Tattoo Aftercare
How to Heal Your New Tattoo Properly
Congratulations on your new tattoo!
As Tattoo Artists we want your artwork to heal beautifully and last a lifetime.
Proper aftercare is crucial for protecting your skin, preventing infection, and preserving the detail and color of your tattoo.
Here’s everything you need to know about taking care of your tattoo
Immediate Aftercare: First Few Hours
Your artist will cover your tattoo with a sterile bandage or plastic wrap.
Leave the covering on for the time your artist recommends — usually between 2 to 6 hours. This could be longer if they use an adhesive wrap sometimes referred to as “second skin”
When it's time, carefully remove the bandage and wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
How to Wash Your Tattoo
Use lukewarm water — not hot!
Gently wash the tattoo with a mild, fragrance-free soap (or a tattoo-specific cleanser).
Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. Do not rub or use cloth towels, as they can harbor bacteria.
Moisturizing Your Tattoo
After cleaning and drying, apply a very thin layer of a recommended tattoo ointment (like Hustle Butter, or another tattoo-specific lotion). Sometimes your artist will have some that they provide as part of the service.
Do not over-moisturize — your skin needs to breathe to heal. Over-moisturizing can sometimes cause rashes or even make the skin over saturated causing heat rash like symptoms or even helping outside bacteria effect the tattooed area.
The First Week: What to Expect
Peeling and flaking: Like a sunburn, your tattoo will start to peel. This is normal!
Itching: It may itch as it heals — do not scratch or pick at scabs or flakes.
Slight redness or tenderness: This is normal for the first few days.
✅ Good Signs: Peeling, flaking, and mild itchiness.
🚫 Bad Signs (contact your artist or doctor): Excessive swelling, pus, severe pain, red streaks.
Things to Avoid While Healing
❌ No swimming (pools, oceans, lakes, baths, hot tubs) for at least 2–3 weeks. Pools, oceans, lakes, baths and hot tubs can carry a lot of bacteria. after your skin has been tattooed, it is very porous and when submerged underwater the bacteria in the water can make its way into the tattoo causing an infection.
❌ No direct sunlight on your tattoo — UV rays can fade and damage fresh ink.
❌ No heavy exercise that stretches the tattooed area or causes excessive sweating for the first few days.
❌ No picking, scratching, or peeling.
Long-Term Care Tips
Once healed, always use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on your tattoo to prevent fading.
Keep your skin healthy and moisturized year-round.
For large tattoos or pieces with fine details, consider touch-ups if recommended by your artist.
Final Thoughts
Every tattoo heals slightly differently depending on your skin type, placement, and the size of the piece.
Following proper aftercare instructions is the best way to protect your investment and ensure your tattoo looks amazing for years to come.
If you have any questions or concerns during the healing process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Artist — we're here to help!
