For the first night, gently wash your fresh tattoo with lukewarm water and unscented antibacterial soap using clean fingertips, rinse well, then pat dry with a clean paper towel and let it air dry completely before applying a very thin layer of recommended ointment or balm (like Aquaphor or a specialized tattoo product) to protect it from sticking to sheets, ensuring you have clean bedding.
First Day/Night
Keep the bandage on for a minimum of 6 hours. We recommend keeping it on overnight provided the dressing feels comfortable and secure. If you decide to remove the bandage before going to sleep, follow the instructions in the next section to properly remove the bandage and clean your tattoo.
Until the surface of the tattoo is healed (at a minimum of two to three weeks), wash the area gently 2-3 times per day. After cleaning the tattoo during this two to three week period, gently apply a thin coat of a lotion-based care product.
Showering is fine. Just don't blast your tattoo with running water, don't scrub it, and only wash it with unscented antibacterial soap (preferably something foaming so it rinses off easily). Gently pat it dry with a CLEAN towel (don't rub it or use your moldy asscrack towel).
Generally, tattoos are fully healed in two to three weeks. During the healing process, DO NOT use anything on your tattoo that you wouldn't use on any other wound or abrasion.
If you don't look after your new tattoo, a few not-so-great things can happen. The biggest concern is infection. A new tattoo is essentially an open wound, and if you don't clean it properly, bacteria can sneak in.
Some tattoo artists recommend waiting between 24-48 hours before applying moisturizer, though others recommend doing so as soon as the first wash.
After 3 days, your tattoo should show reduced redness and swelling. It will appear slightly dry with a thin film forming over it. Some clear fluid and ink may still seep out, but significantly less than the first day. The colors will appear bright but may have a shiny, tight feeling.
Is a $50 tip for a $300 tattoo? $50 is about 17% of $300. If you had a great experience, consider rounding up to 20% for a $60 tip.
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.
Once your tattoo stops oozing, which usually happens around days 5--7, you can reduce washing to once or twice a day. Washing too often can dry out your skin and slow down the healing process.
Apply a water-based lotion or cream to your tattoo to keep it moisturized — it's never a good idea to leave your fresh new ink susceptible to dryness. “Moisture will help the skin to heal faster and keep scabs from forming,” Dr. Sra says.
Once the tattoo is dry apply AQUAPHOR healing ointment, made by Eucerin. Apply a thin layer and rub it in, then dab excess off with a clean paper towel. Use the Aquaphor for the first 2-3 days then switch to a regular FRAGRANCE-FREE lotion such as Lubriderm, or any other fragrance-free brand.
The tattoo will begin to peel and flake, similar to a bad sunburn. This is normal! Continue to wash twice a day with warm (not hot) water - no soap on tattoo - using your hand or clean paper towel to remove any scabs that are flaking off naturally.
Is it OK to wear clothes over a new tattoo? Yes, but try not to after the few initial days after application. If you do, make sure you change your clothes frequently. In our experience, tattoos can weep onto the clothes and if you don't change them, it can cause infection.
Use alcohol-free soap and warm water. Follow the advice from your tattoo artist, but generally speaking, you should wash your tattoo and use a lotion/ointment on it at least twice a day, to keep it clean and hydrated.
Your Brand New Tattoo – What Not to Do While It Is Healing
While patience is key, there are several proactive steps you can take to help your skin recover more quickly and effectively.