Tattoo Aftercare: How to Take Care of a New Tattoo
Why Aftercare Matters
Your tattoo is essentially an open wound. How you care for it in the first few weeks determines how well the ink settles, how vibrant the colors stay, and whether you avoid infection or scarring.
Day 1: The First Few Hours
Your artist will wrap your fresh tattoo in either plastic wrap or a medical-grade bandage (like Saniderm or Tegaderm).
- Plastic wrap: Remove after 2–4 hours. Your artist will give you specific timing.
- Saniderm/Tegaderm: Can stay on for 24–72 hours. It's a breathable, waterproof barrier that lets the tattoo start healing underneath.
Days 1–3: The Washing Phase
Once you remove the wrap:
- Wash gently with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free liquid soap (like Dial Gold or Dr. Bronner's unscented).
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never use a cloth towel, which can harbor bacteria.
- Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer or a tattoo-specific aftercare product (Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, or whatever your artist recommends).
- Repeat 2–3 times per day.
What NOT to Do
- Don't re-wrap the tattoo (unless using Saniderm)
- Don't soak it — no baths, pools, hot tubs, or saunas
- Don't touch it with dirty hands
- Don't apply too much ointment (it needs to breathe)
Days 4–14: The Peeling Phase
Your tattoo will start to peel and flake — this is completely normal. It looks similar to a sunburn peeling.
- Do not pick or scratch the peeling skin. This can pull out ink and cause patchy healing.
- Continue washing and moisturizing 2–3 times daily.
- Switch from Aquaphor to a lighter, unscented lotion (like Lubriderm or Cetaphil) once the heavy peeling starts.
Itching
The itching can be intense. To manage it:
- Gently slap (don't scratch) the area
- Apply a thin layer of moisturizer
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo
Weeks 2–4: The Settling Phase
The top layer of skin has healed, but the deeper layers are still recovering. Your tattoo may look slightly cloudy or dull — this is normal and temporary.
- Continue moisturizing daily
- Start using SPF 30+ sunscreen on the tattoo when exposed to sunlight
- Avoid prolonged sun exposure
Long-Term Tattoo Care
Even after your tattoo is fully healed:
- Always apply sunscreen when the tattoo is exposed to UV light. Sun is the #1 enemy of tattoo vibrancy.
- Stay hydrated and moisturize regularly to keep your skin healthy.
- Watch for changes. If you notice unusual swelling, redness, or discharge weeks after getting tattooed, consult a doctor.
When to Contact Your Artist or a Doctor
Reach out if you experience:
- Excessive redness or swelling after the first 48 hours
- Pus or green/yellow discharge
- Fever or chills
- Raised, hard bumps that don't go away
- Significant ink loss or patchy healing (may just need a touch-up)
Products We Recommend
| Product | Best For |
|---|---|
| Aquaphor | First 3–4 days (healing ointment) |
| Hustle Butter | All-phase aftercare |
| Lubriderm (unscented) | Peeling/settling phase |
| Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion | Sensitive skin |
| SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen | Long-term protection |
The Bottom Line
Aftercare is simple but requires consistency. Wash, moisturize, don't pick, and protect from the sun. Follow these steps and your tattoo will heal beautifully.
Need to find an artist for your next piece? Browse tattoo shops near you on InkLink.