Tattoo Aftercare

My aftercare philosophy is simple: keep it clean, keep it lightly moisturized, and leave it alone.

Your tattoo is an open wound. The most important thing you can do is wash it regularly and avoid constantly touching or messing with it.

Washing

Wash your tattoo with a mild antibacterial soap 2–3 times per day, especially during the first week. Use clean hands, gently wash away any plasma, excess ink, or buildup, then rinse thoroughly.

Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. Do not scrub.

Moisturizing

After washing, apply a very small amount of moisturizer. My preference is cocoa butter, but Aquaphor or A&D Ointment work fine too.

Remember: less is more.

Your tattoo should not look greasy, shiny, or heavily coated. If you think you put too much on, you probably did. Apply just enough to keep the skin from becoming overly dry.

Moisturize 2–3 times per day or as needed.

Important Rules

• Only touch your tattoo when you're cleaning or moisturizing it.

• Do not pick, scratch, or peel flaking skin.

• Do not let friends, family, or random strangers touch your fresh tattoo.

• Avoid tight or abrasive clothing rubbing against the tattoo.

Things to Avoid

No Direct Sunlight

Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least 3 weeks. Sun exposure can damage a healing tattoo and affect the final result.

No Soaking

Do not soak your tattoo for at least 3 weeks.

That means:

• No swimming pools

• No hot tubs

• No lakes or rivers

• No baths

Showers are fine.

Final Thoughts

Most tattoo healing problems come from people doing too much, not too little.

Wash it with antibacterial soap, use a small amount of moisturizer, keep your hands off it, and let your body do the healing.

When in doubt, remember:

Less is more.