Tattoo Aftercare

A quick google search will show you that there's a whole bunch of opinions and even more conflicting information on how to take care of a fresh tat.

Please don't eat up your time running down that rabbit hole, we've got you covered right here!

Combining our own experiences and products we use to heal our ink, we've taken the guess work out of aftercare and created this cheat sheet to ensure your tattoo heals perfectly.

Step 1: Remove Wrap

Plastic Wrap

Leave your wrap on for 2-4 hours.
Remove by pulling the wrap off your skin and throw the wrap away.

Saniderm/Bandage

Leave sandiderm or tattoo bandage on your tattoo for 24-48 hours.
To remove, run warm water over the bandage with soap. Start by helping the bandage lift away, using the soap and water to help the bandage peel up and off your skin.
Remove by pulling the bandage away from the tattoo slowly. Do not rip this bandage quickly like a normal bandaid, you want to use the water and soap to help get in between the bandage and your tattoo to minimize pull forces on your fresh tattoo.
Throw away the wrap.

Step 2: Clean Your Ink

Use fragrance free soap to lightly and gently clean your tattoo. It is recommended to avoid antibacterial soaps and instead opt for a tattoo specific soap.
Gently cleanse away any ink, plasma, or debris from your tattoo. Do Not scrub vigorously.
Rinse your tattoo with warm water. Pat dry or let air dry.

Step 3: Apply a Moisturizer

After your tattoo has been cleansed and dried, apply a thin layer of lotion. Avoid lotions that contain petroleum and opt for a tattoo specific lotion instead. In a pinch, coconut oil itself will do wonders!
Do not over-apply lotion but rub it in completely.
Reapply your lotion every few hours, after cleaning your tattoo, showering, or when it feels dry and flaky.
Continue this process for 10-14 days or until the tattoo is fully healed.

Step 4: Ongoing Aftercare

Clean your tattoo with mild soap 1-3 times daily.
Apply lotion 3-5 times daily for 10-14 days or until the tattoo is fully healed.
Avoid scratching or picking your tattoo (slapping your tattoo helps with the urge to scratch).
Avoid pools, oceans, hot tubs, and direct sunlight.

Step 5: Maintenance for Longevity

Here are some tips and tricks for how to maintain your tattoo post the healing phase for lifelong longevity.

Keep it moisturized.
Avoid sunburns
Apply sunscreen to your tattoos.

Tattoo Aftercare FAQs

What do I do if my tattoo gets itchy?

This is a normal part of the healing process. It is important to not give in and itch, scratch, or pick at your tattoo as this can damage the healing process and result in scars or blank spots within your tattoo. If you cannot help yourself, give your tattoo a firm pat or slap and you’ll feel some relief. Itchy usually happens due to dryness, so this is indicative that you need to reapply your lotion at that time.

What do I do if the tattoo has small white bumps?

Small white bumps are commonly clogged pores or dryness. This happens when using a petroleum based aftercare product. Discontinue use and replace aftercare product with a non-petroleum based option.

How long after a tattoo can I workout?

You can generally workout the very next day after being tattooed as long as you are not in pain, getting the tattoo dirty, rubbing the tattoo, and following a proper tattoo aftercare process.

How long after getting a tattoo can I get another one?

We knew you’d be back! After getting a tattoo, we recommend you allow the first tattoo to fully heal ( ~2 weeks) before getting more ink. This is to not overwhelm your body's ability to heal, which could slow healing and impact how well both of your tattoos heal.