Aftercare Instructions

To keep your new tattoo looking like you just walked out of the studio, proper aftercare is key. Healing takes about 3-4 weeks, but the way you care for your tattoo long after that determines whether it stays bold or fades into the background. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from immediate aftercare to maintaining your tattoo’s brilliance for the long haul.

How to Take Care of Your Tattoo After Getting It

A fresh tattoo is an open wound, and aftercare begins as soon as you leave the studio. Without proper aftercare, you risk infection, ink running, scarring, or excessive dryness that can lead to irritation and alter the look of the tattoo once healed.

Upon leaving the studio your tattoo will either be covered with a Saran wrap or Second Skin product.

Always follow your artist’s instructions, and reach out to the studio or your artist directly if you have any questions during any stage of healing. If anything looks or feels off, don’t wait. Reach out to your artist and your doctor immediately.

SYNOPSIS

Every tattoo and body is different, and healing is a complicated and continuing process. Be mindful and patient during healing and always reach out to your artist or a medical professional if anything seems wrong. The best thing you can do to heal properly is to follow your tattoo artist’s specific tattoo aftercare instructions.

Your tattoo healing may slightly differ from the timelines above and from one tattoo to the next. Your body’s healing factors are constantly changing and a different tattoo or style can heal completely different than what you may have seen in a previous tattoo. What matters most is that you're paying attention and caring for your tattoo.

Each tattoo artist may recommend slightly different aftercare instructions based on their style and your skin. But here is the short version of those generic instructions.

QUICK REFERENCE

Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
Remove the bandage based on your artist’s timeline (Saran Wrap/Second Skin follow different Timelines).
Gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Don't reuse towels!
Apply a thin layer of ointment or tattoo balm
Wear loose clothing over the tattooed skin.
Stay out of the sun. UV rays can irritate healing skin and cause premature fading.
Apply an unscented moisturizer regularly to keep the area hydrated.
Avoid swimming, soaking and hot tubs until your tattoo is fully healed (2-3 weeks Minimum).
If you’ve got questions about aftercare, the healing process, or something just doesn’t seem right, contact your artist immediately.

How Long Does It Take for a Tattoo to Heal?

Most tattoos heal on the surface in about 2–4 weeks, but deeper healing can take 3–6 months. This timeline is entirely based on your aftercare as well as some variance based on your body, tattoo placement and style.

Stage 1: Tattoo Healing Days 1–3

Your tattoo site will typically be red, swollen, and possibly a little sore. This is all normal to see after your appointment. Your tattoo artist will either apply a Second Skin product or a Saran wrap depending on your preference or skin condition. If you have any kind of adhesive sensitivity your artist will NOT use a Second Skin. Once your wrap is applied keep your tattoo covered based on your artist's recommendation.

You will typically see some amount of fluid build up under the wrap, but that's no reason to worry. That's blood, plasma, or just excess ink. This is a sign that your body is doing its job.

If you are using a Saran Wrap we suggest leaving this on for 1-2 hours after your appointment, before removing and washing the tattoo. If a second skin product was applied read the instructions below titled "ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECOND SKIN AFTERCARE"

To wash your tattoo you MUST WASH YOUR HANDS FIRST, then clean your tattoo with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap massaging the tattoo and surrounding area to remove any fluid and ink from. Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel, as bath towels can leave behind fibers and impurities. Don't rub or scrub when drying the tattoo.

After removing the bandage wash the tattoo and surrounding area with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap, massaging the tattoo and surrounding area to remove any fluid, ink, and adhesive that may be present on the skin.

Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel, as bath towels can leave behind fibers and impurities. Don't rub or scrub when drying the tattoo.

Make sure to wait 20-30 minutes after washing to allow the area to dry before applying a small amount of tattoo balm or ointment based on the recommendation of your artist.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SECOND SKIN AFTERCARE

If your artist applied a second skin product be sure to follow their instruction for timeline and removal

If at any point the bandage is causing excessive itching, redness, breakout, or irritation. This may mean you have an adhesive sensitivity or allergy you were not previously aware of having.

If experiencing the above, immediately remove the bandage and gently wash the area with an unscented antibacterial soap and lukewarm water. Be sure to inspect the area and remove any adhesive that may be stuck to the skin.

Let the area dry for 20-30 minutes and apply a very thin layer of ointment or balm. If the skin irritation does not subside after a few hours to a day seek medical assistance and contact your artist directly with any questions.

Typical advice is to leave Second Skin on for 1-3 days but can be left on for up to 5 days. We do not suggest changing the bandage to a new one, if the bandage is peeling or leaking remove the bandage completely and assume regular healing practices.

Second Skin is easiest to remove in a warm shower NOT HOT. The warm water will help to loosen the adhesive and pulling the Second Skin off will cause less irritation.

Best practice is to pull the bandage off from the bottom edge or top edge and pull parallel to the skin to avoid causing excess irritation

DO NOT RIP THE SECOND SKIN OFF FAST, slow and steady pulling is the way to do this

Gently pat dry with a clean paper towel, as bath towels can leave behind fibers and impurities. Don't rub or scrub when drying the tattoo.

Make sure to wait 20-30 minutes after washing to allow the area to dry before applying a small amount of tattoo balm or ointment based on the recommendation of your artist.

Stage 2: Tattoo Aftercare Days 3–7

After the Second Skin is removed, or when you enter this phase if you had Saran Wrap, you will begin to notice the skin peeling and in some cases could see scabbing. This is normal to see after having been tattooed, as always if anything seems odd or if you have questions reach out to your artist directly.

Expect some dryness, itching, and irritation. Most redness and hypersensitivity should have subsided by this point. AT ALL COSTS - DO NOT scratch, rub, or exfoliate. This will only cause a rougher healing and potentially diminish the end look of your tattoo by damaging the skin.

After the first 1-3 days we suggest continuing to use a tattoo balm, but if you are using an ointment now is the time to switch to a mild unscented lotion like Eucerin or Lubriderm. Be sure to use only enough to rehydrate the skin. Excessive use or applying too much product can clog pores, trap bacteria, and slow down your healing process.

For the first 2 weeks avoid soaking the tattoo. No baths, no pools, no ocean, no hot tubs. Stick to quick showers (not too hot!) and keep your tattoo clean.

Keep gently washing the area with clean hands and lukewarm water. Try to avoid touching the area, besides when cleaning or applying lotion/ointment and be sure to wash your hands before applying lotion/ointment,

Not sure if it’s healing properly? Talk to your artist or a doctor before it becomes a bigger issue.

Stage 3: Tattoo Aftercare Days 7–14

Flaking continues, and your tattoo might look a little dull or faded as the new skin continues to heal over your tattoo. This is normal in initial healing as the top layers of skin we tattooed through come off in the healing process revealing the beginnings of your settled tattoo.

Keep up the habit: Apply your chosen/recommended lotion or balm to avoid tattoo dry-out and keep your skin nourished during the healing process and continue this practice indefinitely for best results.

When possible during the first 2 weeks stick to loose clothing so nothing rubs or irritates the healing skin.

DO NOT swim, enter hot tubs, oceans, or long baths. Your tattoo has not healed enough yet and this can lengthen the healing process.

Additional Tips

Follow these aftercare tips to protect your tattoo and skin.

Moisturize Daily to Avoid Tattoo Dry-Out
Moisturize your tattoo regularly: daily or as recommended by your artist. Just because your tattoo is done healing doesn’t mean the hydration should stop. Continued skin care will always result in the best lifetime for a tattoo. Skincare and moisturizing will be important for a tattoo for life.
Avoid Drinking Alcohol for at Least 48 Hours
Alcohol thins your blood and slows the immune system which will drastically slow your healing. If you want to help your tattoo heal, skip the booze for a few days before and after being tattooed.
Wash Gently with Warm Water and Clean Hands
Washing the area gently with your hands is best, but be sure to clean them well before touching your tattoo! Use a mild unscented antibacterial soap, and always wash your hands thoroughly before and after touching your tattoo.

Let It Breathe
Always let the area dry for 20-30 minutes before applying your moisturizer and when possible wear loose clothing to avoid irritation. Tight clothing can stick to and irritate the tattooed area.
Avoid Direct Sunlight As Much As Possible
UV rays and sun damage are the number one culprit for poor healing and longevity. However, don’t apply sunscreen until the tattoo is fully healed (2-3 weeks). Instead, cover it with loose clothing, and stay out of the sun completely. Once healed regardless of skin type or tone sunscreen will protect your skin and the tattoo. Ink reacts differently to UV rays than your skin so using sunscreen and especially sun block will keep your tattoo looking better for its lifetime.
Limit Water Exposure
Avoid swimming in pools, oceans, lakes, or hot tubs. Chlorine, salt water, and stagnant water are all bad ideas while your tattoo is healing. Steer clear until your tattoo is no longer peeling, scabbing, or sensitive. Even long, hot showers or extreme heat can irritate healing skin and slow recovery. Keep showers short and lukewarm, and always pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Stay Hydrated
Healthy skin starts from within. Drink plenty of water each and every day. It supports skin health and speeds up the healing process.
Do Not Shave Over a Healing Tattoo
Let your tattooed skin chill out and fully heal before you consider shaving over it (2-3 weeks after being tattooed)
Set Up a Clean Sleep Environment
Your tattoo does a lot of healing overnight. Make sure you're sleeping on clean sheets, wearing loose clothing, and avoiding direct pressure on the tattooed area. A little prep before bed goes a long way.

Stay in Touch with Your Tattoo Artist
Your tattoo artist is your best resource. If anything looks or feels odd or you just need peace of mind, reach out immediately. Our job isnt over when you leave the studio we are a continued resource of information during the healing process and are always happy to hear from our clients when they have questions.