Your Essential Tattoo Aftercare Guide: The more you know…
The Essentail Tattoo Aftercare Guide: Healing & Maintaining Your Ink
Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience, but proper aftercare is essential to ensure it heals correctly and maintains its vibrancy. Follow this straightforward guide to keep your tattoo looking its best for years to come.
1. Second Skin & Wraps
If your artist applies a second skin, leave it on for 3–5 days. During this time, it can be changed if necessary—consult your artist for guidance.
If plastic wrap (such as Saran wrap) is used instead, remove it after 2–4 hours to allow your skin to breathe & follow instructions below.
Why Second Skin?
Creates an optimal healing environment by keeping the area moist and protected from bacteria.
Allows vapor to escape while preventing external contaminants from entering.
Speeds up the healing process and reduces scabbing.
☕️ If the second skin starts peeling or exposes the tattoo, remove it immediately to avoid bacterial buildup. Wash the area and follow the next steps.
☕️ Be sure to tell your artist if you’ve ever experienced allergic reactions to platers/surgical tapes before using second skin. They can provide alternative aftercare steps if this is the case.
2. Cleaning the Tattoo
Once the second skin is removed, clean your tattoo 2–3 times daily for the next 2–3 weeks.
How to Clean Your Tattoo:
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.
Use unscented antibacterial soap or a saline solution (salt water).
Gently cleanse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean paper towel—avoid rubbing.
3. Hydrating the Tattoo
Apply a thin layer of balm 3–5 times per day after cleaning.
🧠 Think: Little & Often.
Best Hydration Practices:
Use the balm provided by your artist or natural alternatives such as aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, or vitamin E.
Avoid sunscreen until the skin is fully healed (around 4–6 weeks). Once healed, regularly apply SPF to protect the tattoo from fading.
Hydration also helps relieve itching, a common part of the healing process.
4. What to Avoid
Swimming Pools & Oceans – Pools contain harsh chemicals, and oceans harbor bacteria that can lead to infections.
Direct Sunlight – UV rays can penetrate fresh tattoos, causing burns, fading, and scarring. Cover your tattoo with loose clothing until fully healed.
Tight Clothing – Friction can irritate the healing skin. Wear loose, breathable fabric.
Heavy Exercise – Excessive sweating, friction, and stretching can slow healing, fade ink, and expose you to bacteria in gyms. Allow your body time to recover.
1 year healed colour tattoo by David aka Knifelife.
(Along with the artists good technical abilities, the client followed aftercare and continues to use SPF to protect.)
5. Signs of Proper Healing
Mild itching and flaking as the skin peels.
Slight redness or sensitivity, which should gradually fade.
☕️ If you experience excessive swelling, redness, or discharge, consult your artist or a medical professional, as this may indicate an infection or allergic reaction.
Final Thoughts
By following these aftercare steps, your tattoo will heal properly and retain its vibrancy for years to come. If you have any concerns, always consult your tattoo artist—they know what’s best for their work and your skin!
Got a fresh tattoo? Take care of it properly, and it’ll stay looking sharp for life!
