After getting a small tattoo, don't submerge it in water, avoid sun exposure, don't pick or scratch scabs, and wear loose clothing, as these actions can lead to fading, infection, and scarring, while using harsh soaps or excessive moisturizer can also hinder healing. Keep it clean with mild soap, pat it dry, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion, and let skin flake naturally for proper healing.
After getting a tattoo, avoid scratching/picking, submerging in water (baths, pools, hot tubs), direct sun exposure, tight clothing, and harsh soaps or petroleum jelly; instead, keep it clean with mild soap, moisturize lightly with artist-recommended lotion, and let it heal undisturbed to prevent infection and preserve the ink. Always follow your tattoo artist's specific aftercare instructions for best results.
Apply a layer of moisturizing antibiotic ointment, but don't put on another bandage. Carefully wash your tattoo area three times a day with soap and water, and gently pat it dry.
Typically, the outer layer of skin where your tattoo resides will start to heal within 2-3 weeks. However, don't be fooled by appearances; while it may look healed on the surface after this time frame, deeper layers might still be mending for up to six months!
Keep it Clean
This involves washing it regularly with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water to help remove any debris or plasma. Gently cleansing with your fingertips helps prevent irritation. Always lightly pat it dry, rather than rub, to prevent moisture buildup.
Here's a handful of bad habits that are top of the list of things tattoo artists hate.
Yes, you can take a short shower in cold or lukewarm water. after getting a tattoo. Try to keep the tattooed area out of the direct flow of the water–never soaking it. Use your hand to lightly rinse the tattoo.
Bepanthen is one of the most highly recommended tattoo aftercare products and is the go-to ointment for many tattoo artists and studios. Typically used as a nappy rash ointment, Bepanthen has been around for a long time, and its gentle formula is used to treat babies with irritated skin.
Common Tattoo Aftercare Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Pat the area gently or apply moisturizer to reduce itching. Always wash hands before touching the tattoo or applying products. Wear loose, breathable fabrics to prevent friction. Avoid submerging tattoo in water (pools, hot tubs) for 2-3 weeks.
You'll want to keep the tattoo wrapped for at least the first night because it will take a while for it to settle down and stop leaking. You don't want an open wound like that touching your bed sheets, getting blood everywhere, or dirt and dust getting into the wound itself.
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.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated from the inside out, promoting faster healing. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day. Hydrated skin not only heals faster but also retains the ink better, keeping your tattoo looking fresh and vibrant.
After getting a tattoo, you should avoid eating food with a high fat or sugar content, as these foods can cause skin inflammation and interfere with the healing process. Examples include fresh sausage, smoked sausage and ham. These foods can cause inflammation and increase the risk for slow recovery and scarring.
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.
Artist-approved balms like Hustle Butter or After Inked, light lotions like Lubriderm or Aveeno, and gentle cleansers like H2Ocean are proven favorites. Avoid heavy petroleum, fragrances, and alcohol. With the right aftercare supplies, your tattoo will heal clean, vibrant, and long-lasting.
You may notice one or more of the following:
You'll want to avoid washing your tattoo too soon or waiting too long. Generally, you'll want to wait for no less than five hours and no more than 24 hours. And of course, not washing your tattoo at all is a bad idea. Be aware of the importance of only washing or touching your tattoo when your hands are clean.
Best Tattoo Aftercare Lotion Options
Two of the most recommended options are Aquaphor and Lubriderm (we recommend these at our shop, too!) Both are known for their skin-nourishing properties and compatibility with newly inked skin.
Religious tattoos
A lot of people get religious symbols like “Om”, “Cross” and “Swastika” tattooed. A lot of tattoo artists believe that they may cause negative mental and physical effects if they are not done correctly.
The 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) in art means that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts, helping artists focus on high-impact fundamentals like composition, color, and value to improve faster, or structure work with a quiet 80% and an impactful 20% (like details or focal points). It's used to identify vital skills (anatomy, perspective) for learning, prioritize essential elements in a piece (soft vs. sharp areas), and even manage the business side of art by focusing on core marketing efforts for bigger sales.
Size matters. Apparently, the smaller your tattoo, the more likely you are to regret it. We found that 63 percent of people with a tattoo smaller than the palm of their hand regret it. However, only 2 percent of people with full-sleeves or longer, regret their tattoo.