Tattoo Aftercare Guide

⚠️ Critical: Follow These Instructions Exactly

Proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing. Your tattoo is an open wound for the first few days. Following these instructions will prevent infection, preserve color quality, and ensure your tattoo heals beautifully.

We are not responsible for healing complications caused by improper aftercare. If you experience severe redness, excessive swelling, pus, or fever, contact a medical professional immediately.

🕐 Healing Timeline

First 2-3 Hours (Bandage On)

Leave the protective bandage on for at least 2-3 hours (or as instructed by your artist). This protects your fresh tattoo from bacteria and external contaminants.

Do NOT remove the bandage early
Keep the bandage clean and dry
Avoid touching or pressing on the bandage

Day 1 (First Wash)

After 2-3 hours, remove bandage and wash your tattoo:

Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap
Gently remove bandage (if stuck, wet with warm water)
Wash tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap
Pat dry with clean paper towel (not cloth towel)
Apply thin layer of recommended aftercare ointment
Do NOT re-bandage (let it breathe)

Days 2-7 (Initial Healing)

Wash 2-3 times daily and apply thin ointment layer:

Tattoo may feel hot, swollen, tender (normal)
Excess ink and plasma will seep out (normal)
Keep tattoo clean and moisturized
Do NOT scratch, pick, or peel any scabs
Avoid soaking (no swimming, baths, hot tubs)
Wear loose, breathable clothing

Days 8-14 (Peeling Phase)

Tattoo will begin peeling like a sunburn:

Peeling and flaking is completely normal
Do NOT pick or peel the skin manually
Continue washing 2x daily
Switch from ointment to fragrance-free lotion
Moisturize whenever tattoo feels dry or tight
Colors may look dull (will brighten after healing)

Days 15-30 (Complete Healing)

Tattoo surface heals but deep layers still healing:

Reduce washing to 1x daily
Continue moisturizing 2-3x daily
Tattoo should no longer peel or scab
Colors will return to full vibrancy
Deep skin layers continue healing for 2-3 months

✅ DO's - What You SHOULD Do

✓ Wash hands before touching tattoo
✓ Keep tattoo clean and moisturized
✓ Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products
✓ Pat dry with clean paper towels
✓ Wear loose, breathable clothing
✓ Sleep on clean sheets
✓ Apply sunscreen (SPF 50+) after healing
✓ Stay hydrated and eat healthy
✓ Contact us if you have concerns

❌ DON'Ts - What You MUST AVOID

✗ Do NOT scratch, pick, or peel your tattoo
✗ Do NOT soak in water (no swimming, baths, hot tubs, saunas)
✗ Do NOT expose to direct sunlight for 4 weeks
✗ Do NOT use scented lotions, petroleum jelly, or Vaseline
✗ Do NOT wear tight or restrictive clothing
✗ Do NOT use cloth towels (bacteria risk)
✗ Do NOT apply too much ointment (causes suffocation)
✗ Do NOT workout intensely for first 3-5 days
✗ Do NOT drink alcohol for 24 hours after tattoo
✗ Do NOT let pets lick or touch your tattoo

🧴 Recommended Aftercare Products

Washing (Days 1-30)

Recommended: Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Neutrogena Fragrance-Free Soap
Any fragrance-free antibacterial soap

Avoid: Scented soaps, body wash with exfoliants, bar soap shared with others

Ointment (Days 1-10)

Recommended: Bepanthen (Nappy Rash Cream)
Hustle Butter
After Inked Tattoo Aftercare
Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Avoid: Petroleum jelly (Vaseline), scented products, triple antibiotic ointment

Lotion (Days 10-30)

Recommended: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Eucerin Original Healing Lotion
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
Any fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lotion

Avoid: Scented lotions, lotions with alcohol, body butters

⚠️ Signs of Infection

Seek Medical Attention Immediately If You Experience:

Severe redness that spreads beyond tattoo area
Excessive swelling that worsens after 48 hours
Pus or yellow/green discharge with foul odor
Red streaks extending from tattoo
Fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher)
Intense pain that increases rather than decreases
Chills or feeling unwell

Normal healing symptoms: Mild redness, slight swelling, tenderness, itching (days 5-10), peeling, light scabbing

☀️ Sun Protection

Protecting Your Tattoo from Sun Damage

First 4 weeks: Keep tattoo completely covered or out of direct sunlight. UV exposure can fade colors and damage healing skin.

After healing (forever): Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen to your tattoo whenever exposed to sun. UV rays cause fading over time.

Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours
Use mineral-based sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide)
Cover with clothing when possible
Avoid tanning beds (accelerate fading)

🏋️ Exercise & Activities

Activity Restrictions During Healing

Days 1-3: Avoid intense workouts (sweat irritates healing skin)
Days 4-7: Light exercise okay (keep tattoo clean immediately after)
Days 8-14: Resume normal exercise (avoid activities that stretch/rub tattoo)
Swimming: Wait minimum 2 weeks (ideally 4 weeks)
Contact sports: Wait until fully healed (3-4 weeks)
Gym equipment: Use barrier between tattoo and equipment

💧 Water Exposure

Water Safety Rules

Quick showers are fine - but avoid direct water pressure on tattoo for first week.

AVOID for 2-4 weeks:

Swimming pools (chlorine damages healing skin)
Hot tubs / Jacuzzis (bacteria breeding grounds)
Ocean / lakes / rivers (contaminated water)
Baths (soaking softens scabs and pulls ink)
Saunas / steam rooms (excessive moisture)

🛏️ Sleeping with a New Tattoo

Sleep Tips for Optimal Healing

First night: Keep bandage on if advised by artist
Use old/dark sheets (ink and ointment may transfer)
Try to avoid sleeping directly on tattoo
If tattoo sticks to sheets, wet with water (don't pull)
Wash sheets every 2-3 days during healing
Elevate tattooed area if possible (reduces swelling)

🎨 Touch-Ups & Long-Term Care

Maintaining Your Tattoo Long-Term

Free touch-ups within 6 months: Minor fading or missing spots can be touched up at no charge if proper aftercare was followed.

Lifetime care:

Always use sunscreen on tattoos (SPF 50+)
Keep skin moisturized
Stay hydrated (healthy skin = vibrant tattoos)
Avoid tanning beds and prolonged sun exposure
Touch-ups every 5-10 years maintain vibrancy

📞 Questions or Concerns?

📋 Quick Reference Checklist

Print this or save to your phone:

✓ Leave bandage on 2-3 hours
✓ Wash 2-3x daily with antibacterial soap
✓ Apply thin layer of ointment (Days 1-10)
✓ Switch to fragrance-free lotion (Days 10-30)
✓ Do NOT scratch, pick, or peel
✓ No swimming for 2-4 weeks
✓ No direct sunlight for 4 weeks
✓ Use SPF 50+ sunscreen after healing