmD, BCPS, Gwen Nance, Samantha Singleton, and Luke Lorenz, published May 2014 Vol. 6 Issue 5, accessed March 8, 2021