The Healing Process: Caring for Your New Tattoo
Congratulations on your new tattoo! Proper aftercare is essential to making sure your ink heals beautifully and stays vibrant for years to come. This guide will walk you through the steps to keep your tattoo looking its best. Our product recommendations are linked at the end of this article!
Even though it’s beautiful, a tattoo is an open wound that needs to be properly taken care of! Each artist has their preferred process for healing fresh ink, but all have the same core steps – cleanse, moisturize, protect.
Avoid bodies of water. Do not soak in a bathtub, go to the beach, jump in the pool, go whitewater river rafting, or immerse the tattoo in any body of water for the next 21 days.
Avoid the sun. Do not lay out in the sun like a lizard, go to a tanning bed, or do strenuous outdoor activity for the next 14 days.
After the Appointment
We recommend keeping the following schedule for the days immediately after your tattoo appointment.
Days 0-3:
Every 3 Hours - wash your tattoo with cold water and a gentle cleanser, pat dry with paper towels and apply a thin layer of a lightweight moisturizer. We recommend covering the tattoo with plastic wrap, an antibacterial absorbent pad, or a second-skin to protect from any potential germs, scratches, or accidents. At night, be sure to place a protective covering on the tattoo.
Days 4-6:
AM & PM - twice a day repeat the same instructions as above. At this point, the tattoo has begun to seal and you might notice some dry areas or flaking, don’t pick at it! When cleansing, gentle rub any peeling away.
Days 7-14:
Cleanse at least 1x a day, moisturize AM & PM, wear sunscreen if outside or exposed to UV rays. The tattoo will continue shedding skin, gently remove it when cleansing. During this stage, the saturation of the tattoo may appear different than when it was first completed, that’s normal and will settle once the healing process is done.
Days 14 & beyond:
At this point, the tattoo is sealed enough that you can exercise and sweat. Continue to avoid large bodies of water and wear sunscreen when exposed to the sun until Day 30.
Once the Tattoo is Healed
The general rule of thumb is that by 4 weeks after your appointment, your tattoo should be fully healed. Proper longterm care will keep your colors vibrant, and your details in tact for years and years.
Outdoor Care – Always use sunscreen when outdoors in the sun (SPF 30 at minimum) or wear UV protective clothing.
Daily maintenance – Keep your skin moisturized, a lightweight moisturizer in the morning & evening will do wonders for keeping your skin and ink glowing!
Remember, the healing process is a crucial part of your tattoo journey. By following these steps and giving your tattoo the care it deserves, you'll enjoy a stunning piece of art for years to come.