tattoo aftercare
It All Begins Here
Everything You Need to Know About Healing Your New Tattoo
You just got a new tattoo — now it’s time to take care of it.
Proper aftercare is one of the most important parts of getting tattooed. Your artist did their part; now the healing process is in your hands. Following these instructions will help your tattoo heal properly and keep it looking its best.
Every person heals a little differently, but most tattoos take approximately 2–4 weeks for the surface of the skin to heal, while deeper layers of skin can take longer.
Here’s everything you need to know.
The First 24 Hours
Your artist will cover your tattoo before you leave the studio. The type of covering determines how long you should leave it on.
If You Have Plastic Wrap
Leave the wrap on for approximately 2–4 hours, unless your artist gives you different instructions.
Once removed, do not re-wrap the tattoo unless instructed by your artist.
If You Have Second Skin
If your artist applies a transparent adhesive bandage such as Second Skin, Derm Shield, or a similar product, it can generally remain on for 2–4 days, depending on your artist’s instructions and the product being used.
It is normal to see a mixture of plasma, blood, and excess ink collecting underneath the bandage.
If the bandage begins leaking, becomes excessively loose, or the seal is broken and the tattoo is exposed, remove it rather than leaving a compromised bandage over the tattoo.
How to Wash Your Tattoo
Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your new tattoo.
After removing your bandage:
Gently wash the tattoo using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial or liquid soap.
Use your clean hands to gently remove excess plasma, blood, ink, or ointment.
Do not scrub the tattoo and do not use a washcloth, loofah, or exfoliating product.
Rinse thoroughly.
Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean disposable paper towel, or allow it to air dry.
Never rub your tattoo dry.
Continue gently washing your tattoo 2–3 times per day, or as directed by your artist, while it heals.
Moisturizing Your Tattoo
Once your tattoo begins healing, keeping the skin lightly moisturized can help with dryness, tightness, and itching.
Apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free tattoo aftercare product or fragrance-free moisturizer.
A little goes a long way.
Your tattoo should not look wet, greasy, or heavily coated. Applying too much ointment or lotion can trap excess moisture against the skin and interfere with healing.
Avoid heavily fragranced lotions and petroleum-heavy products unless specifically recommended by your artist.
What Is Normal While a Tattoo Heals?
Don’t panic if your tattoo looks or feels a little different during the first couple of weeks.
Some normal parts of the healing process can include:
Mild redness
Tenderness
Minor swelling
Small amounts of clear or blood-tinged fluid during the early healing period
Dryness
Itching
Flaking
Peeling
Light scabbing
The tattoo temporarily appearing dull or cloudy
As the outer layer of skin heals, your tattoo may peel similarly to a mild sunburn.
Do not pull the peeling skin off.
Let your body handle the healing process naturally.
Don’t Scratch or Pick Your Tattoo
We know — the itching can get annoying.
But scratching, picking, or peeling your tattoo can damage the healing skin, pull pigment from the tattoo, cause scarring, and increase your risk of infection.
If your tattoo is itchy, lightly moisturizing it can help.
Otherwise, leave it alone.
Keep Your Tattoo Out of the Sun
Direct sunlight is one of the biggest enemies of a fresh tattoo.
While your tattoo is healing, keep it covered with clean, loose-fitting clothing whenever possible and avoid prolonged direct sunlight.
Do not apply sunscreen to an open or actively healing tattoo unless advised otherwise by a qualified medical professional or the product is specifically appropriate for healing skin.
Once your tattoo is completely healed, regularly using a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher can help protect it from UV damage and premature fading.
No Swimming or Soaking
Until your tattoo is fully healed, avoid:
Swimming pools
Hot tubs
Lakes
Rivers
Oceans
Baths
Saunas or prolonged soaking
Regular showers are completely fine.
The goal is to keep the tattoo clean without leaving it submerged in water.
Wear Loose, Clean Clothing
During the healing process, avoid tight clothing that constantly rubs against your tattoo.
Loose, breathable clothing helps reduce unnecessary friction and irritation.
Also pay attention to anything else that regularly touches the area, including bedding.
Clean sheets are your friend.
And as much as you love your pets, don’t allow them to lick, scratch, or sleep directly against your fresh tattoo.
Tattoo Healing Timeline
Everyone heals differently, but here’s a general idea of what to expect.
Days 1–3:
Your tattoo may be tender, slightly swollen, red, and sensitive.
Days 4–7:
Dryness, itching, flaking, and peeling may begin.
Days 7–14:
Peeling and itching usually start settling down. The tattoo may temporarily look slightly dull.
Weeks 2–4:
The surface of the skin should continue returning to normal.
Even when your tattoo looks healed on the outside, deeper layers of skin may still be healing.
Continue treating the area gently.
Signs That Something May Be Wrong
Some redness and tenderness are expected immediately after getting tattooed. However, symptoms that are getting worse instead of better deserve attention.
Watch for symptoms such as:
Redness that continues spreading
Increasing warmth or swelling
Pain that becomes significantly worse
Thick yellow or green discharge
Foul odor
Red streaking extending away from the tattoo
Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell
If you’re concerned about a possible infection or allergic reaction, contact a qualified healthcare professional promptly. Your tattoo artist can help answer general healing and aftercare questions, but they cannot diagnose or treat a medical condition.
Quick Tattoo Aftercare: Do & Don’t
DO
Wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
Keep your tattoo clean.
Wash gently with mild, fragrance-free soap.
Pat the tattoo dry.
Moisturize lightly.
Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing.
Keep your bedding clean.
Protect your healed tattoo with sunscreen.
Follow any specific instructions given by your tattoo artist.
DON’T
Scratch or pick your tattoo.
Peel off flaking skin.
Scrub the tattoo.
Over-moisturize it.
Soak or swim with a healing tattoo.
Expose it to prolonged direct sunlight.
Allow pets to lick the tattoo.
Use heavily fragranced products on the area.
Ignore symptoms that are becoming progressively worse.
Have Questions About Your Tattoo?
Healing is part of the tattoo process, and we’d rather you ask a question than sit at home worrying about your tattoo.
If something doesn’t look right or you’re unsure about your aftercare, reach out to Lucky 24 Tattoo and send us a clear photo of the area. We can help you determine whether what you’re experiencing appears consistent with normal tattoo healing or whether you should contact a healthcare professional.
And remember: a great tattoo doesn’t end when you leave the chair.
Take care of your tattoo now so you can enjoy it for years to come.
— Lucky 24 Tattoo
Phone: 629-292-3147____
Email: ___info@lucky24tattoo.com_____
Instagram: ___@lucky24tattoo_____