So, you’ve landed here, which means you’ve either just had a new tattoo or are about to get one. Regardless of the situation, tattoo aftercare is incredibly important. There's a lot of advice out there on how to ensure your tattoo heals properly and stays vibrant.

However, much of this advice can be contradictory, especially when it comes to things like how often you should moisturise or when to remove the bandage, which might even clash with the instructions your artist gave you. It can be confusing trying to figure out who or what to trust, and this uncertainty can lead to serious issues with your tattoo.

At the moment, only a handful of countries legally require tattoo artists to provide aftercare instructions from public health authorities. While most artists do offer helpful advice, it can still be a bit unclear.

If this sounds familiar, then we understand your frustration, and you’ve come to the right place. We’re tired of all the conflicting information too. This guide will take you through all the key steps for proper tattoo care.

How to Prepare for Your Tattoo Appointment

Tattoos are exciting, whether it’s your first or your fiftieth. The way you prepare for your session is just as important as aftercare for achieving the best result. These tips will ensure you’re fully ready for your artist.

Eat, Hydrate, and Dress Comfortably

Before heading in for your tattoo, make sure you eat a good meal and drink plenty of water. Dress in loose, comfortable clothes that will give easy access to the area being tattooed. Also, steer clear of alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and caffeine, as these can affect how you tolerate the tattooing process. Tattoo artists are legally prohibited from tattooing anyone who’s intoxicated.

If your session is going to be long, bring a snack and a drink with electrolytes to keep you fuelled and hydrated. Tattooing puts stress on your body, so having a snack and a drink ready will help maintain your energy and keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Prepare Your Skin

To make sure your skin is ready for the tattoo, exfoliate and moisturise the morning of your appointment, and avoid sun exposure. Trust us – you don’t want to get tattooed on sunburnt skin! Avoid the sun for a few days before your appointment to prevent any painful or problematic healing.

Additionally, avoid intense workouts in the days leading up to your session. Excessive exercise can cause muscle soreness, which won’t mix well with tattoo needles, especially on certain parts of the body.

How to Care for Your New Tattoo

If you don’t care for your tattoo properly, you risk it fading, becoming infected, or needing touch-ups far more often. Fortunately, proper care isn’t difficult, but it is essential for ensuring your tattoo heals beautifully.

The time it takes for your tattoo to heal depends on the size and detail of the design. Larger tattoos tend to take longer to heal, sometimes up to three months, while smaller ones may take just two to three weeks. However, no matter the size, all tattoos require consistent care. Solid colour tattoos, in particular, tend to take a bit longer. With the right care, your tattoo will stay bold and fresh in no time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your tattoo heals properly:

Keep the Tattoo Covered Your tattoo artist will clean the area and apply a bandage. You should keep the bandage on for at least a few hours, preferably a minimum of three. If your artist has used a product like Tegaderm or Saniderm, you can keep it on for up to three or four days, but always follow their specific instructions.

When you remove the bandage, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before you clean your tattoo.

Clean Your Tattoo Once the bandage is off, wash the tattoo gently using a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap, like Mad Rabbit Gentle Cleansing Tattoo Wash. Use lukewarm water and gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Don’t scrub or rub the area, as this can damage the healing skin.

Avoid using harsh soaps or exfoliating products.

Lukewarm water is ideal – hot water may irritate the skin, and cold water could slow the healing process.

For the first two weeks, wash your tattoo twice daily to remove plasma, excess ink, and bacteria.

If you see some ink running down the sink, don’t worry – this is just excess ink. Continue to treat your tattoo gently.

Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise after cleaning, moisturising your tattoo is vital. It keeps the skin hydrated and prevents it from drying out, cracking, or bleeding. Apply a soothing gel after each wash to keep the skin moisturised without clogging it.

Use a thin layer of moisturiser two to three times daily. Be careful not to over-apply, as this can suffocate the skin and delay the healing process.

Avoid petroleum-based products, as these can trap bacteria and hinder healing. Instead, use tattoo-specific products with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, or aloe vera.

For extra care, use a Balm Stick to lock in moisture without risking cross-contamination. Just make sure to wipe the stick after each use.

Once your tattoo has fully healed (usually within two to four weeks), switch to a Body Lotion for long-lasting hydration and to preserve the quality of your ink.

Keep Your Tattoo Out of the Sun Your tattoo is delicate and sensitive to UV rays. Exposure to the sun can cause it to fade and interfere with the healing process. Avoid direct sunlight for the first two to four weeks and cover your tattoo with loose clothing if you need to be outside.

Once healed, apply Sunscreen SPF 30 regularly to protect your tattoo from the sun and keep it looking fresh.

Avoid Intense Exercise Exercise can introduce bacteria to your new tattoo through sweat, overstretch healing skin, and cause scabs to tear. Wait at least 48 hours before engaging in light activity, such as walking or cycling. For the first four to six weeks, avoid strenuous exercise, and always clean your tattoo after any physical activity.

Wear Loose Clothing During the healing process, opt for loose, breathable fabrics over your tattoo. Tight clothing can stick to moisturisers or ointments, pull off scabs, and cause irritation or pain. Keep a few items of clothing reserved for this stage to avoid staining your wardrobe.

Don’t Pick at Scabs Scabbing is a natural part of the healing process. Picking at scabs can pull ink out of your skin, leading to patchy spots or even scarring. Resist the temptation to scratch, and apply moisturiser to soothe any itching.

Avoid Swimming Swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water can expose your fresh tattoo to bacteria and chemicals, increasing the risk of infection. Avoid swimming for the first two to three weeks, or until the scabs have fully healed. Showering is fine, as long as you’re gentle and avoid soaking the tattoo.

Final Thoughts

Looking after your tattoo doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right care – including proper washing, moisturising, and sun protection – your tattoo will heal quickly and stay bold for years.bGentle Cleansing Wash, Soothing Gel, Replenishing Body Lotion, and Tattoo Sunscreen SPF 30 are all you need for top-quality tattoo aftercare. Follow this guide, trust the process, and enjoy your stunning new ink!