AFTERCARE

Your new tattoo is a fresh wound that needs proper care to heal beautifully. Taking care of it properly now means it'll look incredible for years to come. Here's everything you need to know:

First 24 Hours

Remove the bandage after 2-4 hours (unless your artist says otherwise). Some artists prefer longer bandage times, so follow what they told you specifically.

Gently wash with unscented soap and lukewarm water - not hot, not cold. Pat dry with a clean towel or let it air dry. Don't rub or scrub.

Keep It Clean

Wash your tattoo 2-3 times daily with unscented soap. Your hands should be spotless before touching your tattoo - this isn't the time to wing it.

Think of washing like this: gentle circular motions, rinse thoroughly, pat dry. You're not trying to scrub dishes here.

Moisturize Smart

After washing, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or tattoo-specific aftercare cream. A little goes a long way - don't smother it. If you can see the lotion sitting on top, you've used too much.

Good options include Aquaphor, Cetaphil, or specialized tattoo balms. Avoid anything with fragrances, alcohol, or harsh chemicals.

The Itchy Phase (Days 3-10)

Your tattoo will start to peel and flake, and it's going to itch like crazy. This is completely normal - your skin is regenerating. Do not scratch, pick, or peel anything off. Seriously. We mean it.

If it's driving you nuts, try gently patting it or applying a bit more moisturizer. The itching means it's healing.

What to Avoid

✦ No soaking (baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes) for 2-3 weeks - showers only

✦ Skip the gym for a few days, especially if your tattoo will rub against equipment

✦ Don't pick or scratch (even when it's itchy - and it will be)

✦ Stay out of direct sunlight - UV rays are your tattoo's enemy during healing

✦ No tight clothing over the tattoo that might stick or rub

✦ Skip the tanning bed entirely during healing

✦ Don't let pets lick or sleep on your fresh tattoo

✦ Avoid swimming in any body of water until fully healed (3-4 weeks)

Healing Timeline

✦ Days 1-3: Your tattoo might feel tender and look shiny

✦ Days 3-7: Expect some peeling and flaking - this is totally normal

✦ Days 7-14: Most of the peeling should be done 2-3 weeks: Surface healing should be complete

✦ 4-6 weeks: Full healing from the inside out

Everyone heals differently, so don't panic if your timeline looks a little different.

Long Term Care

Once healed, always use sunscreen on your tattoo when you're outside. UV rays will fade your ink over time, and nobody wants a blurry, faded tattoo.

Keep your skin moisturized year-round - healthy skin keeps tattoos looking sharp.

When to Worry

Contact a doctor if you notice excessive redness, swelling, pus, or red streaking. We're not doctors and can't tell you what to do medically, but trust your gut - if something feels off, get it checked out.

Signs of infection include fever, excessive heat around the tattoo, or pus that smells bad.