Tattoo Aftercare
Your artist's instructions always come first. If anything your artist tells you differs from this page, follow your artist. Ask us any time you're unsure, and see a doctor for signs of infection.
The first few hours
Your artist will bandage the fresh tattoo before you leave. Leave the covering on for the time your artist tells you (typically a few hours, or longer for a second-skin film). Wash your hands before you touch a healing tattoo.
Washing
- Gently remove the bandage and wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Use clean hands — no washcloths or loofahs.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Don't rub.
- Wash 2–3 times a day while it's healing.
Moisturizing
- Once dry, apply a very thin layer of a gentle, fragrance-free healing lotion or ointment.
- Thin is better — the skin needs to breathe. Too much product traps moisture.
- Keep it lightly moisturized for the first couple of weeks.
Healing timeline
The surface usually heals in about 2–3 weeks; deeper layers keep healing for a couple of months. Peeling and light flaking are normal — don't pick or scratch. Some cloudiness or shininess as it settles is normal too.
What to avoid while healing
- No soaking — skip baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean. Showers are fine.
- Keep it out of direct sun; use SPF on it once fully healed.
- Don't pick, scratch, or peel the flaking skin.
- Wear loose, clean clothing over the area.
When to call someone
A little redness and tenderness at first is normal. If you see spreading redness, swelling, heat, pus, or you run a fever, see a doctor. Questions about how it's healing? Message us or your artist any time.
Recommended aftercare products Coming soon
We're putting together our own recommended aftercare kit — including options like Mad Rabbit and Saniderm — with custom instructions from the shop. Check back soon.