Short 'n Sweet Tattoo Aftercare
A tattoo isn’t complete or permanent until it's healed.
No slacking on your part.
(Simplified for convenience.)
Wash your hands before you touch your new tattoo!
Immediate Care (Day 1)
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Remove the bandage after 1 to 2 hours. Do not re-bandage.
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Wash gently using warm water and mild antibacterial soap. Use hands only—no washcloths.
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Gently pat dry with a clean cloth/paper towel or air dry.
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Let it air out for an additional 30-60 minutes.
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Apply a very light amount of Aquaphor, Bacitracin or A&D. Work it in and dab off all excess. Dab again in a few minutes if necessary.
~Rule of Thumb~
If you can see the aftercare product on your skin,
you're using too much! Dab it off.
Days 1 to 3
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On the first morning: Be sure you wash the tattoo first thing. Hands and fingers only, no washcloth. Wash it until you no longer feel the slippery coating of lymph on the surface. This helps to prevent scabbing.
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Keep it clean. Wash your tattoo at least once a day- twice is better.
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Apply a "barely there" layer of ointment (Aquaphor, Bacitracin, or A&D, twice a day.
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Rub it in like lotion, then dab off any excess with a paper towel.
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If the tattoo looks shiny or wet after 10 minutes, dab it again.
Call your artist with any questions or concerns.
Days 4 to 14
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Switch to a plain, white lotion. No color, no fragrance. (Aveeno, Lubriderm, etc) twice a day.
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The tattoo will begin to itch. Do not scratch or pick! You can slap it to help alleviate the itch, or apply a bit more moisturizer.
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The tattoo will begin to flake, similar to sunburn. Do not help it to peel or pick at any scabs. Disturbing the healing can pull out ink.
The First 2 Weeks
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Do not soak your new tattoo. Keep showers under 10 minutes. No baths, pools, oceans, or hot tubs.
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Keep your tattoo out of the sun. A loose covering like a shirt is fine. Do not use sunblock until it is fully healed.
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If tattooed on the hands and feet, avoid socks, shoes, straps of sandals, gloves, washing dishes or any long exposure to water for an extra 2 weeks. These areas take longer to heal and need extra time and attention.