🌙 How to Care for Your New Tattoo – Aftercare with Serena

Posted by Serena – Artist & Founder of Lunr Ink - Updated: 04/15/25

Hey there, 💫

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve just gotten a fresh new tattoo—first of all, thank you for trusting me with your skin and your story. Whether it’s your first piece or another addition to your collection, I’m beyond grateful to create something meaningful with you.

Once you leave my chair, the healing journey begins—and that’s where you come in. Proper aftercare is everything. It protects your tattoo, helps your skin heal naturally, and makes sure the art stays as bold and beautiful as we intended.

So here it is: the official Lunr Ink aftercare guide—written by me, for you.

💧 Day 1: The Fresh Start

➤ Keep the bandage on

Leave the bandage on for a minimum of 6 hours, but no more than 24 hours. This first step shields your new tattoo from bacteria and friction while the healing begins.

➤ Wash your hands

Before touching your tattoo at any point, wash your hands with antibacterial soap. Your tattoo is technically a fresh wound—clean hands are non-negotiable.

➤ Clean the tattoo

Once you remove the bandage, gently wash the tattoo with mild, unscented soap (I recommend Dove) and warm water. Carefully remove any excess vaseline, blood, or ink. Pat dry with a clean paper towel (never a cloth towel). Dispose of the bandage and towel—don’t re-bandage.

🌙 Days 2–3: Let it Breathe

After cleaning, allow your tattoo to fully air out and rest for the next 2 days. No lotion. No soaking. No unnecessary touching. If you can, try to keep it from getting wet in the shower during this time—do your best to shield it from water.

💫 After 48 Hours: Time to Moisturize

Now that your skin has started healing, it’s time to give it some hydration—but gently.

➤ Apply unscented lotion

Use a small amount of unscented Lubriderm and rub it in thoroughly. Moisturize morning and night, but no more than 3 times daily. Too much lotion can suffocate the skin or cause irritation.

Continue this process until your scabs and flakes fall off naturally.

🚫 What to Avoid During Healing

Your tattoo is vulnerable right now, so here are a few things to steer clear of:

No submerging: Stay out of bathtubs, pools, lakes, or oceans for at least 2 weeks (or until the tattoo is fully healed).
No picking or scratching: Let the scabs fall off on their own. Picking can lead to scarring and ink loss.
No sun or sweat: Avoid tanning, direct sunlight, and heavy sweating (gym, hot yoga, pilates, etc.) for 2–3 weeks minimum.
No tight, irritating clothing: Wear loose, breathable fabrics. Avoid lace, wool, spandex, or anything that might stick or rub.
Avoid pet contact: Pet hair carries bacteria. Try to keep your animals away from your tattoo—and out of your bed if possible.
Sleep clean: Fresh sheets are a must during healing.

❤️ When to Reach Out

If you notice:

Excessive redness or swelling
Oozing pus
Fever or chills
Or anything that just feels “off”…

Email me directly at serenathetattooer@lunrink.com and don’t hesitate to consult a medical professional if symptoms persist.

✨ A Note About Touch-Ups

At Lunr Ink, I offer free touch-ups within 4–6 months of your appointment. BUT—this only applies if proper aftercare is followed.

Using the wrong products, over-moisturizing, picking scabs, tanning, or soaking your tattoo can all void your touch-up. Please follow these steps to give your ink the best chance to heal beautifully.

Thank you again for letting me create with you. Tattoos are more than just ink—they’re energy, memory, and meaning. Your healing journey is the final chapter in that story.

Take care of your art and your skin—you deserve it. 🌙

Until next time,— Serena @ Lunr Ink

Lunr Ink