Getting a tattoo is exciting, but the real work begins once you leave the studio. As someone who’s sat through multiple painful sessions, I can confirm—proper aftercare makes all the difference. The dermis (your skin’s middle layer) is punctured by multiple needles, leaving it sensitive. Modern tattoo artists use high-quality machines and colored pigments, but even the best artwork needs help to heal.
Start by following your artist’s instructions—unfortunately, not all states require them to provide detailed aftercare guidance. At home, gently wash the area a couple of times daily, apply a moisturizing balm several times, and avoid sun exposure to reduce scarring. A dressing for the first few days can protect your new ink. Dr. Vij, a dermatologist, emphasizes that while tattoos are mostly harmless, infections happen if you skip care.
Tattoos are more popular than ever—32% of U.S. adults have at least one, per the Pew Research Center. Yet, many rush into branding sessions without considering the risks. The pain is temporary, but the artwork is forever—so treat it right. Keeping your tattoo moisturized and protected ensures it heals without a hitch.
What Is Tattoo Aftercare?
Aftercare begins the moment you leave the studio – I learned this the hard way when my first tattoo developed irritation from skipping bandage replacement. The process involves cleaning gently but often, using the right devices (think fragrance-free soap and moisturizers), and following your artist’s instructions to preserve that masterpiece. At home, this crucial routine affects everything from healing time to how your skin looks in the end. New ink needs healthy care to avoid infection – skip this, and you risk compromising both the overall look and long-term vibrancy of your body art. Take these actions seriously, because proper caring means your tattoo will run deep and clear for years, not just weeks.
Tattoo aftercare during the first 30 days and beyond
Tattoo aftercare begins the second you leave the shop—treat it like an open wound because it is. For the first six to eight weeks, clean gently, moisturize, and avoid trauma to the skin; bigger tattoos may stay red and swollen longer, so patience is key. Dr. Viji suggests following a strict timeline—steps like proper care, avoiding sun, and keeping it fully dry help ensure your ink heals well.
Even after the first few weeks, tattoo maintenance stays important—lifelong, really. Larger pieces or those in high-movement areas (located on joints, for example) might take months to fully heal. Notice swelling or redness lingering? That’s normal for intricate work. Equal parts art and aid, your new tattoo depends on consistent process—skip shortcuts, and it’ll get the vibrant finish you want.
Day 1
- Leave the dressing on for the hours your artist recommends – usually 2-6 for plastic wrap, up to days for medical-grade adhesive like Sandier or Megaderm.
- When removing, wash hands thoroughly, peel gently under warm water, and cleanse with fragrance-free soap to avoid irritation on your sore, red skin.
- Expect some fluid (a mix of blood, plasma, and ink) – it’s normal. Pat dry with a clean paper towel, then apply a thin layer of ointment to protect and keep moist.
- Your artist may advise a second skin bandage. If replacing, ensure the area is dry first to prevent trapping germs.
- Wear loose clothing over the tattoo, and let it breathe when possible. Avoid harsh fabrics or tight fits that could damage fresh ink.
Days 2–3
By now, your tattoo may look duller and cloudier as your skin heals—this is normal. If you’ve removed the dressing, gently wash it once or twice a day (don’t panic if you see excess ink running—it’s just leftover pigment). Let your skin dry completely before applying the ointment or lotion your artist recommends to keep it moisturized and prevent scabs from forming too thickly.
Days 2 Through 4
Don’t panic if your tattoo starts to look dull or you notice some ink losing – your skin is in shock, but this is perfectly fine. As your body begins shedding the damaged layer of dead skin on top, that purged ink is completely normal. Just keep following your artist’s aftercare instructions – trust me, your tattoo is still gorgeous underneath, and there’s no need to worry.
Days 4-6
Most artists recommend running your tattoo area under water while peeling back the adhesive layer – use clean hands and pull lightly to allow it to lift slowly. After removed, cleanse gently, let dry, then apply the recommended ointment 1-2 times daily to help redness fade and prevent scarring.
You’ll notice light scabbing – these raised scabs may look thick but don’t pick! Like a cut healing, keep washing your tattoo daily and resist touching to avoid pulling ink out and causing imperfections.
Days 5 Through 7
Your artist may allow you to stop replacing protective sheets, but keep washing and moisturizing your tattoo since your skin stays tender. Avoid tight clothing that creates friction, and keep applying approved ointment to prevent drying out.
You’ll notice flaking patches and scabs – this is normal! Resist the temptation to pick or scratch, as you might wind up with missing ink or scars; just trust the process and wait it out.
Days 6–14
Your tattoo’s scabs will harden and begin to flake off – don’t pick or pull them, let them come naturally or you could leave scars and pull ink out. If your skin feels itchy, gently rub fragrance-free moisturizer 2-3 times daily to relieve itch, but if it stays red, swollen, or shows infection signs, consult your artist or a healthcare professional immediately.
Days 7 Through 14
This is when scabs start to naturally fall away, but your tattoo will feel itchy and enter the peeling stage. Resist scratching or picking—it can cause micro-wounds and increase infection risk. A good aftercare routine with proper care helps: I swear by the HUSH set, especially their numbing spray to moisturize, promote healing, and dull that maddening itching sensation.
Days 15–30
By the second or third week, your tattoo enters its last stage of healing – big flakes and scabs are mostly gone, though you might still see some dead skin that’ll clear up soon. The tattooed area may look dry and dull, so keep moisturizing with gentle, fragrance-free products to keep it hydrated while the lower layers finish healing (this can take 3-4 months).
First two months
Expect itching and flaking – this is normal as scabs start forming on your new tattoo during the first two weeks. Wash the area twice daily with a gentle cleanser, then apply a mild moisturizer or ointment (your artist might recommend a specific brand) to prevent scabbing, ease discomfort, and promote healing – just make sure it’s fragrance-free and dye-free to avoid irritating your skin.
Two months and beyond
At the two-month mark, your tattoo’s top layer looks bright and vibrant, but deeper skin layers take several months to completely heal – keep applying moisturizer as needed since healing time can vary.
Tattoo aftercare instructions
Your new tat will hurt a bit on the day you get it, but should feel better within the next few days – follow proper aftercare to help the healing process.
Selecting the best skin care products to use for tattoo aftercare
Use warm water with a gentle cleanser or soap, then apply moisturizing lotion or ointment to support healing – don’t skip sunscreen as new tattoos are vulnerable to trauma. For excessive discomfort, try pain-relieving gels or topical anesthetic spray to reduce redness and soothe irritation while your skin recovers from the controlled wounds of tattooing.
Use soap
Many artists recommend using a mild, fragrance-free soap like Dr. Bronner’s 18-in-1 Hemp Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Soap or Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar to clean your tattoo – while some suggest Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap, remember it isn’t fragrance-free and may irritate sensitive skin.
Use ointment
Apply just a thin layer of moisturizing balm (like A+D Original Ointment for the first day, then switching to Aquaphor Healing or Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Organic Magic Balm) two-three times per day to cover your new tattoo effectively without trapping bacteria – too much can cause a lack of fresh air and slow healing.
Use lotion
After the first week, you can typically switch from Aquaphor or Dr. Bronner’s to a lotion – just ensure it’s free of fragrances, ethyl alcohol, and colored dye to prevent dry irritated skin (many artists recommend Lubriderm Daily Moisture or Cetaphil Moisturizing).
Do not use 100% petroleum
Avoid using 100% petroleum-based products like Vaseline—they’re too thicker and trap moisture, blocking air flow needed for healing.
Original aftercare should include lighter products that help the wound breathe—petroleum can cause ink to fade and slow the initial healing process.
Keep It Exposed
After your sesh, remove the initial bandage in three hours (or as your artist advises) to let fresh ink breathe—this helps healing and prevents excess blood or goop from soiling clothes.
If you must cover your tattoo, pick loose-fitting clothing—tight fabric pressing against it slows healing, while letting it stay exposed much as possible makes recovery quicker.
Things To Do Before Getting a Tattoo
Before heading to get your ink, consider these tips to ensure a healthy tattoo before the needle even touches your skin.
- Before your tattoo: Consult your doctor if you suffer from any disease, research to find a reputable artist in a state-licensed, clean, sterile environment, and avoid alcohol the day before while keeping your skin hydrated with water.
- Prep smart: Eat a healthy meal to keep your stomach full and comfortable, and have aftercare products ready for a smooth cleaning protocol during your session.
What NOT to do after getting a tattoo
Resist scratching or picking at scabs – this damages the area and prolongs healing. While your skin heals, avoid exfoliating and keep it clean but not too moist (watch for prunes) or too dry (prevent crusts). I’ve seen many clients slow their healing process by using petroleum jelly, which clogs pores and traps bacteria – opt for a noncomedogenic product instead.
Direct sunlight is harmful before your tattoo’s fully healed – wait before applying sunscreen. Skip hot tubs, pools and bathtubs since immersing in water leads to macerated skin. Wearing tight clothing creates friction that can cause inflammation – loose fabrics let your tattoo breathe while it heals over properly.
Complications during the tattoo healing process
For the first few days, it’s natural for your tattoo to feel red, itchy, and sore, with some excess ink, blood, or fluid leaking – this means your skin is healing. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen over time, they may indicate an underlying complication; in this case, consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible for proper care.
Infection
If your tattoo isn’t properly cared for, the skin may become infected – look for red, warm, and painful areas with pus leaking from the wound. In rare cases, contaminated equipment or ink used by your artist could lead to serious bloodborne infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or even HIV, with some reported cases of nontuberculous mycobacterial skin infections – always choose a reputable studio.
Scarring
Picking at your tattoo or needle damage can cause your body to produce excess scar tissue, potentially leading to permanent scars that ruin your ink’s appearance – resist the itch!
Allergic reaction
If you’re sensitive to the ink your artist used, you might develop an allergic reaction with red, itchy skin at the tattoo site – research from Trusted Source shows red dyes are most likely to cause this. Surprisingly, even blue and black dyes can trigger nonallergic skin reactions like photosensitivity, so always ask about ink ingredients beforehand.
FEVER
- Skin that feels hot to the touch
- Odor or significant drainage from the tattooed area
- Pain that increases instead of getting better
- Red streaks running from the tattoo toward your body’s center, or redness that expands farther from the site
While most tattoos heal fine without lasting problems, Dr. Vij states these complications are rare but good to be aware of as a possibility.
What Are the Tattoo Aftercare Dos?
Listen To Your Artist
Right after your session, your artist will cover your new tattoo with a sterile absorbing pad and bandage – pay close attention to their instructions on when to uncover and how to clean your piece at home. Some adhesives might cause irritation, so always disclose any allergies to your artists beforehand.
The first day of aftercare is crucial: the most important step is to fully understand your artist’s instructions. If you’re unsure about any steps in your daily aftercare routine, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification – it’s better to be safe than sorry with fresh ink.
Taking Off Your Second Skin and Cleaning Your Tattoo
Proper aftercare is the most important factor in preserving your new tattoo. Your artist likely told you exactly when to remove the bandage and how to clean it – if you don’t remember the instructions, don’t hesitate to call the shop to refresh your memory.
The first step in your routine involves removing the second skin your artist applied. This layer serves a crucial purpose – it protects your sensitive skin during the initial healing phase. Wait until your instructed time (usually the first night), then carefully peel it off in the shower while standing under lukewarm water.
Start by gently rolling up a corner without applying pressure – you’ll likely see ink-stained fluid that’s part of the normal healing process. Don’t worry about the splash; just ensure you’re not leaking on anything important. This fluid buildup is completely normal.
For cleaning, use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser (many artists recommend plain orange antibacterial soap) and avoid submerging your tattoo in bathtubs or beach water where it could become waterlogged and potentially infected. After washing, pat dry with a clean, soft towel or let it air dry completely – trapped moisture breeds bacteria.
Your artist may have sent you home with extra second skin to apply. Keep an eye out for signs of infection like excessive redness, swelling, or unusual discharge – if you notice anything concerning, contact your artist or dermatologist immediately.
Tips: The best approach is using a tattoo-specific cleanser like HUSH’s CBD foaming soap – effective yet gentle on healing skin. After a few days, apply a thin layer of ointment or anesthetic gel, then switch to non-scented lotion to keep your skin hydrated.
Always use fresh paper towels or an antimicrobial washcloth designed for tattoos when drying. Well-hydrated, healthy skin leads to faster healing – but never compromise cleanliness for moisture.
What Are the Tattoo Aftercare Don’ts?
While no one intentionally sets out to mistreat their new tattoo (you’ve waited what seems like an eternity for that ink!), even well-meaning people with the best intentions can accidentally harm their fresh artwork, sacrificing both its integrity and appearance in the process. Here are key things you shouldn’t do when caring for your new ink – what comes next in your aftercare now matters just as much as the tattooing itself.
Is Dry Healing a Tattoo Bad?
- The dry healing method remains controversial – while some people say moisturizers trap bacteria in the wound, using the correct tattoo moisturizer prevents this from happening
- Dry healing often causes itching as dry skin leads to itchy skin, creating temptation to scratch and potentially cause scarring or bacterial infection
- Without moisture, skin becomes tight, forms scabs, and may crack – all of which can distort your tattoo’s design
- Common infections like streptococcus and staphylococcus (yes, yikes!) thrive on dry, healing skin
- A quality tattoo balm both soothes and keeps your ink moisturized without trapping bacteria
- Resist the urge to pick at scabs – those claws could impact your tattoo’s final appearance
- Remember: proper hydration prevents most healing complications while preserving your art’s integrity
Can You Take a Bath With a New Tattoo?
No way, Jose – never submerge your new tattoo in bathwater, swimming pools, hot tubs, or any open water whatsoever. These moist environments often contain bacteria and harmful organisms that can enter the healing wound and cause infection.
For the first few weeks post-tattoo service, avoid the gym, saunas, and other warm, sweaty places where water might remain on your ink for an extended period of time. Instead, opt for quick lukewarm showers where you gently cup water over the area – never allow a heavy stream to flow directly over your tattoo.
This careful approach will keep your tattoo clean while allowing proper healing without unnecessary moisture buildup. Remember: what seems like a small shortcut now could cost you your tattoo’s vibrancy later.
Can You Scratch a New Tattoo?
That itchy feeling on your new ink might be tempting, but trust me when I say don’t do it – no matter how much you want to scratch. Scratching, peeling, or picking at your healing tattoo causes light patches from ink loss, permanent scarring, and opens the door to possible infection.
When you can’t resist the urge, use the palm of your clean hand to gently pat the area instead. Better yet, apply a little more moisturizer – this usually calms the itch while keeping your tattoo protected.
Can You Step Outdoors Sans Sunscreen With a New Tattoo?
While no one is physically stopping you, experts strongly recommend never stepping outside without sunscreen (minimum SPF 30 or higher) on your new tattoo. That raw skin reacting to sun exposure is like chicharrones in a frying pan – ouch! The sun can cause blistering, alter your tattoo’s color, and increase pain during healing.
For best results, opt for mineral sunscreen when possible and wear light, loose cotton clothing over the area. Even after your tattoo heals, always cover it with sunscreen to prevent color and line fading – this maintenance keeps your art vibrant for years.
It’s normal for your tattoo to lighten slightly as new layers of skin grow and fully accept the ink. Quality sunscreen helps keep your design solid and bright as it sets into your skin. When possible, choose sunblock brands specifically designed for tattoos – they offer superior protection without compromising your ink’s longevity.
Can You Exercise With a New Tattoo?
While it’s technically possible to work out with a new tattoo, those intense workouts make your muscles and joints move excessively – bad news for healing ink. Large tattoos, especially ones around joints like knees and elbows, already take longer to heal without adding stress.
Those repeated workouts cause repetitive movements that irritate new tattoos, causing your skin to become red, cracked, and possibly prolonging the entire healing process. Listen up, gym bro – just take a couple of rest days to protect your investment.
Can You Wear Sandals With a New Tattoo?
It’s crucial to shield your new tattoo from dirt, especially for foot tattoos – avoid wearing sandals that expose your feet or tight shoes that rub against the fresh ink. Instead, opt for loose, close-toed shoes like slip-on or tennis shoes, which are good options during healing.
Make sure to clean your tattoo several times a day to prevent infection. After your tattoo fully heals, you’ll be free to wear whichever shoes you fancy, even if they’re a complete fashion hazard – comfort first during recovery!
Can You Shave Over a New Tattoo?
Just one swipe of a razor gives you the answer – shaving over your new tattoo is never a good idea. Razors harbor bacteria that could cause infection, especially when shaving over healing scabs. Keep your tattoo covered and don’t stress about a bit of leg hair for a week or two – your stunning tattoo is worth the wait, Chica.
Can You Touch Your New Tattoo?
By day eight, most first week’s side effects start lessening – discomfort gets less but that itching continues or even gets worse. This is completely normal during healing, as scabs begin falling off and the itching intensifies. That combo of itching and loosening scabs makes everyone tempted to pick at their tattoo, but resist!
Picking at scabs can disturb the healing ink, causing distortion to your beautiful tattoo. While touchy-feely might be great in other situations, keep hands (yours and admirers’) far from your new tattoo. Human hands carry germs and bacteria that cause infections – no matter how clean they look.
Always wash hands thoroughly before cleaning your tattoo to ensure you aren’t spreading germs. Remember: that stunning ink needs to stay untouched as much as possible during these critical healing days.
Do You Have To Follow Tattoo Aftercare?
If you want your tattoo to remain vivid in color with crisp detail and healthy skin, following proper aftercare instructions is non-negotiable. The worst approach is doing none at all – you must clean, dry, moisturize, and protect your new tattoo several times a day for a few weeks until it heals.
Even a month after your appointment, it’s still important to follow basic steps like keeping the area clean and avoiding too much direct sun. While infection becomes unlikely at this point, being careful helps preserve your lifetime investment.
Quality products like HUSH’s CBD foaming soap offer a great way to help heal your tattoo well. The process might seem like forever, but sticking to recommended aftercare makes it worth doing everything possible for perfect results.
How Long Does It Take a Tattoo To Heal?
While the outer layer of skin you see typically heals within two to three weeks, the underneath layers can actually take up to six months to fully heal completely. This healing process occurs in stages and may vary for different people, but applying proper aftercare (those Do’s and Don’ts) will help your tattoo recover properly.
FAQS
What helps with soreness after a tattoo?
If swelling or redness is still present the day after your tattoo, it’s completely appropriate to use ice for 20 minutes or take an NSAID like ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, or naproxen to help bring the inflammation down when it feels particularly uncomfortable or bothering.
How to make a tattoo hurt less after?
To minimize post-tattoo pain, focus on proper aftercare, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen. Always keep your tattooed area clean, moisturized, and covered as recommended by your artist – this helps your skin heal while pain relievers manage discomfort effectively.
How long does the pain last after a tattoo?
You can expect your new tat to hurt a bit on the day you get it, but most people feel better within the next few days as the healing begins.
