After Care
AFTER CARE
Your go-to guide for tattoo aftercare
Getting a new tattoo is an exciting milestone—congrats! But now comes the real challenge (seriously, we’re not kidding). Once you walk out of the studio proudly displaying your fresh ink, it’s your job to take care of it so it heals properly and remains vibrant for years to come.
Tattoo aftercare might feel intimidating at first, which is why we’ve created a simple, step-by-step guide to help you through the healing process.
We’re always available if you need further tips or support. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns.
Keep in mind: proper healing is absolutely essential to preserving the beauty of your tattoo over time.
Important: The following aftercare instructions apply to the standard healing process without the use of a second skin. If your tattoo artist applied a second skin (a protective film), make sure to follow the specific instructions they provided instead.
Tattoo aftercare by day
Day 1: Freshly inked
During the first three days, your tattoo is essentially an open wound, so it’s crucial to treat it with care to avoid any risk of infection.
About 1–3 hours after your session, carefully remove the wrap your artist applied. It’s important to let your skin breathe.
Clean the tattoo gently using warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Afterwards, pat it dry using a clean paper towel—avoid rubbing.
Sometimes, your artist may suggest re-wrapping the tattoo, especially if you’ll be in a dusty or unhygienic environment, or if it’s on a body part that will constantly rub against your clothes or bedsheets.
Tattoo ink can leave stains on sheets and clothes, so be mindful. We recommend sleeping with clean bedding that you don’t mind potentially getting stained.
Day 2: Keep it clean
Always wash your healing tattoo using only your hands, and be sure to follow the instructions below for proper care.
Keep the tattoo area clean and dry at all times. Never soak it in water.
Gently wash the tattoo with a mild soap during your shower—no more than twice a day.
Avoid using hot water; instead, stick to cold or lukewarm water when cleaning the area.
Until the tattoo has fully healed, steer clear of baths, swimming pools, the ocean, or any situation where the tattoo could be submerged.
Try to limit sun exposure to the tattooed area, and avoid touching it unnecessarily to reduce the risk of irritation or infection.
Day 3: Feel calm with balm
At this stage, you can start moisturizing your tattoo. Always make sure your hands are thoroughly clean before washing or applying any balm to the area.
After each gentle cleaning, apply a thin, even layer of the balm recommended by your tattoo artist.
Avoid over-applying—there should be no thick or clumpy spots on your skin.
If you’re healing more than one tattoo, use separate containers of balm for each to prevent cross-contamination.
Every person’s skin heals at a different pace. If your skin feels particularly dry, it’s okay to moisturize more frequently.
Generally, applying balm 2–3 times a day is sufficient—especially once in the morning, once during the day, and again before bed.
Days 4-15: Rinse and repeat
Continue the same care routine as you did on day 3—gently clean your tattoo and apply a light layer of balm. For larger tattoos, the healing process might take a bit longer, sometimes needing an extra week of attention. Until the tattoo has fully scabbed and peeled, it remains vulnerable to bacteria and should be treated like an open wound. Stick closely to the aftercare instructions and try to avoid any unclean environments.
It’s normal to experience symptoms like swelling, itching, peeling, and slight oozing during healing. These are all part of your body’s natural recovery process.
Never scratch, rub, or pick at your tattoo, as this can damage the artwork and increase the risk of infection.
If you notice fluids like blood, clear plasma, lymphatic fluid, or ink seeping from the area, don’t panic—it means your body is healing. Use a clean paper towel to gently blot away any discharge.
Some people may experience what’s known as the “tattoo flu,” which can include mild flu-like symptoms for a few days. This is a common immune response and can be managed with rest and over-the-counter pain relief.
In the end, a few weeks of dedicated aftercare is a small price to pay for a lifetime of beautiful ink.
Done thinking?
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Whether you’re searching for the perfect tattoo shop for your first tattoo or would like to add a custom piece to your body, our talented team is ready to help.
