Tattoo Aftercare Is Crucial—Here's How to Do it Right

The world of tattooing is an intricate realm. What most people don’t realize is that it’s a space where art, health, body strength, technique, etching, shading, and beauty are all on a level playing field. Here at Byrdie HQ, we love a fresh tattoo just as much as the next person, but we know that proper tattoo aftercare is crucial, if you want your new ink to last. Whether it's your first or your 20th, we've rounded up the best short- and long-term tips from the experts that'll help keep your tattoo care game in tip-top shape—from how to clean it to signs it's time to visit your doctor.

Keep reading for the best advice and products for tattoo aftercare.

Why Is Tattoo Aftercare Important? 

As Finney describes, "It is important to know that a tattoo creates a wound in the skin, so being gentle is important."

According to Lavriv, tattooing puts a strain on your immune system, and internal preparation is just as important as external aftercare. “A tattoo is an invasive cosmetic procedure, and your immune and lymphatic system will be working hard on healing a fresh tattoo, so partying and anything excessive is not recommended," she says. In other words: take it easy.

Day-by-Day Aftercare

Days 1-3

For the first few days post-tattoo, there's one important rule: stay away. Your ink will be wrapped in plastic. Keep it that way. Depending on the size of the tattoo, the wrap might need to stay on for several days, but as a general rule of thumb, you can remove the plastic on day two or three. Ask your artist for specifics.

"I tell patients that it is best to just leave the bandage on that the tattoo artist applied until the next day," says Finney. "After that point, you should clean it once daily with some warm water and a gentle cleanser."

Day 3

After the original bandage your tattoo artist employed to wrap you up post-ink session is removed, do not re-bandage. The plasma from the original tattoo may surface after the first couple of hours, and then it’s time to clean the art and allow it to breathe.

Now, it's safe to cleanse.

To cleanse the tattoo, use antibacterial soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Liquid Soap ($14) or any unscented antibacterial liquid. Avoid using any type of cloth to cleanse the tattoo because it will exfoliate the area—which, remember, is a wound. Next, rinse with warm-to-mild temperature water and pat the area dry with a towel. Allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes before proceeding.

Days 3-5

Carter says to always use an ointment recommended by the artist who gave you the tattoo. “Every artist has their own aftercare ointment—Shea butter, artificial skin, lotions, etc.,” he explains. “Make sure you don’t over-medicate the tattoo by applying too much ointment, as this could clog the pores and create a rash that would disturb the healing process.” Some tattoo blogs even suggest that it's okay to leave the area free of ointment after the first cleansing or only apply a very thin layer.

During the first to four days post-tattoo, you'll repeat the process of washing your tattoo about two to five times a day, then follow with a light layer of ointment. Carter explains that a good amount of air is great for the ink during the healing process, so it’s critical to make sure the skin can breathe. On the first night, it’s normal to wrap the area in plastic wrap, so it doesn’t stick to your bedding, but after that, make sure the design is free from coverage and getting ventilation.

Days 5+

Most tattoo artists have their own set of aftercare instructions. But one piece of advice they all have in common is to touch your tattoo with clean hands only. “The most important step would be to clean your hands before you clean your tattoos,” says Carter. “[I recommend that] you listen to the verbal directions [from your tattooer] first, then refer to the written directions after.” Also, take into consideration that washing your hands shouldn’t be a quick three-second rinse. With soap, rub your palms together for as long as it takes to recite the alphabet.

Long-Term Aftercare Tips

Don't Pick or Itch It

The time it takes for your tattoo to fully heal depends on the size and execution of the tattoo, but Carter says it should be around six weeks. (He notes that those with immune disorders might need to consult a physician or dermatologist before getting a tattoo). He also says that tattoos with colored ink take longer to heal than non-colored tattoos, especially if it’s large or on the inside of a joint. “The bending can ‘crack’ the healing tattoo and cause a scab, which can delay the healing process,” he says.

Etched tattoos and link work cause minimal trauma to the skin, so they tend to heal faster. On the third or fourth day, the art will begin to peel, which may be uncomfortable or itchy—but refrain from picking and scratching the design. The area will still be hypersensitive even after the peeling stage, so it’s recommended to keep up with your moisturizing routine. Continue to use unscented soap and lotion without scent, dye, and perfume. No shaving.

Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure and Wear Sunscreen

As time goes on, it’s natural for a tattoo to go through changes, including fading. “According to new research, tattoo ink stays suspended in the dermis and is held there by a certain type of white blood cell called a macrophage,” explains Lavriv. A fibroblast is another type of cell known to absorb ink particles, so together, the macrophage and fibroblast bind enough ink particles for the tattoo image to stay put and appear on your skin. These cells hang around for years, and eventually, when they die, the ink molecules get reabsorbed by a new macrophage. Your tattoo becomes part of your organism, which involves shedding and change. And just like it’s important to keep your actual epidermis safe from harsh chemicals and sun exposure, you’ll need to care for your tattoo by always making sure you wear sunscreen.

Remember: prolonged sun exposure is damaging to your skin, and, of course, your art. Resist tanning to keep your tattoo looking fresh. "Sun will cause tattoos to fade, especially if you get a lot of sun exposure early on, so make sure to keep it covered or apply SPF 30 or higher regularly if you will be in the sun," Finney says.

Avoid Anything Irritating—Including Hot Water or Swimming

"Avoiding anything harsh or irritating, such as exfoliating scrubs," Finney says, adding that hot water (or even cooler water, for an extended period) is also to be avoided. "I tell patients to avoid swimming or going in hot tubs for at least the first week," he says.

Moisturize

"Be gentle, keep the skin moisturized, and most importantly, out of the sun," Finney says. He recommends applying "petrolatum-based products" at least twice daily while taking care of a tattoo. 

Aftercare Products

Aquaphor Healing Ointment $15.00

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“I always recommend using Aquaphor for the first two to three days of healing,” says Lavriv. “It delivers the right amount of moisture without feeling heavy or suffocating, and it also minimizes peeling and flaking."

Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream $15.00

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Aquaphor does contain petroleum, so if you're looking for vegan alternatives, she recommends Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream, a tattooing glide made of Shea, mango, and aloe butter, with coconut and vitamin E oils; it’s great for using before, during, and after the healing process.

Eucerin Original Healing Lotion $15.00

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Once your tattoo starts healing, you can switch to unscented lotions, such as Eucerin Original Healing Lotion, or dabble in natural shea body butter to moisturize until your masterpiece is fully healed.

When to See Your Doctor

Tattoo infections are rare, but it still helps to know what signs to look out for. If you feel feverish, experience oozing or scabbing at the tattoo site, or have swelling that lasts more than one week; it's time to pay a visit to your doctor. Also, if you feel hard, raised tissue in the tattooed area, or see red lesions, seek help from your doctor.

The Final Takeaway

Tattoos require a little TLC post-procedure, but once healed, there are only a few things you'll need to keep top of mind (avoiding prolonged sun exposure, itching, and shaving being a few of them). You'll know your tattoo is on the right path to healing when the scabs diminish and the skin on the tattoo surface is an even texture as the rest of your skin. And remember, when in doubt, visit your doctor to ensure your new ink is healing properly.