Complete Aftercare Guide: First 30 Days

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Whether it's your first or your fiftieth, proper aftercare is crucial for ensuring your tattoo heals beautifully and maintains its vibrant appearance for years to come.

The first 72 hours are the most important for tattoo healing. Your artist will cover your fresh tattoo with a protective bandage. Leave this on for 2-4 hours (or as directed by your artist). When you remove it, wash your hands thoroughly, then gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel—never rub. Apply a thin layer of artist-recommended ointment, typically a petroleum-based product like Aquaphor or A&D.

Around day 4, your tattoo will start to peel like a sunburn. This is completely normal—do not pick or scratch! Continue washing 2-3 times daily, but switch from ointment to a fragrance-free lotion like Lubriderm or Cetaphil. The itching during this phase can be intense, but scratching can pull out ink and damage your tattoo. Instead, gently pat or slap the area. Keep it moisturized but not oversaturated—your skin should breathe.

By week three, your tattoo should look mostly healed on the surface, though the deeper layers of skin are still repairing. Continue moisturizing daily and stay vigilant about sun protection—UV rays are your tattoo's enemy. Wear SPF 30 or higher whenever exposed to sunlight. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, and long baths during this entire period. These can introduce bacteria or cause excessive moisture that interferes with healing. Your tattoo may still look slightly dull or cloudy; this will clear up as healing completes.

Contact your artist or a doctor immediately if you experience excessive redness spreading beyond the tattooed area, pus or yellow discharge, fever, severe swelling, or red streaks radiating from the tattoo. These could indicate infection. Minor redness, clear fluid, and light scabbing are normal. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, seek professional advice.

After the first month, your tattoo maintenance becomes simple: moisturize regularly and always use sunscreen. Good hydration keeps colors vibrant. Schedule touch-ups every 5-10 years as needed for areas that experience more wear and fading. With proper care, your tattoo will remain a stunning piece of art for life.