Day 1: Right After Your Tattoo
Your artist will wrap your tattoo before you leave the studio. That wrap is there to protect your fresh ink from bacteria and irritation.
When you get home:
- Keep the wrap on for about 2–4 hours (or as your artist recommends).
- Wash your hands before touching your tattoo — always.
- Gently remove the wrap and wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented antibacterial soap.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel — don’t rub.
- Let it breathe for 20–30 minutes before applying a very thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer or healing ointment (Aquaphor preferred).
Your tattoo will feel warm and tender — that’s normal. It’s basically an open wound that needs care and patience.
Days 2–5: Early Healing Stage
You’ll notice a thin layer or light scabbing start to form — don’t panic. That’s your body sealing the ink.
What to do:
- Wash your tattoo gently 2–3 times per day with mild antibacterial soap and water.
- Apply a very thin layer of aftercare ointment each time — more is not better. Go very thin with the ointment.
- Keep your tattoo clean and dry, but don’t let it dry out completely.
What not to do:
- Don’t pick or scratch any flakes.
- Don’t soak your tattoo in water — no swimming, hot tubs, or baths.
- Don’t expose it to direct sunlight.
Your tattoo might itch a bit — that’s a good sign of healing. Just tap it gently instead of scratching.
Days 6–14: Peeling and Itching
This is where people get nervous, but it’s all part of the process. Your tattoo may start to peel and flake like a light sunburn. The colors might look dull — don’t worry, that’s just the healing layer.
Keep doing:
- Wash and moisturize lightly each day. No more Aquaphor at this point. Switch to a fragrance-free hand lotion (Lubriderm or similar).
- Wear loose, clean clothing over the tattoo.
- Avoid tight sleeves, jeans, or anything rubbing against the area.
Once peeling stops, your tattoo will start to “settle in.” The brightness will return as the new skin forms. It may have a shiny haze for a while until your skin cells reproduce.
Weeks 3–4: Fully Healed Skin
By now, your tattoo should feel smooth and normal again. The surface will be healed, but deeper layers of skin are still strengthening around the ink.
Keep your tattoo looking fresh:
- Keep moisturizing daily — it helps your colors stay bright.
- Always apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) before sun exposure. UV rays are your tattoo’s worst enemy.
- Avoid tanning beds or harsh exfoliants on the area.
If you ever notice anything unusual (redness that worsens, heavy scabbing, or discharge), reach out to your artist. Sometimes irritation just means your skin needs a little extra care.
Final Advice from Your Artist
Every tattoo and every person heals differently. Listen to your body and follow these steps — you’ll get the best results possible. Remember, your tattoo is a collaboration between you and your artist. We put in the time to make it perfect; now it’s your turn to help it heal perfectly.
If you have any questions or something doesn’t seem right, call the studio — we’re here to help. We’d rather walk you through aftercare than have you guessing or googling. Feel free to call and ask us any time!
