Tattoo Aftercare instructions

Proper aftercare is essential for healing and long-term quality. A fresh tattoo is an open wound—how you take care of it in the first few weeks directly affects how it heals and how it looks over time.

Follow the instructions below based on how your tattoo was bandaged. If you have questions at any point, reach out.

AFTERCARE WITH SECOND SKIN

(Recovery Derm, Saniderm, Second Skin, Tegaderm, etc.)

Your artist will let you know how long to leave the original bandage on. In most cases, the second skin is worn for 4–6 days.

Removing the bandage

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.

  • Remove the bandage in the shower, using warm water to help loosen the adhesive.

  • Take your time and pull slowly—do not rip it off dry.

Cleaning the tattoo

  • Once the bandage is fully removed, wash the tattoo with unscented antibacterial liquid hand soap.

    • Liquid soap is recommended over bar soap, as bar soap can harbor bacteria once it’s been wet.

  • Rinse with warm water.

  • Allow the tattoo to air dry, or gently pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.

Moisturizing

  • Once the tattoo is completely dry, apply a light layer of unscented lotion.

    • Recommended: Lubriderm or CeraVe

    • Aquaphor or A&D can also be used, but very sparingly—too much can trap moisture and slow healing.

Ongoing care

  • Wash your tattoo twice a day for the first three weeks.

  • An additional wash is fine if needed (for example, after sweating), but avoid over-washing.

  • Over-washing or exfoliating a fresh tattoo can cause irritation and improper healing.

  • Moisturize as needed to prevent excessive dryness.

What to avoid

  • Do not soak the tattoo during healing. This includes baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, oceans, saunas, hot springs, water parks, or anything that leaves your skin pruney.

  • Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible while healing.

  • Keep pets away from your tattoo—do not allow animals to rub against it or lick it.

  • Make sure your bedsheets are clean before sleeping with a fresh tattoo.

Itching & healing

  • Itching is normal as the tattoo heals.

  • Do not scratch or pick at the tattoo, even when it’s itchy or flaky.

  • You can gently pat the area if needed.

After it’s healeD

  • Once healed, apply sunscreen to protect your tattoo from UV damage, especially during midday sun.

  • UV-protective clothing is a great option for long-term protection.

AFTERCARE WITHOUT SECOND SKIN

(Plastic wrap only)

If a second skin bandage is not used, your tattoo will be wrapped in plastic immediately after the session.

First wash

  • Keep the plastic wrap on for at least 1–1.5 hours, or until you’re somewhere clean where you can properly wash your hands and tattoo.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.

  • Remove the plastic wrap and wash the tattoo with unscented antibacterial liquid hand soap.

  • Rinse with warm water.

  • Allow the tattoo to air dry, or pat dry gently with a clean paper towel.

Ongoing cleaning

  • Wash the tattoo 2–3 times a day for the next three weeks.

  • Additional washes are fine if needed, but avoid excessive washing or scrubbing.

Moisturizing

  • Apply unscented lotion to keep the tattoo lightly moisturized.

  • In very dry weather or seasons, very light coats of Aquaphor or A&D may be helpful.

  • Otherwise, unscented lotion is usually the best option.

  • Avoid heavy layers—your skin needs to breathe.

Everything else

All other aftercare guidelines are the same:

  • No soaking

  • Keep it clean

  • Avoid sun exposure

  • Clean bedding

  • No scratching or picking

  • Keep pets away

  • Sunscreen after healing

FINAL NOTES

  • Healing times vary by person, placement, and size.

  • Redness, soreness, and light scabbing are normal early on.

If something feels off or you’re unsure, reach out sooner rather than later.

Signs of infection may include:

  • Excessive or spreading redness

  • Thick yellow or green discharge (pus)

  • Heat radiating from the tattoo

  • Increasing pain after the initial healing period

  • Fever or feeling unwell

If you suspect an infection, contact a doctor immediately. Your health is the top priority.

If medical treatment is needed, follow your doctor’s instructions fully. In some cases, antibiotics or medicated ointments can cause a tattoo to fade slightly while the skin heals. If that happens, the tattoo can always be touched up later. Making sure your body heals properly comes first—we can take care of the tattoo once you’re healthy.

Aftercare faq

  • This completely depends on the type of workout, the placement and the aftercare. If there is a Second Skin bandage, then I would avoid any exercise that will make you sweaty. Or if a tattoo is placed in an area of high mobility -avoid workouts that may irritate it. A good rule of thumb is to simply give it two weeks before any intense workouts.

  • Sometimes there is so much fluid build up in the bandage that it needs to come off early. If this is the case or it starts coming off early. It is best to completely remove it. Unless it is within the first 48 hours of getting the tattoo - do not replace it with another bandage.

  • Yes. Light itching, flaking, and peeling are all normal parts of the healing process. Avoid scratching or picking, and continue gentle washing and moisturizing as instructed.