How to take care of a new tattoo
Your tattoo is, technically, an open wound for the first two weeks. Caring for it isn't optional: it protects your health and helps the design heal crisp, with the color it deserves.
- Wash 2–3 times a day with mild soap and lukewarm water.
- THIN layer of fragrance-free lotion — don't smother it.
- No direct sun, pools, ocean, or gym for the first days.
- Don't scratch or pick the scabs: that's where ink is lost.
- Heals in 2–4 weeks. Spreading redness or fever → see a doctor.
1The first hours
- Leave the bandage or protective film on for the time I told you at the end of the session.
- Before removing it, wash your hands with soap. Peel it off gently; if it sticks, dampen it with lukewarm water.
- If I applied "second skin" (adhesive film), it can stay on for 3 to 5 days unless I tell you otherwise. Seeing fluid pooled underneath is normal.
2Cleaning — twice a day, for 2 weeks
- Wash your hands before touching the tattoo. Always.
- Wash the area with lukewarm water (never hot) and a fragrance-free antibacterial soap.
- Rinse and pat dry with clean disposable paper. Never rub; never a cloth towel.
- Let the skin air out for a few minutes before moisturizing.
3Moisturizing
- Days 1 to 3: a very thin layer of healing ointment (Aquaphor or A+D Original). If the skin looks thick and shiny, that's too much product.
- Day 4 onward: a fragrance-free moisturizer (Cetaphil, Lubriderm, or Eucerin) 2 to 3 times a day, through week 4.
- Avoid products with alcohol, fragrance, dyes, or thick layers of petroleum jelly.
4What NOT to do
- Don't scratch, rub, or pick at scabs and flakes — they take the ink with them.
- No direct sun or tanning beds for at least 4 weeks.
- No pool, ocean, hot tub, or bath for 2 to 4 weeks. Short showers are fine.
- No intense exercise or heavy sweating for the first 48–72 hours.
- No tight clothing rubbing the area; use clean sheets the first few days.
5Healing timeline
⚠ Warning signs — see a doctor if you notice:
- Redness spreading beyond the tattooed area.
- Pain that worsens after the third day instead of improving.
- Yellow or green discharge, or a bad smell.
- Fever or flu-like symptoms.
- Hot red streaks radiating from the tattoo.
Your health comes first. When in doubt, see a doctor — and let me know so I can support you.
6Sun protection, for life
Once healed, apply SPF 30 or higher whenever the tattoo will be exposed. The sun is the number-one enemy of color and crispness — and protecting your skin also helps prevent skin cancer.
Quick questions
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
Surface skin closes in 2–4 weeks; deep healing and final color, 2–4 months. Larger pieces take longer.
How often do I wash it?
Twice a day for 2 weeks, with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Pat dry, never rub.
What cream do I use?
Days 1–3 thin ointment (Aquaphor/A+D); day 4+ fragrance-free moisturizer (Cetaphil/Lubriderm/Eucerin). No alcohol or thick petroleum jelly.
When can I swim?
Avoid pool and ocean for 2–4 weeks, until scabs heal. Short showers fine; submerging no.
How do I know if it's infected?
Spreading redness, pain worsening after day 3, yellow/green discharge or bad smell, fever, or hot red streaks. For any of these, see a doctor.
Don't have your tattoo yet? Get your tattoo quote → · This guide is informational and doesn't replace a healthcare professional's assessment.