Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience, but proper aftercare is essential to ensure that your ink heals beautifully and remains vibrant for years to come. Following a few key steps can help prevent infection and maintain the quality of your tattoo. This guide will walk you through what to do—and what not to do—during the critical healing period. By staying hydrated, keeping your tattoo clean, and using the right products, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your new artwork. However, it’s equally important to avoid certain activities that could harm your tattoo, like swimming or exposing it to direct sunlight.
With the right care, you’ll be able to enjoy your new tattoo at its best.
What To Do:
- Drink plenty of water
- Remove bandage after several hours
- Wash area with mild soap & warm water
- Apply thin coat of provided aftercare several times a day after washing and completely drying
- Continue to wash several times a day, moisturizing after drying, until skin stops flaking
- Discard aftercare product once tattoo is healed!
What Not to Do:
- Although the average tattoo takes 1 to 2 weeks to heal we do not recommend the following activities the first month; swimming, hot tubs, exposing to excessive steam, or submerging under water (baths)
- Showers are fine (in fact encouraged)
- Do not shave the area until completely healed
- About the 4th or 5th day your tattoo will itch and begin to flake and peel. It is very important that you do not pick or scratch at it, this can truly harm your new tattoo, a light slap will suffice when itching occurs
- Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight, this will fade the color
- Do not take advice from tattoo experts in bars or nightclubs!