8 Steps for Your New Tattoo
Thank you for trusting me with your new tattoo. Whether you chose fine-line work or a watercolor design, proper tattoo aftercare starts with gentle cleaning, light moisturizing, and protection while your skin heals. Follow these eight steps alongside the specific instructions I give you at your appointment.
1. Follow your bandage instructions
Leave your bandage on for the time I recommend. Adhesive tattoo film and traditional wraps have different removal schedules, so there is no single timing that works for every bandage. Contact me if you are unsure when to remove yours.
3. Wash your tattoo carefully
Once the bandage is off, gently wash your tattoo twice daily with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Use clean fingertips rather than a washcloth, sponge, or scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly and avoid scrubbing, exfoliating, or using hot water.
5. Let peeling skin heal naturally
Mild itching, flaking, and light scabbing can happen during healing. Do not scratch, pick, or peel your tattoo. Let loose skin and scabs come away on their own to avoid damaging the healing skin or affecting the finished tattoo.
7. Avoid friction and irritating activities
Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing that does not rub or stick to your tattoo. Modify or pause exercise that stretches, rubs, or irritates the area, and avoid saunas while it heals. Keep bedding clean and protect the tattoo from dirty surfaces and shared gym equipment.
2. Remove the bandage gently
Wash your hands before touching your tattoo. Gently remove the dressing according to the instructions provided; lukewarm running water can help loosen adhesive film. Take your time, do not pull forcefully or reuse a removed bandage.
4. Pat dry and moisturize lightly
Gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean, disposable paper towel. With clean hands, apply a thin layer of the fragrance-free moisturizer or aftercare product I recommend, generally twice daily after washing. Use just enough to keep the skin comfortable—not a thick, greasy coating. Do not apply moisturizer underneath an adhesive dressing.
6. Shower, but avoid soaking
Keep showers brief and avoid directing a strong stream of water onto your tattoo. Do not swim or soak in baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, or the ocean until the skin has healed. A protective dressing does not make swimming with a fresh tattoo safe.
8. Protect your tattoo from the sun
Keep your healing tattoo out of direct sunlight and cover it with loose clothing when outdoors. Do not apply sunscreen to unhealed skin. Once the skin has healed, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and follow its reapplication instructions to help protect your tattoo over time.
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Healing concerns: when to get help
Healing time varies with tattoo size, placement, and your skin.
The surface can look healed before the deeper skin has finished recovering.
Seek prompt medical care for spreading redness, increasing pain, unusual warmth, pus, foul-smelling drainage, fever, or red streaks.
Contact me for routine aftercare questions,
but do not wait for an artist’s reply if you suspect an infection.
These instructions provide general aftercare guidance
and do not replace advice from a healthcare professional.