Aftercare
Table of Contents
General Aftercare Guidelines
- Keep it clean:
Wash your tattoo with gentle antibacterial soap, use clean hands, and gently pat dry. - Moisturize properly:
Apply a thin layer of specialized ointment or non-scented lotion. Avoid products with alcohols or irritants. - Avoid irritation and damage:
Don’t scratch, pick, or rub tattoo. Avoid abrasive materials. Avoid tight clothing over tattoo area. - Protect from sun and water:
No direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. Avoid swimming, baths, or submerging tattoo in water. - Long-term care:
Use sunscreen to keep your tattoo bright, maintain healthy skin to preserve appearance.
Normal Healing Process
Day 1 (1–3 hours after): Initial Care
- Remove bandage or plastic wrap. Do not reuse bandage. Do not place new bandage on tattoo.
- Gently wash tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap. I recommend orange Dial soap. (Do not use a loofah, washcloth or sponge.) Then gently pat dry.
- Let tattoo air dry for at least 5 minutes before applying ointment.
- Apply a very thin layer of ointment to your tattoo, just enough to make it look shiny. I recommend Aquaphor.
Day 1–4: Early Healing (Repeat 2–3 times per day)
- Wash, dry, and apply ointment. Follow initial care instructions for reference.
Day 3-4: Peeling Stage (Repeat 2–3 times per day)
- Your skin will soon start to itch and flake. This is normal!
- Switch from ointment to a non-scented body lotion. I recommend Lubriderm, Eucerin, or Aveeno.
- Wash, dry, and apply lotion. See Initial Care instructions for reference.
Day 5–30: Ongoing Care (Repeat 2-3 times per day)
- Continue to wash, dry, and apply lotion. See Initial Care instructions for reference.
- Your tattoo will take about 2 weeks–1 month to fully heal. Everyone is different, healing times may vary.
Healing With Waterproof Bandage
Day 1–5: Initial Care
- Leave waterproof bandage on. I use Recovery Derm Shield.
- The bandage stays on for 3–5 days, unless fluid builds up underneath. If fluid builds up in the first few hours, contact me or Art Collective Tattoos to replace the bandage.
Day 3–5: Removing the Bandage
- Remove the bandage. I recommend taking it off in the shower, as the warm water helps.
- Gently wash tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap. I recommend orange Dial soap. (Do not use a loofah, washcloth or sponge.) Gently pat dry afterwards.
- Apply a non-scented body lotion. I recommend Lubriderm, Eucerin, or Aveeno.
Day 5–30: Ongoing Care (Repeat 2-3 times per day)
- While the bandage may have helped you skip the Peeling Stage, you are not done caring for your tattoo.
- Continue to wash, dry, and apply lotion 2–3 times per day. See Removing the Bandage instructions for reference.
- Your tattoo will take about 2 weeks–1 month to fully heal. Everyone is different, healing times may vary.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any concerns about the healing process, contact me or Ink & Oath Tattoo with any questions.