Tattoo Aftercare

Your tattoo is an open wound and taking care of it properly is the key to keeping it bold, clean, and sharp for life. Follow these steps carefully and don’t rush the healing process.

First 24 Hours

  • Leave your bandage or wrap on for the time advised by your artist

  • Wash your hands before touching your tattoo

  • Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap

  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel—do not rub

  • Apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare ointment

Days 2–14

  • Wash your tattoo 2–3 times daily

  • Apply a light layer of unscented moisturizer as needed

  • Expect peeling, flaking, and itching—this is normal

  • Do not pick or scratch the tattoo

  • Wear clean, loose clothing over the area

What to Avoid

  • Submerging your tattoo in water (baths, pools, oceans, hot tubs)

  • Direct sunlight and tanning beds

  • Heavy sweating and friction/ going to the gym.

  • Tight clothing over the tattoo

  • Picking scabs or peeling skin

Healing Timeline

  • Days 3–7: Peeling and itching begin

  • Weeks 2–4: Surface healing continues

  • 1–2 months: Deeper layers finish healing

  • 3 months+: Tattoo fully settles into the skin

Every body heals differently. Slight redness and soreness are normal, but excessive swelling, heat, pus, or spreading redness are not—contact your artist or a medical professional if something feels off.

Long-Term Care

  • Keep your tattoo moisturized

  • Use sunscreen once healed to prevent fading

  • Healthy skin = better ink

  • Some artists offer free tattoo touch ups in 6 months — ask your artist if you think you need a touch up.

Questions?

If you’re unsure about anything during healing, reach out to us.

We’d rather answer a question than see a tattoo heal poorly.

    1. Petroleum Jelly / Aquaphor / Vaseline – Traps bacteria and prevents the skin from breathing, which can cause clogged pores and slow healing.

    2. Fragranced Lotions / Perfumed Creams – Fragrances and dyes can irritate the skin and trigger allergic reactions.

    3. Alcohol-based Products (e.g., rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizers) – Extremely drying and can damage tattooed skin.

    4. Hydrogen Peroxide – Kills skin cells and can lighten or damage ink.

    5. Astringents / Toners – Contain harsh chemicals that dry out or irritate the tattoo.

    6. Exfoliating Scrubs / Harsh Soaps – Physical abrasion can remove scabs and ink.

    7. Neosporin or Antibiotic Ointments with Fragrance – Some contain additives that can cause irritation or rash. Plain, non-fragranced ointments are sometimes okay early on, but avoid long-term.

    8. Scented Soaps or Body Washes – Can irritate healing skin.

    9. Essential Oils (undiluted) – May cause burning or allergic reactions on fresh tattoos.

    10. Tanning Lotions / Sunblocks with Harsh Chemicals – Avoid direct sunlight and chemical blockers until healed; mineral-based SPF is safer later.