The Dos and Don'ts Of Tattoo Aftercare

Getting a new tattoo is exciting! The aftercare part of it… not so much. But how you take care of your tattoo when it's fresh makes a huge difference in how it looks long-term. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to do and what not to do while your tattoo heals.

Do: Let it Breathe

As open wounds, tattoos require oxygen for skin cells to regenerate and heal properly, preventing infection and promoting faster recovery. That's why it's important to let the tattoo get air exposure after removing the initial bandaging/covering.

Don't: Expose it to Sunlight

While it’s important to let your new tattoo breathe, it’s also important to keep it out of the sun. Exposing your new tattoo to UV rays can cause burning, inflammation, blistering, significant fading, scarring, and infection. We suggest wearing loose clothing to cover your tattoo while it heals. 

Do: Wash it Every Day

Regular washing removes built-up bacteria, dirt, oils, and plasma. If not washed away, they can cause infection, irritation, and heavy scabbing. 

Don't:  Wash it Too Much

Over-cleaning will dry out the skin, causing irritation and preventing healing. Plus, overwashing and submersion in water can cause fading or patchiness. We recommend only washing your new tattoo twice a day and patting the area dry with a clean paper towel.

Do: Apply Lotion Daily

A thin layer of lotion helps prevent scabbing and promotes healing. It will soothe itching and prevent your skin from drying out.

Don’t: Over-Saturate with Lotion

Moist conditions create the perfect environment for infection-causing bacteria to thrive, so it's important you don't overdo it with the lotion. Excessive use of these products restricts the skin’s ability to breathe. That leads to clogged pores, blemishes, and pimples. A tattoo that is over-moisturized can also appear red and inflamed, and the tattoo itself can appear slightly blurred or fuzzy. To reduce moisture, apply only a thin layer of lotion that can be easily absorbed!

Do: Be Mindful in the Shower

Nothing's better than a nice, hot shower. But it's important to be mindful of your new tattoo. For example, getting hot water on a fresh tattoo is painful. We suggest using cool to warm water instead. We also recommend avoiding scented products or exfoliants. Finally, after rinsing your hair products, make sure you clean the area with an unscented soap to remove any residue.

Don't: Shave the Tattooed Area

Shaving over a fresh tattoo is a definite no-go. The razor can introduce bacteria, resulting in infection. Shaving removes the top, healing layer of skin and can pull out ink, damage the skin layer, and rip off scabs, resulting in patchy, faded, or even ruined tattoos.

Do: Follow the Aftercare Instructions 

Your tattoo artist will provide aftercare instructions specific to your tattoo and the style of bandaging they use. 

Don't: Hesitate to Reach Out

We want your tattoo to look good! Always reach out to your artist or the studio if you have any questions about aftercare or if you have any concerns. We're here to help. 

With a little care, your tattoo will settle beautifully and stay looking great for years to come. Stick to these do’s and don’ts, listen to your artist, and never be afraid to ask questions!