Tattoo After-Care Guide
Why Tattoo Aftercare Matters
Your new tattoo is a work of art – and like any masterpiece, it needs proper care to keep it looking its best.
We want to ensure that your tattoo heals beautifully and safely, which is why following the aftercare steps outlined below is essential. Healing times can vary, but with the right care, you can prevent infections, ensure longevity, and maintain the vibrancy of your tattoo for years to come.
Why Tattoo Aftercare Matters
Your new tattoo is a work of art – and like any masterpiece, it needs proper care to keep it looking its best.
We want to ensure that your tattoo heals beautifully and safely, which is why following the aftercare steps outlined below is essential. Healing times can vary, but with the right care, you can prevent infections, ensure longevity, and maintain the vibrancy of your tattoo for years to come.
Leave the Bandage On: After your tattoo is finished, the artist will cover it with a sterile bandage or wrap. Leave this on for at least 2-4 hours to protect the area from bacteria.
Gently Wash Your Tattoo: Once the bandage is removed, wash your hands first, then gently clean your tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Use your fingers, not a cloth, to clean the area.
Pat Dry: After washing, gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Avoid rubbing as this can irritate the skin.
Immediate Aftercare (First 24 Hours)
Immediate Aftercare (First 24 Hours)
Leave the Bandage On: After your tattoo is finished, the artist will cover it with a sterile bandage or wrap. Leave this on for at least 2-4 hours to protect the area from bacteria.
Gently Wash Your Tattoo: Once the bandage is removed, wash your hands first, then gently clean your tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Use your fingers, not a cloth, to clean the area.
Pat Dry: After washing, gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Avoid rubbing as this can irritate the skin.
Ongoing Aftercare (Days 2-14)
Moisturize Regularly: Apply a thin layer of unscented, tattoo-friendly ointment or lotion (such as Aquaphor or Tattoo Goo) 2-3 times a day. Do not over-apply, as too much moisture can hinder healing.
Avoid Submerging in Water: Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and baths for at least two weeks. Showering is fine, but do not soak the tattoo.
Wear Loose Clothing: Keep your tattoo exposed to the air as much as possible. When wearing clothing over the tattoo, choose loose-fitting fabrics to avoid irritation.
No Scratching or Picking: As your tattoo heals, it may scab or peel. This is normal, but resist the urge to scratch or pick at the area, as this can cause scarring or loss of color.
Ongoing Aftercare (Days 2-14)
Moisturize Regularly: Apply a thin layer of unscented, tattoo-friendly ointment or lotion (such as Aquaphor or Tattoo Goo) 2-3 times a day. Do not over-apply, as too much moisture can hinder healing.
Avoid Submerging in Water: Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and baths for at least two weeks. Showering is fine, but do not soak the tattoo.
Wear Loose Clothing: Keep your tattoo exposed to the air as much as possible. When wearing clothing over the tattoo, choose loose-fitting fabrics to avoid irritation.
No Scratching or Picking: As your tattoo heals, it may scab or peel. This is normal, but resist the urge to scratch or pick at the area, as this can cause scarring or loss of color.
Sun Protection is Key: Once your tattoo is fully healed, apply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 whenever your tattoo is exposed to the sun. This will protect your tattoo’s vibrancy and prevent fading.
Stay Hydrated & Healthy: Keeping your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a good moisturizer will keep your tattoo looking its best over time.
Periodic Touch-ups: Depending on the location and design of your tattoo, touch-ups may be needed after several years. Our artists offer free or discounted touch-up sessions within the first year if needed.
Long-Term Care (After 2 Weeks)
Long-Term Care (After 2 Weeks)
Sun Protection is Key: Once your tattoo is fully healed, apply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 whenever your tattoo is exposed to the sun. This will protect your tattoo’s vibrancy and prevent fading.
Stay Hydrated & Healthy: Keeping your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a good moisturizer will keep your tattoo looking its best over time.
Periodic Touch-ups: Depending on the location and design of your tattoo, touch-ups may be needed after several years. Our artists offer free or discounted touch-up sessions within the first year if needed.
What to Avoid
Avoid Heavy Workouts: For the first week, avoid excessive sweating or activities that stretch the tattooed area.
No Harsh Products: Stay away from scented lotions, alcohol-based products, and scrubs. These can irritate your healing skin and affect your tattoo’s appearance.
Skip Tight Bandages or Wraps: Once you remove the initial wrap, do not re-bandage or cover your tattoo. It needs air to heal properly.
What to Avoid
Avoid Heavy Workouts: For the first week, avoid excessive sweating or activities that stretch the tattooed area.
No Harsh Products: Stay away from scented lotions, alcohol-based products, and scrubs. These can irritate your healing skin and affect your tattoo’s appearance.
Skip Tight Bandages or Wraps: Once you remove the initial wrap, do not re-bandage or cover your tattoo. It needs air to heal properly.
Excessive Redness or Swelling: Some redness is normal, but if it persists for more than a few days, there may be an issue.
Infection: Signs of infection include pus, extreme pain, or fever. Please call your healthcare provider if you suspect an infection.
Allergic Reactions: Although uncommon, some people may experience an allergic reaction to tattoo ink, which can cause redness, itching, or swelling around the tattoo.
Signs of a Problem
While complications are rare, it’s important to be aware of any unusual signs during the healing process. If you experience any of the following, contact us or seek medical attention:
Signs of a Problem
While complications are rare, it’s important to be aware of any unusual signs during the healing process. If you experience any of the following, contact us or seek medical attention:
Excessive Redness or Swelling: Some redness is normal, but if it persists for more than a few days, there may be an issue.
Infection: Signs of infection include pus, extreme pain, or fever. Please call your healthcare provider if you suspect an infection.
Allergic Reactions: Although uncommon, some people may experience an allergic reaction to tattoo ink, which can cause redness, itching, or swelling around the tattoo.
Contact Us for Questions
We’re here to ensure your tattoo looks as amazing as possible and heals properly. If you have any concerns or questions about your aftercare, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our artists are happy to help guide you through the process to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Contact Us for Questions
We’re here to ensure your tattoo looks as amazing as possible and heals properly. If you have any concerns or questions about your aftercare, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our artists are happy to help guide you through the process to make sure everything goes smoothly.
