Tattoo Aftercare

Keep the bandage on

Your fresh tattoo is an open wound, and the protective film I apply acts as its first line of defense. Leave it in place for a minimum of 6 hours — but never beyond 24. This barrier shields the delicate new skin from airborne bacteria, friction against clothing, and accidental contact while the initial healing phase begins.

Wash your hands first

Before you even think about touching your tattoo, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and warm water. Your hands carry countless bacteria from everything you touch throughout the day — door handles, your phone, pets. Introducing any of that to an open wound risks infection and can compromise the way your ink heals. Clean hands are non-negotiable, every single time.

Gently clean the tattoo

Once the bandage comes off, wash the area with mild unscented soap — Dove works beautifully — and warm water. Use only your fingertips, never a cloth or loofah, and let the water run gently over the surface. Pat dry with a clean paper towel and let it air out. Never re-bandage the tattoo once it's been uncovered; it needs oxygen to begin healing properly.

Artist Pro Tip

Never use hot water—warm or cool water calms redness. Always pat dry with a fresh paper towel, never rub.

Rule of Thumb

Less is more. Your skin has an incredible natural healing system—give it room to breathe without clogging products.

The zero-lotion period

For the next two days, your tattoo needs nothing but air. No lotion, no ointment, no soaking, and no unnecessary touching. It may feel dry or tight — that's completely normal and exactly what your skin needs right now. Applying product too early traps moisture and bacteria against the wound, which can lead to scabbing, fading, and prolonged healing. Trust the process and let your skin do what it's designed to do.

Shower with care

You can shower normally, but keep your tattoo out of the direct water stream. Let the water run over the surrounding skin instead, and keep showers short and lukewarm — hot water opens pores, increases swelling, and can pull ink from healing skin. Never submerge the tattoo, and avoid letting it sit under running water for more than a few seconds. Pat dry immediately after.

Loose clothing only

What you wear matters more than you'd think during these first days. Choose soft, breathable, loose-fitting fabrics — cotton is ideal — over the tattooed area. Anything tight, rough, or synthetic creates friction that can irritate healing skin, pull at scabs, and even distort the ink as it settles. If your tattoo is in a spot that rubs against a waistband or bra strap, adjust your clothing to keep pressure off it entirely.

Apply unscented lotion sparingly

Around the 48-hour mark, your tattoo will likely feel dry and tight — that's your cue to start moisturizing. Use a thin layer of unscented Lubriderm or Aveeno and rub it in gently until fully absorbed. The goal is hydration, not saturation — a dull sheen, never a glossy wet look. Apply two to three times daily, always washing your hands and the tattoo first. Over-moisturizing is one of the most common mistakes and can suffocate the skin, prolonging healing and dulling the ink.

Let it peel naturally

Somewhere between days four and seven, your tattoo will begin to peel and flake — much like a sunburn. This is a sign that the top layer of skin is renewing itself, and it means your ink is healing exactly as it should. Never pick, scratch, or scrub the flakes away, no matter how tempting. Forcing the process pulls ink out with the skin, leaving patchy, faded areas that may require a touch-up. Let everything slough off on its own timeline, and keep moisturizing lightly throughout.

Protect it from the sun, forever

Once your tattoo is fully healed, sun protection becomes a lifelong commitment — not just a healing-phase rule. UV rays are the single biggest cause of ink fading, and even a few unprotected exposures can noticeably dull your tattoo over time. Apply SPF 30 or higher every time the area will see sun, and when you can, cover it with clothing. Think of sunscreen as the long-term insurance that keeps your ink looking as bold and crisp as the day you got it.

Recommended Product

Unscented Lubriderm or Aveeno. Avoid scented lotions, Vaseline, or coconut oil.