Tattoo Aftercare Instructions: What to Do After Getting a Tattoo

Once the ink is in your skin, the responsibility no longer lies with the tattoo artist.

It lies with you.

What happens over the next few days plays a major role in how your tattoo heals, how it looks once settled, and how it ages over time. Poor aftercare can lead to infection, patchy healing, or loss of clarity. Proper care, even with a few simple steps, can ensure your tattoo remains a source of pride for years.

If you ever have doubts about your tattoo’s healing, call your tattoo artist. One simple conversation can prevent unnecessary damage or rework later. It is always better to ask early than to fix problems afterward.

The First Rule of Tattoo Aftercare

For the first few days, treat your tattoo as what it is: an open wound.

Your skin has been punctured and ink has been deposited beneath the surface. Like any wound, your body immediately begins a healing response. Blood flow increases, the immune system activates, and a protective layer begins to form over the area.

This process is normal, necessary, and temporary.

Three Simple Rules That Make a Big Difference

Following just these three guidelines will put you far ahead in the healing process.

1. Treat the tattoo as an open wound for the first few days.

2. After washing, never rub the tattoo with a towel. Gently dab it dry with a clean towel instead.

3. Do not pick or scratch scabs under any circumstance.

Ignoring these steps is one of the most common causes of tattoo damage during healing.

What’s Happening Inside Your Skin

When a tattoo is done, the skin is broken and foreign pigment is placed beneath the surface. Your body reacts just as it would to any injury.

A protective layer forms over the tattooed area, similar to how skin peels after sunburn. As this layer begins to shed, the tattoo may appear dull or lifeless. This is normal and temporary.

Once the protective layer has completed its job and falls away naturally, the tattoo will regain its clarity and depth.

The First Three to Four Hours

After your tattoo session, the artist will apply a protective bandage. This barrier prevents airborne bacteria and pathogens from entering the fresh tattoo.

Leave this bandage on for the first three to four hours, unless instructed otherwise by your artist. Once removed, it does not need to be reapplied.

Cleaning and Letting the Tattoo Breathe

When it is time to remove the bandage, gently rinse the tattooed area with clean hands using lukewarm water.

You may shower normally, but avoid letting the water hit the tattoo directly and do not soak the area. Depending on your skin type and climate, a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap may be used to remove excess ointment or residue.

Always pat the tattoo dry. Rubbing can irritate the skin and slow healing.

Moisturising and Protection

Apply a thin layer of moisturizer to the tattooed area three to four times a day. The key healing period is the first few days, but the tattoo will not be fully healed until one complete skin cycle—approximately 28 days.

Keeping the skin lightly moisturised during this time helps prevent dryness, cracking, and irritation. The tattoo should feel comfortable, not greasy or suffocated.

Scabbing and Peeling

This step cannot be overstated.

As the top layer of skin heals, it will flake and peel. This is completely natural. Your tattoo is not falling off.

Do not scratch, pick, or peel scabs. Let the skin shed on its own. Interfering with this process can remove pigment and cause uneven healing.

Avoid Saunas, Hot Tubs, and Swimming Pools

Saunas, hot tubs, and swimming pools are breeding grounds for bacteria.

Normally, your skin provides a waterproof barrier. With a fresh tattoo, that barrier has been compromised. Entering these environments too soon significantly increases the risk of infection.

The same caution applies to baths and long showers. Short, gentle showers are fine, but soaking should be avoided until healing is complete.

Avoid Sun Exposure

The first 28 days are crucial. Avoid exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight as much as possible.

Sun heats tattoo ink beneath the skin. When this happens, your body may treat the ink as a foreign substance and attempt to break it down. This is one of the primary reasons tattoos exposed to sun too early begin to fade.

Once healed, using a high-SPF sunscreen on tattooed areas is strongly recommended to preserve colour and contrast long-term.

Final Thought

Tattoo aftercare is not optional. It is part of the tattoo process.

A well-executed tattoo combined with proper aftercare heals cleaner, looks sharper, and lasts longer. Taking care of your tattoo after the session protects the work that has already been done.

Planning a Tattoo?

If you are considering a tattoo and want a design that fits your body, skin tone, and ages well, the first step is proper design planning.

This step allows time to discuss design direction, placement, scale, and flow, while addressing questions that are often overlooked when decisions are rushed. The goal is not just to create a tattoo that looks good today, but one that continues to make sense years from now.

If you’re serious about getting a tattoo that feels intentional and well thought out, start with a consultation.