How to Care for Your New Tattoo
You did the hard part—you sat through the needle, you made it through the buzzing, and now you’ve got fresh art on your skin. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, aftercare matters. Not just for healing, but for how that piece will look 10 years from now. Here’s how to treat your tattoo with the same respect it took to earn it.
Option 1: Old-School Aftercare
This is the classic, breathable method—no adhesives, just you and your tattoo in the open air.
Steps:
Leave the wrap on for 1–2 hours. Then wash gently with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel. No rubbing. No bath towels.
Apply a thin layer of unscented lotion or ointment (like Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, or whatever your artist recommends).
Repeat the wash/dry/lotion cycle 2–3 times a day for the first few days.
Once peeling starts, drop the lotion to once a day. Let it flake naturally. Don’t pick.
Option 2: Adhesive Bandage (Second Skin, etc.)
This method uses a breathable adhesive wrap to keep your tattoo sealed up and reduce contamination risk.
Steps:
Leave the bandage on for 24–72 hours (your artist will tell you the sweet spot).
When it’s time to remove it, do it under warm water to soften the adhesive. Peel slowly—think “respectful breakup,” not “wax strip rage.”
Wash the tattoo with mild soap, pat dry, and follow with a light lotion if needed.
Do not re-bandage unless instructed.
A Few Smart Things to Remember:
No hot tubs. No swimming. Showering is fine. Submerging it? Not so much.
No picking or scratching. Even if it itches like hell. You’ll survive.
Wear loose, breathable clothing over the area. Don’t suffocate your skin.
Sun is the enemy. Your tattoo is vulnerable. Keep it covered or SPF’d for life.
Pro Tip:
If something feels off—excessive redness, swelling, weird discharge—don’t Google yourself into a panic. Text or email your artist. We’ve seen it all. We’ll let you know if it’s normal or if it needs a look.
Your tattoo is a collaboration—between you, your artist, and your immune system. Treat it well, and it’ll carry your story for decades to come.