On your tattoo's first day, you should gently wash it with mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water to remove plasma, then pat it dry, and apply a very thin layer of specialized tattoo ointment or balm (like Hustle Butter, Aquaphor, or Bepanthen) to keep it moist but not smothered, following your artist's specific instructions. The goal is to keep it clean and hydrated without suffocating the skin.
Rinse the tattoo gently until the skin is clean. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel then allow to fully air dry for a minimum of 10 minutes. DO NOT SCRUB. Once the tattoo is dry, apply a very small amount of Aquaphor or Bacitracin.
First time getting a tattoo? Things to remember!
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!
You shouldn't moisturize until your tattoo starts to become dry. If you're moisturizing within the first couple days when your tattoo is still weeping you might end up with soft scabby spots that are hard to heal and will leave scaring and ink fall out.
Let the tattoo dry out for 2-3 days. This means no lotion but, you can still wash it. Showering is fine.
But while Vaseline can provide some level of hydration to your skin, it's not the ideal choice for healing a new tattoo. Here's a couple of reasons why it's not so good for freshly inked skin: Clogs pores: Vaseline is thick and occlusive, meaning it forms a barrier on the skin.
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.
Here's a handful of bad habits that are top of the list of things tattoo artists hate.
A $500 tattoo is typically a medium-sized piece, often around palm-sized or slightly larger (roughly 4-6 inches), but the actual size heavily depends on the artist's hourly rate (usually $100-$200/hour), design complexity, color, and location, allowing for 2-5 hours of work, potentially resulting in a detailed forearm piece or a smaller chest/back design, rather than a full sleeve.
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.
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.
Along with some of the basic tips, we know you're looking for ways to heal your tattoo fast!
Yes, you can shower after getting a new tattoo, but it's important to follow a few key steps to protect your new art. It's generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before jumping into the shower. This initial waiting period gives your skin time to begin healing.
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.
A $1000 tattoo can range from a large, detailed piece (around 6-10 inches or palm-sized with complex shading) to a significant portion of a larger project, like a half-sleeve or a sizable back/chest piece, often requiring multiple sessions, depending heavily on artist skill, complexity, color, and location, as rates vary greatly.
Many consider 20% to be a typical and well-appreciated tip for good service. However, if you're exceptionally pleased with the artwork and the overall experience, tipping more is always a welcomed gesture. Your decision often reflects the quality of work, the overall experience, and the level of service received.
The artist quotes a price for the tattoo based on various elements: including details in the specific design, the placement, or the size. A lot of times, time will also be a factor in this.
Among the rest of the Stories & Ink team, the most painful places to get a tattoo include:
Research on tattoos older than 40 years shows that ink particles remain in the deep dermis and local lymph nodes. According to the WHO data from animal experiments, black and red tattoo ink particles reach the liver, and titanium dioxide (white pigment) reaches the liver, spleen, and lung (4).
New Tattoo Care: What Not to Do After Getting Inked
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.
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).
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.