After Care - Caring After a Tattoo
🩹 Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Your New Tattoo: How to Heal it Right — From Fresh Ink to Final Fade
Getting a tattoo is only the first step — proper aftercare ensures it heals beautifully and lasts a lifetime. Here’s everything you need to know, hour by hour, day by day, week by week.
⏱ First Few Hours (Immediately After Your Appointment)
- Your artist will apply a sterile bandage or plastic wrap over the tattoo.
- Keep this covering on for 2–4 hours, or as directed by your artist.
- Do not touch or peek. This protects your open skin from bacteria.
🚿 After You Remove the Bandage
1. Gently Wash the Area:
- Use clean hands, not a washcloth.
- Use lukewarm water and unscented, antibacterial soap.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.
2. Apply Ointment or Moisturizer:
- Use a thin layer of a tattoo-approved ointment (like Aquaphor or Tattoo Goo).
- Avoid petroleum-based products unless advised by your artist.
- Do not over-apply — the skin needs to breathe.
📆 Day 1 to Day 3:
- Wash the tattoo 2–3 times a day, following the same gentle routine.
- Reapply ointment or fragrance-free lotion each time after washing.
- The tattoo may ooze clear plasma, ink, or a small amount of blood — this is normal.
🩹 Should I Cover It?
- After removing the initial wrap, do not re-cover unless advised.
- Let the tattoo breathe; avoid clothing that’s tight or rubs.
- If sleeping, use clean sheets and avoid sleeping on the tattoo.
🧼 Week 1 to Week 2:
- Scabbing and peeling will begin — this is normal.
- Do not pick, scratch, or peel the scabs or flakes.
- Keep moisturizing daily.
- Avoid Pools, hot tubs, oceans/lakes
- Avoid Direct sun exposure
- Avoid Heavy sweating or intense workouts
🌤 Week 2 to Week 4:
- Peeling stops, skin may look dry or shiny.
- Continue moisturizing daily.
- The tattoo may look “dull” or faded — this is part of healing.
- Continue protecting the area from sun and water exposure.
🚨 When to Contact Us
Reach out if you experience:
- Prolonged redness or swelling after 3–5 days
- Thick, yellow or green discharge
- Intense burning, pain, or fever2
- Rash or hives around the tattoo
- Signs of allergic reaction to the ink or ointment
📞 Contact Wicked Ink Tattoo immediately with concerns. Better safe than sorry!
✅ Long-Term Care Tips
- Use SPF 30+ sunscreen once fully healed to protect ink from fading.
- Moisturize regularly to keep the skin (and tattoo) vibrant.
- Touch-ups? Most artists offer free or low-cost touch-ups if needed after healing.