Yes, resting is crucial after a tattoo; your body needs it to heal an open wound, meaning you should get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous activities, sun, and pressure on the area for the first few weeks to reduce swelling, prevent infection, and help the tattoo heal properly and maintain its quality.
We recommend that you wait at least 48 hours before strenuous physical activity and heavy sweating. The important words are “at least.” It generally takes weeks for a wound to heal. Don't exercise for at least two days after getting the tattoo.
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.
You can leave it uncovered to sleep, covering it can leave the tattoo open to you sweating in that spot, or trapping bacteria in there (ointment doesn't last forever) and you will not hurt the tattoo if you sleep on it. Even if you see ink 'leaking' out, its normal.
A few key tips - Keep it clean: Gently wash your tattoo 2-3 times a day and pat it dry. Apply ointment: Use a tattoo-specific ointment or fragrance-free lotion 2-3 times a day. Avoid tight clothing and excessive moisture. Protect from sun exposure and avoid scratching or picking at the tattoo.
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.
You can usually shower after a new tattoo, but wait at least 24 hours if it's wrapped in a regular bandage, or shower immediately if it has a special waterproof bandage (like Saniderm), following your artist's specific instructions for both types of coverings. When showering, use lukewarm water, mild unscented soap, keep it short, avoid direct pressure, gently pat dry with a clean towel, and don't soak it.
Icing a new tattoo can provide significant relief by minimizing swelling and inflammation. When you apply ice, it constricts blood vessels, which can limit blood flow and reduce any resultant swelling. This is particularly beneficial for larger tattoos or those located in areas prone to significant swelling.
Your first night sleeping, your artist might recommend you re-wrap the tattoo with plastic wrap (like Saran Wrap) to sleep without the tattoo sticking to your sheets. This is generally for larger or solid-color tattoos. If your artist did not recommend re-wrapping, just let the tattoo stay exposed to air overnight.
You know the basics of tattoo aftercare: keep it clean, moisturise, and stay out of the sun. But here's a secret most people overlook: sleep. How well you rest can affect not just how fast your tattoo heals, but also how smooth it looks, how vibrant the colours stay, and even your risk of infection.
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.
Here's a handful of bad habits that are top of the list of things tattoo artists hate.
No, $200 an hour is generally not considered a lot for a professional, experienced tattoo artist in 2025-2026, often falling into the standard or even lower-mid range, especially in major cities or for specialized styles like realism or fine-line work, though rates vary significantly by location, artist demand, and expertise. While some talented artists charge around $100-$150/hour, high-demand or highly specialized artists can easily charge $250-$300+ per hour.
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.
So to avoid this while sleeping, sleep in loose layers that will allow your tattoo to breathe whilst also being protected. Again, try not to put pressure on the new tattoo while you sleep; rolling over is hard to avoid, we know, but this will really help you to keep the healing process smooth.
You may notice one or more of the following:
It is best to leave the tattoo open to the air because the constant friction of a bandage may cause healing problems. Only bandage if necessary! - DO NOT use Vaseline, A+D ointment, Neosporin or petroleum jelly. - DO NOT use alcohol or peroxide.
Along with some of the basic tips, we know you're looking for ways to heal your tattoo fast!
Specially developed for tattoos, Easytattoo cream hydrates, protects and favors rapid tissue restructuring. Its soothing effects limit tattoo irritations. Tested under dermatological control, it offers excellent skin tolerance.
"During the healing process, try to refrain from wearing socks or shoes that may rub on the tattoo," Brooklyn-based tattoo artist Carly Jordyn told BI. Lawson added that doing so can result in ink loss or even infection.
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.
Why is my new tattoo fading after just a few days? It's not unusual for your new tattoo to appear to fade shortly after application. During the healing phase, the top layer of skin may dry out and flake, causing the tattoo to look dull or less vibrant. This is a normal reaction as your skin begins to heal.
Submerging your tattoo in a bath or hot tub can cause serious damage. So avoid doing that for at least two to three weeks. However, showering is perfectly fine, as long as you don't saturate your tattoo. If you get soap or shampoo on your tattoo, wash it quickly with water.