No, you generally should not use pure Vaseline (petroleum jelly) on a new tattoo because it's too heavy, doesn't let the skin breathe, traps moisture and bacteria, and can pull out ink, increasing infection risk and causing fading. Instead, use a very thin layer of a specific tattoo aftercare product or a fragrance-free, water-based lotion, allowing the skin to breathe while staying moisturized, as Vaseline can suffocate the healing wound.
While this might seem like a good thing for trapping moisture, it can have negative consequences for your tattoo. Tattoos need to breathe during the healing process, and Vaseline can clog pores, potentially leading to infection and delayed healing.
To aid the skin healing process, the tattoo needs to be kept moist. You can use a very thin layer of hypoallergenic ointment or fragrance-free lotion like Vaseline® Intensive Care™ Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion, or Vaseline® Healing Jelly Original. Repeat daily for 2-3 weeks to help wound healing.
While patience is key, there are several proactive steps you can take to help your skin recover more quickly and effectively.
Fragranced lotions- I know some of you love using perfumed lotion products from bath and body works, and while they smell great, they contain a bunch of artificial fragrances and contaminants that can cause infections in your open wounds. I would avoid using these until your tattoo is completely healed and settled!
Better Alternatives Available:
Some popular alternatives include coconut oil, aloe vera gel, and specialized tattoo aftercare products.
The first three days after the tattoo
Once dry, apply a thin layer of After Care of your choice. I recommend regular Bepanthen. NO Vaseline. Vaseline will clog the pores and hinder the healing process.
It's a Lubricant: The primary reason is to lubricate the skin. This allows the tattoo needles to glide more smoothly, which can reduce friction and make the process a bit more comfortable for you. It Manages Excess Ink: Fresh ink and blood can create a messy surface.
Carefully wash your tattoo area three times a day with soap and water, and gently pat it dry. Keep applying a moisturizer or ointment after you clean your tattoo to keep it moist. After 5 days, you can switch from an antibiotic ointment to a gentle fragrance-free body lotion.
Vaseline itself does not chemically remove ink, but poor healing conditions caused by Vaseline can lead to fading. When the skin cannot breathe, scabs become thick and may pull ink out as they fall.
Calendula Oil/Extract: Calendula has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It can help reduce redness and irritation around the tattooed area. Lavender Oil: Lavender oil is often added for its calming and healing effects. It can help reduce pain, inflammation, and promote a sense of relaxation.
For the first few days, your focus isn't on moisturizing, but on keeping your new tattoo clean. Hold off on applying lotion until the tattoo is dry, usually 1–3 days after your appointment at Wild Heart. You'll know it's dry when it starts to feel tight, flaky, or starts scabbing. Don't apply lotion to wet ink.
Keep it up. Continue to clean and moisturise the tattooed area until it has completely healed (may take up to 4 weeks). Keep it up even after the scabs are gone. FYI, there may be scabs.
What NOT to do? DON'T re-bandage your tattoo, rub, scratch or pick at your new tattoo. DON'T apply alcohol, Neosporin, Vaseline, or petroleum jelly (they can trap dirt and germs and cause infection). DON'T apply a heavy coat of lotion (remember the skin must breathe in order to heal).
Gently wash off excess ointment and fluids from tattoo with clean, bare hand. Pat dry with a clean, single-use paper towel; do not rub with towel. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin™ Zinc Oxide ointment, Neosporin™ or Vitamin A&D ointment.
The reason some artist will tell you to steer clear of Aquaphor is -it is possible to over moisturize a healing tattoo. So to be safe, a lot of artists will tell clients to use a non- scented lotion versus Aquaphor, which can be much thicker and heavier.
You have a rash or bumpy skin around your tattoo
If you notice a rash or lumpy, bumpy skin around your new tattoo, this could be something to worry about. Any itching that seems extreme, or rashes and cracked skin, could indicate infection.
After getting a tattoo, avoid scratching, picking scabs, submerging it in water (baths, pools, hot tubs), prolonged sun exposure, tight clothing, and using harsh/fragranced soaps or heavy petroleum jelly; instead, keep it clean with unscented soap, moisturize lightly with artist-recommended lotion, and let it heal naturally to prevent infection and fading. Always follow your tattoo artist's specific aftercare instructions for best results.
A good sign is if you start to see a rash, pimples, or the tattoo is bubbling from trapped moisture. Also, when putting lotion/moisturizer on, if your skin is looking shiny or wet, then you are over moisturizing. You only need a thin layer and you can pat, don't rub, away excess with a clean paper towel.
Yes, a $50 tip on a $300 tattoo is a good tip, falling slightly below the standard 20% ($60) but representing a solid 16.7%, showing appreciation, especially if you had a good experience; however, tipping $60-$75 (20-25%) is generally considered excellent for great service, so $50 is a respectable amount.
A $2000 tattoo can range from a detailed half-sleeve to a large, intricate thigh or chest piece, or even the beginning of a full back or sleeve, often taking multiple sessions and significant artist hours (8+ hours) for complex designs, but it depends heavily on the artist's skill, location, and the design's intricacy.
If you can't find tattoo aftercare cream, we recommend Bepanthen, Vaseline or Palmers Cocoa Butter as a last resort. For approximately 10 days, or until the area has healed, steps 3-5 should be repeated for three to four times each day as necessary.
Some of the most common home remedies for tattoo healing include: Aloe vera: Aloe vera is enriched with healing properties that can help soothe and heal the skin. Coconut oil: Coconut oil is one of the best forms of natural tattoo aftercare. It works as a moisturizer and anti-bacterial agent.