Tattoo Aftercare: Everything You Need to Know

Why Aftercare Matters

A tattoo is an open wound. How you care for it in the days and weeks after your session determines whether it heals with crisp lines and vibrant color or ends up patchy, faded, and scarred. Even the most talented artist's work can be ruined by poor aftercare.

The good news is that proper aftercare is straightforward. Follow the steps below and your tattoo will heal beautifully.

The First 24 Hours

Your artist will wrap your fresh tattoo before you leave the studio. This wrap protects the open wound from bacteria and keeps ink and plasma from staining your clothes.

What to do during the first day:

• Leave the initial wrap on for the time your artist recommends, typically two to six hours
• If your artist used a medical-grade adhesive bandage like Saniderm, you may be instructed to leave it on for several days
• When you remove the wrap, wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never use a cloth towel, as fibers can stick to the tattoo
• Apply a very thin layer of the aftercare product your artist recommends
• Let the tattoo breathe — do not re-wrap it unless specifically instructed

During the first night, your tattoo may ooze ink, plasma, and blood. This is completely normal. Sleep on clean sheets and consider placing a clean towel under the tattooed area.

Days 2 Through 7: The Initial Healing Phase

During the first week, your tattoo will start to develop a thin layer of new skin over the surface. You may notice:

• Redness and slight swelling around the tattooed area
• The tattoo may feel warm to the touch
• Ink may appear slightly cloudy or dull as the skin begins to heal
• Light scabbing may begin to form

Your daily routine during this phase:

• Wash the tattoo two to three times daily with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap
• Apply a thin layer of moisturizer after each wash — just enough to keep the skin hydrated, not so much that it suffocates the tattoo
• Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo
• Avoid touching the tattoo with unwashed hands

Weeks 2 Through 4: The Peeling Phase

This is when most people get anxious. Your tattoo will start to peel, flake, and itch — sometimes intensely. This is normal and a sign that healing is progressing.

Critical rules during the peeling phase:

• Do not pick, scratch, or pull at peeling skin. Let it fall off naturally
• Do not scratch the tattoo, even if it itches significantly. Slap it gently or apply moisturizer instead
• Continue washing and moisturizing regularly
• Flaking skin may carry some color, which can make the tattoo look faded temporarily — this is normal and the color will return once healing is complete

Long-Term Care

Once your tattoo has fully healed on the surface (usually four to six weeks), the deeper layers continue to settle for several months. To keep your tattoo looking its best for years:

• Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to your tattoo whenever it will be exposed to sunlight. UV radiation is the number one cause of tattoo fading
• Keep your skin moisturized. Well-hydrated skin keeps tattoo colors vibrant
• Stay healthy. Skin quality affects how tattoos look over time

What to Avoid During Healing

For the first two to four weeks, strictly avoid:

• Submerging the tattoo in water — no swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, lakes, or oceans
• Direct sunlight and tanning beds
• Applying sunscreen to an unhealed tattoo — sunscreen is only for healed tattoos
• Intense exercise that causes excessive sweating over the tattooed area
• Tight clothing that rubs against the tattoo
• Fragranced lotions, ointments, or soaps on the tattooed area
• Letting pets sleep on or near the fresh tattoo

Signs of Infection: When to See a Doctor

Mild redness, swelling, and tenderness are normal during healing. However, contact a healthcare professional if you notice:

• Increasing redness or swelling after the first few days instead of improving
• Pus or discharge that is yellow, green, or foul-smelling
• Red streaks radiating from the tattoo
• Fever or chills
• The tattooed area feels hot and increasingly painful

Infections are rare when proper aftercare is followed, but they should be taken seriously.

Your Artist Is Your Best Resource

Every artist has specific aftercare preferences based on their experience and the products they trust. Always prioritize your artist's instructions over general advice. If something seems wrong during healing, reach out to your artist — they have seen thousands of tattoos heal and can usually tell you whether what you are experiencing is normal.

If you booked through a platform like InkBookr, you can message your artist directly with photos and questions during the healing process.