Tattoo Aftercare
Your tattoo is only as good as how you take care of it. Follow these steps to protect your investment.
What to Do & When
The First 24 Hours
Your artist will cover your fresh tattoo with a bandage or second-skin wrap before you leave. Leave it on.
- If your artist used a second-skin (e.g. saniderm) wrap, leave it on for 3–5 days. You may see fluid and ink collect underneath — this is normal.
- If your artist used a traditional bandage, leave it on for 2–4 hours, then remove it carefully and wash the tattoo.
- Wash with clean hands using an anti-bacterial fragrance-free (Dial anti-bacterial unscented is recommended). Use lukewarm water — not hot.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.
- Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion or unscented tattoo balm. Less is more — don't smother it.
Days 2 – 7: The Peeling Stage
Your skin will begin to peel, flake, and possibly itch. This is completely normal — it means it's healing.
- Wash the tattoo 2–3 times a day with mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or tattoo balm after each wash and whenever the skin feels tight or dry.
- Do not pick, scratch, or peel the flaking skin. Let it fall off naturally.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo. Tight fabric can irritate healing skin and pull off flakes prematurely.
- Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight.
Weeks 2 – 4: Surface Healed
The outer layer of skin will look healed, but deeper layers are still regenerating. Keep up the routine.
- Continue moisturizing daily with an unscented lotion.
- The tattoo may look slightly cloudy or dull — this is normal and will clear as the skin fully settles.
- You can now shower normally, but avoid soaking (baths, pools, hot tubs, ocean) for at least 3–4 weeks.
- If going outside, apply SPF 30+ sunscreen over the tattoo once it has fully peeled.
Long-Term Care
A healed tattoo still needs ongoing attention to keep it looking sharp for years.
- Sunscreen is your tattoo's best friend. UV exposure is the number one cause of fading. Use SPF 30–50 any time the tattoo will be in the sun.
- Keep skin moisturized year-round — dry skin makes tattoos look dull and aged.
- Maintain a healthy weight where possible; significant weight fluctuations can stretch and distort tattooed skin over time.
- Touch-ups within the first 3 months are on us. After that point, reach out and we'll quote you fairly.
What to Avoid While Healing
- No swimming don't go into pools, oceans, lakes, and hot tubs. They are breeding grounds for bacteria. Stay out for at least 3–4 weeks.
- No direct sun exposure on the fresh tattoo, UV light breaks down ink and slows healing.
- No picking or scratching. If it itches, gently tap the area. Never drag your nails over it.
- No petroleum-based products (e.g. Vaseline, Aquaphor in large amounts). They suffocate the skin.
- No heavily scented lotions or soaps. Fragrances can irritate healing tissue.
- No working out heavily for the first few days if the tattoo is in an area that stretches or sweats significantly.
- No shaving over the tattoo until fully healed.
Signs of Infection
Mild redness and swelling in the first 48 hours is normal. The following signs are not, and warrant medical attention:
- Redness that spreads beyond the tattoo edge and doesn't improve after 2–3 days
- Swelling that increases rather than decreasing after the first day
- Yellow or green discharge (not the clear plasma that is normal in the first hours)
- A hot-to-the-touch area that feels increasingly painful
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
- Red streaks radiating from the tattoo
We stock a curated selection of aftercare products in-studio including unscented soap, tattoo balm, and SPF lotion. Ask your artist at the end of your session.
We stand behind our work. Any touch-ups needed within the first 3 months of your appointment are complimentary — just get in touch to book a slot.
If something doesn't look or feel right during healing, reach out. Call or email us and we'll help you figure out what's going on.
(512) 300-0311