Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your tattoo heals well and maintains its quality. A tattoo is essentially an open wound, and taking care of it correctly will help prevent infection, irritation, and ink loss.

Follow these instructions carefully during the healing process.

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Immediately After Your Tattoo

Your tattoo will be covered with a bandage or protective wrap once the session is complete.

Leave the bandage on for 2–4 hours unless instructed otherwise. This protects the tattoo from bacteria and irritation while the skin begins to settle.

Once you remove the bandage, you may notice a small amount of ink, plasma, or blood. This is completely normal.

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First Cleaning

After removing the bandage:

    1.    Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.

    2.    Gently wash the tattoo using lukewarm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap.

    3.    Use your clean fingertips to lightly remove any dried blood, plasma, or ointment.

    4.    Rinse the tattoo thoroughly.

    5.    Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry.

Do not use washcloths, loofahs, or anything abrasive on the tattoo.

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Moisturizing

Once the tattoo is clean and dry, apply a very thin layer of recommended ointment or fragrance-free moisturizer.

The skin should look slightly hydrated but not greasy or suffocated.

Too much ointment can clog pores and slow the healing process.

Moisturize the tattoo 2–3 times per day or whenever it begins to feel dry.

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Daily Care During Healing

For the next 2–3 weeks, follow this routine:

• Wash the tattoo gently 1–2 times per day

• Apply a thin layer of moisturizer as needed

• Keep the tattoo clean and dry

• Wear loose clothing that does not rub the area

Avoid anything that could introduce bacteria or irritate the tattoo while it heals.

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What to Expect During Healing

Your tattoo will go through several normal healing stages:

Days 1–3:

The tattoo may appear bright, slightly swollen, and tender.

Days 4–10:

The tattoo will begin to peel and flake, similar to a mild sunburn.

Days 10–21:

The tattoo may appear slightly dull or cloudy as fresh skin forms over the ink.

Peeling, itching, and light flaking are all normal parts of the healing process.

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Do NOT Do the Following

During the healing process, avoid:

• Scratching or picking at the tattoo

• Pulling off peeling skin

• Soaking the tattoo in water

• Swimming (pools, lakes, oceans, hot tubs)

• Direct sun exposure

• Heavy friction from tight clothing

• Applying scented lotions or harsh products

Picking or scratching can remove ink and damage the tattoo.

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Showering

You may shower normally, but avoid long or hot showers.

When showering:

    •    Do not let high-pressure water hit the tattoo directly

    •    Do not scrub the area

    •    Pat the tattoo dry instead of rubbing

Avoid baths until the tattoo is fully healed.

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Exercise and Physical Activity

Light activity is usually fine, but avoid heavy workouts for the first few days, especially if the tattoo is in an area that stretches or rubs.

Excessive sweating, friction, and bacteria from gym equipment can irritate a healing tattoo.

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Sun Exposure

Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight while healing.

Once the tattoo is fully healed, apply sunscreen to help prevent fading and keep the tattoo looking vibrant.

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When to Contact Your Tattoo Artist or a Doctor

Mild redness, swelling, and tenderness are normal during the first few days. However, you should seek medical advice if you notice:

• Severe swelling or pain

• Excessive redness spreading outward

• Thick yellow or green discharge

• Fever or chills

These symptoms may indicate infection and should be evaluated by a medical professional.

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Healing Time

Most tattoos heal on the surface within 2–3 weeks, but deeper layers of skin can take 4–6 weeks to fully recover.

Taking care of your tattoo during this time helps ensure the best possible result.

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If you’d like, I can also help you add a short “Quick Aftercare Version” (like 5 bullet steps) that sits at the top of the page. A lot of studios do that because clients skim instructions and it helps them remember the essentials.

Your Questions, Answered

  • Yes, getting a tattoo does involve some level of discomfort because the tattoo machine repeatedly punctures the skin with needles to deposit ink. However, most people describe the sensation as tolerable. Pain levels vary depending on the placement of the tattoo, the individual’s pain tolerance, and the length of the session. Areas with thinner skin or more nerve endings—such as ribs, feet, hands, or the spine—tend to be more sensitive, while areas with more muscle or fat—like the upper arm, thigh, or calf—are typically less painful.

    Many clients find that the anticipation is worse than the actual experience. Staying hydrated, eating beforehand, and getting a good night’s sleep can help make the session more comfortable.

  • Most tattoos go through an initial healing phase that lasts about 3 - 4 weeks. During this time the tattoo may peel, flake, and feel itchy as the top layer of skin heals. However, complete healing of the deeper layers of skin can take 8 - 12 weeks or longer depending on the size and placement of the tattoo.

    Proper aftercare during the healing process is important to ensure the tattoo heals cleanly and retains its detail and color.

  • • Keep the tattoo clean

    • Wash gently with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water

    • Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel

    • Apply a thin layer of recommended ointment or fragrance-free moisturizer

    • Avoid soaking the tattoo in water

    • Do not pick or scratch peeling skin

    It is important to keep the tattoo moisturized but not over-saturated. Over-applying ointment can prevent the skin from breathing and may slow the healing process.

  • You can usually shower the same day or the next day after getting a tattoo. However, you should avoid soaking the tattoo or exposing it to direct, high-pressure water.

    When showering:

        •    Keep the water lukewarm rather than hot

        •    Do not scrub the tattoo

        •    Use antibacterial soap

        •    Pat the tattoo dry instead of rubbing

    Long baths, swimming, hot tubs, and saunas should be avoided until the tattoo is fully healed. Excess moisture can cause an infection

  • You should avoid swimming until your tattoo is fully healed, which is typically about 3–4 weeks depending on the tattoo and your healing process.

    Submerging a healing tattoo in water (pools, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, or baths) increases the risk of infection and can cause ink loss or irritation. Chlorine, bacteria, and prolonged moisture can interfere with proper healing.

  • Light activity is usually fine, but intense workouts should be avoided for a few days after getting a tattoo, especially if the tattoo is in an area that will stretch, rub, or sweat heavily.

    Excessive sweating, friction from clothing, and bacteria from gym equipment can irritate a fresh tattoo and slow healing. Once the initial healing phase has passed and the skin has closed, you can gradually return to normal workouts.

  • Yes. Itching is very common during the healing process, especially when the tattoo begins to dry and peel.

    To manage itching:

    • Keep the tattoo lightly moisturized

    • Gently pat the area instead of scratching

    • Avoid tight clothing that may irritate the tattoo

    Scratching or picking can damage the tattoo and increase the risk of infection.

  • Peeling is a completely normal part of the tattoo healing process. As the outer layer of damaged skin heals, it naturally flakes away—similar to a mild sunburn.

    During this stage, the tattoo may appear dull or cloudy before the fresh skin settles. It is important not to pick, scratch, or peel the skin, as doing so can pull ink from the tattoo and affect the final result.

    Keeping the tattoo lightly moisturized can help reduce itching and support healthy healing.

  • All tattoos will gradually fade over time due to natural skin aging, sun exposure, and environmental factors. However, proper care can significantly slow the fading process.

    To keep tattoos looking their best:

    • Avoid excessive sun exposure during healing

    • Apply sunscreen to healed tattoos when outdoors

    • Keep the skin moisturized

    • Maintain a healthy skincare routine

    Many tattoos benefit from a small touch-up after healing, especially in areas that experience frequent friction.

  • Some redness, tenderness, and swelling are normal for the first few days after getting a tattoo. However, signs of infection may include:

    • Increasing redness or swelling after several days

    • Excessive warmth around the tattoo

    • Pus or unusual discharge

    • Severe pain

    • Fever or chills

    If you suspect your tattoo may be infected, please reach out to me including a picture. Some infections may require a medical consultant.