Aftercare guide
Tattooaftercare.
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Important.
Your tattoo is an open wound. Treating it properly during the healing process is crucial for both your health and the quality of the finished piece. Always follow your artist's specific instructions — they may customize aftercare based on the size, location, and style of your tattoo.
Day by day
Healingtimeline.
Fresh tattoo care
- Leave the bandage on for 2–4 hours (or as directed by your artist).
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo.
- Gently remove the bandage and wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never use cloth towels.
- Apply a very thin layer of unscented moisturizer or the aftercare product recommended by your artist.
- Do not re-bandage the tattoo unless your artist instructs you to.
Initial healing
- Wash the tattoo 2–3 times daily with mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturizer after each wash.
- The tattoo may ooze plasma, ink, and blood — this is completely normal.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattooed area.
- Avoid sleeping directly on the fresh tattoo if possible.
Peeling & itching
- The tattoo will begin to peel and flake — do NOT pick, scratch, or peel the skin.
- Continue washing gently and moisturizing 2–3 times daily.
- Itching is normal during this stage. Lightly slap or pat the area if needed — never scratch.
- The tattoo may look cloudy or dull — this is normal as the skin heals underneath.
- Avoid submerging the tattoo in water (no baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, or saunas).
Final healing
- The outer layer of skin should be fully healed by now.
- Continue moisturizing daily to keep the skin hydrated.
- The deeper layers of skin are still healing — avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Your tattoo's colors and lines will sharpen as healing completes.
- If you notice any signs of infection (excessive redness, swelling, pus, or fever), contact a healthcare professional immediately.
What to avoid
Do's &don'ts.
Do
- Wash your hands before touching the tattoo
- Use lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap
- Apply thin layers of unscented moisturizer
- Wear loose, breathable clothing
- Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight
- Stay hydrated and eat well during healing
- Follow your artist's specific instructions
- Use SPF 30+ sunscreen on healed tattoos
Don't
- Pick, peel, or scratch the healing tattoo
- Submerge in water (pools, baths, hot tubs, ocean)
- Apply petroleum jelly or heavy ointments
- Expose to direct sunlight or use tanning beds
- Wear tight or abrasive clothing over the tattoo
- Let pets sleep on or lick the tattoo
- Use scented or alcohol-based products
- Exercise intensely for the first 48 hours
After healing
Long-termtattoo care.
Once your tattoo is fully healed (typically 4–6 weeks), ongoing care will keep it looking sharp for years. Always apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when your tattoo will be exposed to sunlight — UV rays are the number one cause of tattoo fading and degradation.
Keep your skin moisturized daily with a quality unscented lotion. Hydrated skin holds ink better and keeps colors vibrant. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper hydration and nutrition also contributes to better skin health and longer-lasting tattoos.
If you ever notice your tattoo needs a touch-up after healing, contact your artist at Grade A Tattoos. Many of our artists offer complimentary touch-ups within the first year for any areas that may have healed unevenly.
Needhelp?
If you have any questions about your tattoo's healing process or need to schedule a touch-up, our team is here to help.