Tattoo aftercare: a general guide to the first weeks
Tattoo aftercare is how you look after a new tattoo while it heals, so it heals well and keeps its lines and colour. This is a general guide to what usually happens and what most artists advise. It is not medical advice: always follow the instructions your own artist gives you, because methods differ by artist, by placement and by the type of wrap used. If something worries you, contact your artist or a doctor.
Your artist's instructions come first
Every artist has an aftercare routine they trust, and it can differ from what you read online. Some use a breathable film that stays on for a few days; others use a regular wrap that comes off after a few hours. Some recommend a specific balm; others prefer a fragrance-free lotion. Your artist knows which method fits the work they just did. Ask for the instructions in writing or check whether the shop has them on its website, so you can read them again at home.
What usually happens in the first weeks
Healing is different for everyone, but the general pattern is similar.
The first days
The tattoo is a fresh wound. It is normal for the area to feel warm and tender and to look red and slightly swollen. Fluid, ink and some plasma can come out in the first day or so. This is why artists cover the tattoo and give you instructions for when and how to remove the covering.
The first week or two
The skin starts to close. A light layer of flaking or thin scabs is common, and the tattoo can itch. It may look dull or cloudy for a while: that is normal and usually clears up as the skin heals.
The weeks after
The surface looks healed, but the deeper layers of skin take longer. Colours settle and lines become sharper again. Many artists offer a free or low-cost touch-up within a certain period if a spot didn't heal evenly; ask about it at your appointment.
Common do's
Most aftercare advice comes down to a few basics. Again: your artist's instructions are leading.
- Wash your hands before touching the tattoo
- Clean it gently as instructed, usually with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap, and pat it dry with clean paper towel
- Apply only a thin layer of the product your artist recommends; more is not better
- Wear loose, clean clothing over the tattoo
- Keep bedding clean in the first nights
- Drink water, sleep and give your body time to heal
Common don'ts
- Don't scratch or pick at flakes and scabs, even when it itches
- Don't soak the tattoo: most artists advise against baths, swimming pools, the sea, saunas and hot tubs until it has healed
- Avoid direct sun and sunbeds on a healing tattoo
- Don't use products your artist didn't recommend, such as heavily perfumed creams
- Avoid tight clothes or straps rubbing on the area
Sleep, sport and daily life
A new tattoo affects ordinary routines for a while. Ask your artist about the following, because advice varies:
- Sleeping: try not to lie on the fresh tattoo, and use clean bedding. If the tattoo sticks to fabric overnight, don't pull it off; follow your artist's advice on loosening it.
- Sport: sweat and friction can irritate a healing tattoo. Many artists suggest taking it easy for the first days, especially with exercises that stretch or rub the area.
- Work: if your work is dusty or dirty, or involves a lot of friction on the area, ask how to protect the tattoo.
- Shaving: avoid shaving over the tattoo until it has healed.
Sun protection after healing
Once your tattoo has fully healed, sun is one of the main reasons tattoos fade over the years. Many artists recommend covering it or using a high-factor sunscreen when you're outside. Ask your artist when it's safe to start.
When to contact your artist or a doctor
Some redness and tenderness is normal at first. Contact a doctor if you notice signs that worry you, for example redness that spreads or gets worse after the first days, increasing pain or swelling, pus, a fever or feeling unwell. If you're not sure whether something is normal, ask your artist; if in doubt, ask a doctor. Don't wait because you feel embarrassed: they hear these questions all the time.
Aftercare products
Many tattoo shops sell the aftercare product they recommend, so you don't have to guess. Buying it from your artist also means you use what they expect. If you run a shop, a webshop on your tattoo website lets clients order your recommended aftercare, prints and merch online, with payment going to your own account.
Ask for a healed photo
Artists love seeing their work healed, and healed photos help other clients choose. After a few weeks, send your artist a clear photo in daylight. If you're curious how artists use those photos, we wrote about tattoo portfolio photography.
For tattoo shops: make aftercare easy to find
Clients forget verbal instructions. Shops can help by:
- Giving written instructions after every session
- Putting the same instructions on their website, so clients can look them up at home
- Explaining when to get in touch about a touch-up
A tattoo website made with the OnlineTattoo.art website builder gives you room for your own information next to your portfolio and booking form. Automatic aftercare e-mails after a session (day 0, day 3 and a few weeks later to ask for a healed photo) are planned as an add-on; you can see the status on the pricing page under add-ons.
Looking for a shop?
If you're still choosing where to get tattooed, ask each shop how they handle aftercare and touch-ups. Our directory of tattoo shops helps you find studios by country and city.
Photo: Mizuno K / Pexels
