Aftercare, or taking care of your healing tattoo, is a critical step to ensuring a beautiful, long-lasting tattoo. Considerate aftercare ensures you get your money’s worth.

Every tattoo is different, so it’s important to confirm an aftercare plan with the artist even if you’ve healed tattoos before.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns. Above all else, trust your body. Enjoy your new tattoo!

Tattoos are essentially the healed product of an artfully crafted wound. Tattoos last for a lifetime because the needle deposits ink into the dermis, or the second layer of skin. While the first layer of skin (the epidermis) scabs over and heals, the ink gets trapped under the new skin, leaving you with a freshly healed tattoo.

This kind of wound, in which the first layer of skin heals to reveal the tattoo underneath, requires extra consideration in the first few months while the tattoo is still vulnerable to infection, submersion and sunburn.

It’s important to remember that tattoos can become infected when exposed to bacteria. To prevent infection, avoid the use of public gym equipment and submerging the tattoo in a bath, pool, hottub, saltwater or lake. Avoid intense exercise or other sweaty activities. Avoid pet contact with the tattoo. Keep your tattoo clean and dry, and aways wash your hands before handling your fresh tattoo. Use fresh bedsheets and clean clothes. Avoid tight, synthetic fabrics and any materials you are sensitive or allergic to. Do not pick, scratch, or shave the healing tattoo. Avoid tanning and sun exposure to the tattooed area. Sunscreen can be used after the tattoo has completely scabbed and healed (typically 2-3 weeks).

A helpful article on identifying allergic reactions and infections: How to Identify and Treat a Tattoo Allergy

Day 1 - 4: Vulnerable Phase

Your skin may be red and/or inflamed for the first few hours. Once the inflammation calms down, the tattoo will start to look darker and richer. With heavier pieces, the tattoo may be “juicy” under the bandage. This looks like ink mixed with blood and plasma. The bandage provides some protection against moisture and UV exposure, but avoid intense workouts and/or other sweaty activities as well as animals around the tattooed area.

- Wear the bandage for 3-4 days
- After 3-4 days, remove the bandage slowly and gently, peeling the bandage down and away from you
- Wash the tattoo immediately with warm water and gentle, neutral soap
- Pat to dry with a paper towel or clean, soft towel
- Let the tattoo breathe for 5-10 minutes, then apply a thin layer (like buttered toast, not a bagel schmear) of neutral, unscented lotion
- Keep your tattoo clean and hydrated, apply lotion 2-3 times a day for the first two weeks
- Remain “hands off” and don’t fuss with your tattoo
- Contact your artist immediately with any questions/concerns about your tattoo’s healing

Day 4 - 14: Scabby Phase

Your tattooed skin may start to look dry and peel. This is the body healing itself and turning over a new layer of skin on the outermost layer. Do not scratch or pick at the skin that is peeling or scabbing. Scratching risks damaging the actual tattoo in the dermis. Body hair will start to grow back around and under the tattoo, contributing to itch or discomfort. Continue to apply a thin layer of healing ointment or lotion to reduce discomfort. You can gently pat the tattoo to relieve the itchiness. Use fresh bedsheets and wear loose, breathable clothing while sleeping.

Day 14 - 3 months: Settled Phase

Your tattoo will be mostly settled in by Day 14. Keep the tattoo gently hydrated and continue to avoid submerging the tattoo in water, exposure to dirt/sand/beaches, sun exposure, and fabrics/products you may be sensitive to. By 3-6 months your tattoo will be fully healed. Any necessary touch ups should be scheduled between 3-6 months so that both tattoo sessions can blend seamlessly on your skin.