Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Tattoo Aftercare -

Proper aftercare helps your tattoo heal comfortably and keeps the artwork looking its best. Always follow the instructions given by your tattoo artist, as care may vary depending on the tattoo, placement, and type of bandage used.

First Steps

Traditional Bandage

Leave the bandage on for the amount of time recommended by your artist. Wash your hands before removing it.
If the bandage sticks, wet it with lukewarm water and remove it gently. Do not pull it away from dry skin.

Adhesive Film

Leave the adhesive film on for the amount of time recommended by your artist. Some fluid collecting beneath the film may be normal.
Remove the film slowly under warm running water. Pull it gently along the skin rather than straight away from the body.
Remove if the film leaks, peels enough to expose the tattoo, or causes significant irritation. Care for it as you would with Traditional if you need to remove it early.

Cleaning Your Tattoo

Wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
Use your clean fingertips rather than a washcloth, sponge, or loofah.
Rinse thoroughly.
Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.
Allow the skin to dry completely before applying moisturizer.

Wash the tattoo approximately twice each day and whenever it becomes dirty or sweaty.

Moisturizing

Apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free, water-based lotion when the tattoo feels dry or tight.
Use only enough to lightly moisturize the skin. The tattoo should not look greasy, wet, or heavily coated.
Do not use scented lotions, body sprays, harsh skincare products, or anything your artist has not recommended.

What to Avoid While Healing

Until the tattoo is fully healed:

Do not pick, scratch, or peel the tattoo.
Do not soak it in a bath, pool, hot tub, lake, or other body of water.
Keep it out of direct sunlight and tanning beds.
Do not apply sunscreen until the skin has fully healed.
Avoid tight or dirty clothing that rubs against the tattoo.
Avoid excessive sweating, friction, and activities that irritate the area.
Do not shave over the tattoo.
Do not allow pets to lick or rub against it.
Do not re-bandage the tattoo unless your artist tells you to.

Short showers are fine, but avoid prolonged soaking.

What Is Normal?

During healing, your tattoo may have:

Mild redness or swelling during the first few days
Tenderness similar to a sunburn
Small amounts of clear fluid, plasma, or ink
Dryness, itching, flaking, or light scabbing
A dull or cloudy appearance while new skin forms

Do not pick at peeling skin or scabs. Allow them to fall away naturally.

Most tattoos take approximately two to four weeks to heal on the surface, although deeper layers of skin may take longer.

When to Seek Help

Contact your artist and a healthcare professional if you experience:

Redness that spreads or becomes worse
Increasing pain or swelling
Skin that becomes increasingly hot
Thick yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge
Red streaks extending from the tattoo
Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms
A severe or worsening rash
Significant blistering or swelling
Symptoms that worsen instead of improving

A tattoo artist can answer aftercare questions, but suspected infections or serious reactions should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Until the tattoo is fully healed:

After Your Tattoo Heals

Once the tattoo has completely healed:

Moisturize regularly to keep the skin healthy.
Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever the tattoo is exposed to sunlight.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure and tanning, which can fade tattoo ink.
Contact your artist if you have questions about a touch-up.

Questions?

Every tattoo heals a little differently. Contact your artist or Seductive Ink if you are unsure whether something is normal or need clarification about your aftercare instructions.