Getting a new tattoo is always exciting, but it’s important to remember that every tattoo needs some TLC, especially in the first few hours and days. In this guide, you’ll find out everything about the perfect tattoo aftercare.
If you don’t take good care of your fresh ink, you run the risk of long-term skin damage. Or even worse, ruining or fading your beautiful tattoo, making it look less than perfect. But don’t stress—it’s really not hard! As long as you follow the advice your tattoo artist gives you, you’ll have no trouble keeping your tattoo looking sharp.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tattoo aftercare, including:
- What to do in the first 24 hours and the days that follow
- How to properly clean your tattoo
- Warning signs of infection to look out for
- What to avoid when you’ve just gotten inked
Tattoo Aftercare – The First 24 Hours
Once your tattoo is finished, your artist will wrap it up and give you some personalized care instructions. Follow their advice, but most of it will probably match the steps we’ve outlined here.
The bandage used is meant to protect your tattoo in the first few hours, but depending on the style and size, you might not need to rewrap it. Many tattoos heal best when exposed to air, though some may need extra protection for 2-3 days to keep them safe.
When the wrap comes off, you’ll want to gently clean your tattoo and then apply a moisturizing cream to keep the skin hydrated. Dry skin is your tattoo’s worst enemy during healing, so be sure to stock up on a good moisturizer before your appointment. More on this later!
The night after getting your tattoo, make sure you don’t wear tight clothing. It’s important to let your tattoo breathe, and you don’t want to put pressure on the area.
How to Clean a Tattoo
Cleaning your fresh tattoo is a crucial step—you need to remove any bacteria and aid the healing process, or else you’ll risk infection. That said, over-cleaning or scrubbing too hard can damage your skin or ruin your tattoo.
You should wash your tattoo 2 to 3 times a day, so establish a routine that works for you. If you have a busy schedule, washing morning and night is fine, but if you can fit in a midday wash, that’s even better. Just don’t overdo it.
To wash your tattoo, you’ll need warm water and an antibacterial, fragrance-free soap. The antibacterial soap will help fight off germs, while the lack of fragrance ensures you’re not adding any unnecessary chemicals to your skin.
Here’s how to clean your tattoo:
- Wet your fingers and lather up the soap in your hand.
- Gently rub the soapy lather onto the tattoo in a circular motion. Make sure to clean away any plasma or excess ink.
- If the tattoo starts to scab, be extra careful. You don’t want to scrub the scabs off.
- Rinse the tattoo with warm water and pat it dry with a clean towel—don’t rub it.
- If you don’t have access to warm water, cold water is fine. Just avoid hot water, as it can break the scabs, which you don’t want happening too early.
- If you’re without antibacterial soap, warm water alone will do.
Once cleaned, apply your moisturizer. Make sure it’s a hydrating lotion—don’t use Vaseline or petroleum jelly. While they lock in moisture, they create too much of a seal and can trap bacteria.
Stick with a simple, fragrance-free moisturizer, ideally one made from 100% natural ingredients.
Signs of Tattoo Infection
It’s important to recognize the signs of a tattoo infection. If an infection starts to develop, you should see a doctor as soon as possible, as they may need to prescribe medication to control it.
However, don’t rush to the doctor —most of the time, things are part of your healing! Infections aren’t super common, and right after you get inked, you can expect:
- Fluid leakage from the tattoo for the first day or so
- Light redness and soreness around the tattoo
- A warm sensation around the tattooed area
Signs of infection include:
- Pus or discharge from the tattoo after the first day
- Swelling that doesn’t subside or worsens after 1-2 days
- A rash or burning sensation around the tattoo
- Pain that intensifies over time or can’t be managed with painkillers
- Fever, chills, or sweating
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your doctor. At INKORPORATED, our services don’t end when you leave the door. So feel free to contact us to check your symptoms if you are worried! You can always stop by your tattoo artist first to get their opinion on how the tattoo is healing.
What NOT to Do During Tattoo Aftercare
There are a few things you’ll want to avoid during the healing process. While it can be tempting to skip these guidelines, trust us—you don’t want to risk fading or permanently damaging your tattoo and skin. Follow our advice and the final result will be totally worth it!
Sun Exposure
Avoid direct sunlight on your tattoo for at least 3 to 4 weeks. UV rays can break down the ink, causing it to fade. Your healing skin is also more vulnerable to UV damage. Wear loose clothing that covers your tattoo when you’re outside, and if you must expose it, limit your time in the sun and use a high SPF sunscreen.
Intense Activity & Exercise
Sweat is a breeding ground for bacteria, so avoid anything too active while you heal, especially using gym equipment, which can be a hotspot for germs. And steer clear of contact sports for up to six weeks if possible.
Tight Clothing
Tight clothes can rub against your skin, knocking off crucial scabs that protect the wound beneath. Clothing can also introduce bacteria to the area. Wear loose clothing for the first few weeks.
Scratching Scabs
In case it wasn’t obvious—don’t pick at your scabs! They might be annoying, but they’re essential for protecting the healing skin. Let them fall off naturally.
Swimming
Avoid swimming in pools, lakes, or the ocean until your tattoo is fully healed. Even chemically treated water can contain bacteria, and exposing the wound to too much water can slow healing.
Drinking Alcohol
It’s important to stay hydrated while your tattoo heals, and alcohol dehydrates you. Plus, alcohol thins the blood, which can cause more bleeding at the tattoo site as it heals.
The good news? You only have to wait until the scabs form, then you can enjoy a drink—as long as you balance it out with plenty of water.
Shaving
Avoid shaving over your tattoo until it’s fully healed and the scabs have all fallen off. Shaving too soon can damage the wound or peel off scabs too early.
Tattoo Aftercare – A Quick Recap
- Always follow your artist’s aftercare instructions.
- Wash your tattoo regularly but gently.
- Keep it moisturized to avoid dry skin.
- Let scabs fall off naturally and wear loose clothing.
- Watch for signs of infection and seek medical advice if needed.
Now that you know how easy it is to give your tattoo the best care possible, why not contact us to plan your next one? Call or fill out our contact form to book your next tattoo – or piercing, we happen to rock at piercings too!
