Your tattoo is fresh art and fresh skin. Follow these instructions to keep it clean, calm, protected, and healing beautifully.
Proper aftercare helps protect your tattoo, reduce irritation, and preserve the final result. Healing times vary, but clean skin, light moisture, and patience go a long way.
Leave your bandage on for the amount of time your artist recommends. For a standard bandage, this is usually about 1–2 hours. If your artist used a second-skin style bandage, follow the specific instructions given to you.
Wash your hands first. Then gently wash the tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Do not scrub. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and let it air dry for a few minutes.
Apply a very thin layer of recommended ointment or tattoo aftercare product. Use only enough to lightly moisturize the tattoo. It should not look greasy or feel sticky.
Everyone heals differently. These are general guidelines, but your artist’s instructions should always come first.
Wash the tattoo 2–3 times per day or as directed by your artist. After washing and drying, apply a thin layer of recommended ointment or tattoo aftercare product. Avoid over-moisturizing.
After the first few days, switch to a fragrance-free lotion such as Lubriderm, Curel, Eucerin, or another unscented moisturizer. Continue moisturizing lightly until the tattoo is fully healed.
Tenderness, tightness, itching, flaking, and light scabbing can be normal. Do not pick, scratch, or peel the tattoo. Let flakes and scabs fall off naturally to protect the ink and skin.
Some redness, swelling, tenderness, itching, and flaking can be normal. However, certain symptoms can be signs that your tattoo needs medical attention.
These are the questions clients usually ask after leaving the studio.
Yes. Short showers are fine. Avoid soaking the tattoo and avoid long, hot showers. Gently wash, rinse, pat dry, and moisturize lightly after it dries.
Do not swim while your tattoo is healing. Avoid pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs, baths, and saunas for at least two weeks or until fully healed.
Yes. Itching is common during healing. Do not scratch or pick. Lightly moisturize if the tattoo feels dry or tight.
Use the product recommended by your artist. In general, use a mild fragrance-free soap and a fragrance-free moisturizer. Avoid scented products until the tattoo is fully healed.
Do not put sunscreen on a tattoo that is still healing. Once fully healed, use sunscreen when your tattoo will be exposed to the sun to help protect it from fading.
If something feels off or you are unsure about your healing process, reach out to the studio. For signs of infection or serious symptoms, contact a medical professional.