Witch hazel is touted as a beneficial ingredient for skin care, but when it comes to newly-inked tattoos, caution is advised.
Although it possesses astringent properties that can cleanse the skin and reduce inflammation, these same properties can also be too harsh for the sensitive healing process of a tattoo.
Witch hazel’s drying effect might interfere with the skin’s natural recovery, potentially leading to fading or distorting the fresh tattoo ink.
Therefore, while witch hazel can be beneficial for general skin care, its application on fresh tattoos should be approached with caution and ideally, after consulting with a professional tattoo artist or dermatologist.
Let’s dive into:
What is Witch Hazel?
Witch hazel is a plant native to North America, known for its slender branches and distinctive yellow blooms.
Traditionally, Native Americans extracted a solution from its bark and leaves for its remarkable healing properties.
In skincare, witch hazel has been utilized for centuries to soothe inflammation, reduce skin irritation, and enhance skin tone.
Its natural astringent properties make it a key ingredient in toners and cleansers, aiding in the reduction of acne and blemishes by tightening pores and calming skin.
Composition and Properties of Witch Hazel
Witch hazel contains tannins, flavonoids, and gallic acid, along with several other organic components that are beneficial for the skin.
These include catechins, proanthocyanidins, and essential oils. Catechins and proanthocyanidins are potent antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental stressors, reducing the signs of aging and promoting a more youthful appearance.
Essential oils found in witch hazel, such as eucalyptol and hexanol, provide soothing and cooling effects on the skin, further enhancing its anti-inflammatory properties.
These ingredients collectively contribute to witch hazel’s efficacy as a natural remedy for acne, eczema, and other skin conditions by reducing inflammation, fighting bacterial infections, and supporting the skin’s healing process.
Benefits of Witch Hazel for Tattoos
There are several benefits to using Witch Hazel for tattoos but here we are going to discuss the basic three benefits.
1. Helps During the Tattooing Process
Witch hazel’s antibacterial properties combat harmful bacteria, and significantly lower the infection risks during and after the tattooing process.
Its astringent characteristics constrict skin tissue, which helps to reduce bleeding.
This dual action not only ensures a safer tattooing environment but also provides a clearer canvas for artists, to allow them for more precise work.
2. Tattoo Aftercare
Witch hazel’s effectiveness in soothing irritation and reducing redness in new tattoos is primarily attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties.
When applied to the skin, it helps alleviate the inflammation common in the early stages of tattoo healing.
This is due to the presence of tannins in witch hazel, which have astringent effects that can minimize swelling and promote faster recovery.
3. Tattoo Ink Maintenance
Witch hazel, when applied to old tattoos, acts as a natural astringent that helps to rejuvenate the skin’s surface, thereby enhancing the appearance of the tattoo’s ink.
Its unique properties not only aid in the gentle cleansing of the skin but also in tightening the skin’s pores.
This process can indirectly cause the tattoo’s colors to appear more vibrant and defined.
Furthermore, due to its mild nature, witch hazel serves as an effective carrier for pigments when used in the tattooing process, facilitating the smoother application of new ink over old tattoos.
This can lead to a significant improvement in the overall look of the tattoo, making the colors appear as fresh and vivid as they were initially.
Myths About Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is often misunderstood within the tattoo community, especially regarding its effects on ink and skin.
Although it’s a common practice for artists to use witch hazel for wiping excess ink during the tattoo procedure and even for diluting the ink itself, this does not contribute to fading of the tattoo over time.
Its role is purely for skin cleansing and minor irritation reduction. Witch hazel lacks any chemical properties that would directly lead to the bleaching or fading of tattoo ink once it has been set into the skin.
Therefore, the belief that it might cause tattoos to fade is not supported by its actual application or composition.
FAQs
What does witch hazel do to tattoo ink?
Witch hazel is commonly used during the tattooing process as an astringent to clean the skin and reduce bleeding.
It tightens the skin, making it easier for the artist to work. However, witch hazel does not directly affect tattoo ink once it’s under the skin.
Its primary role is to prepare and soothe the skin surface without altering the integrity or color of the tattoo ink.
Can I clean new tattoo with witch hazel?
Witch hazel is generally safe for use on new tattoos but should be used with caution.
It is a natural astringent that can reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. However, its alcohol content might be too harsh for sensitive skin or fresh tattoos, potentially causing drying and irritation.
For cleaning a new tattoo, it’s important to primarily follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions.
Can you use witch hazel to mix tattoo ink?
Yes, witch hazel can be used to mix tattoo ink. It serves as a natural astringent, which helps in reducing skin irritation during the tattooing process.
Using witch hazel as a mixing solution can also aid in the dilution of the ink to achieve varying shades and consistencies, depending on the artist’s requirements.