Tattoo aftercare

Step one

When you get home

1. 01Remove the bandage 2 hours after getting your tattoo. Do not re-bandage — your tattoo needs to breathe, just like an open wound.
2. 02Wash your tattoo with an anti-bacterial liquid soap. Be gentle: no washcloth or anything that will exfoliate the tattoo — only your hands.
3. 03Gently pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel, or let it air dry. Do not rub, and avoid fabrics with a rough surface.

Days 1–4

The first 3–4 days

1. 01Rub a small amount of lotion or ointment (Aquaphor) on your tattoo. An unscented, alcohol-free lotion or a tattoo ointment is fine — whatever you know you're not allergic to.
2. 02Always apply with clean hands, and never put your fingers back into the ointment after touching your tattoo.
3. 03Rub the ointment in fully so it isn't shiny or greasy — you want the thinnest layer possible. Do not use Vaseline, petroleum, Neosporin, or Bag Balm.
4. 04Wash, dry, and apply lotion or ointment 1–3 times daily, as needed.
5. 05No cloth bandages or pads — their fibers can adhere to an open tattoo and hinder healing.
6. 06Wear clean, soft clothing over your tattoo for the first 2 weeks — nothing abrasive or irritating. For a foot tattoo: go barefoot as much as possible; if you must wear shoes, wrap the clean tattoo in saran wrap and cover with a clean cotton sock first. Avoid sandals and flip-flops to prevent chafing.

Day 3–4 onward

After peeling starts

1. 01Around day 3 or 4 the tattoo will begin to peel. This is normal — do not pick at the skin.
2. 02Switch to a mild, white, unscented lotion, free of dyes and perfumes.
3. 03Keep using lotion 1–2 times daily for a minimum of 2 weeks.

The whole time

Things to avoid

• Do not pick, scratch, peel, slap, rub, or irritate your tattoo.
• You can shower, but do not soak your tattoo for 2 weeks. Absolutely no swimming, hot tubs, or saunas.
• No sun exposure for at least 3 weeks — after that, always use sunblock.
• Do not wear abrasive materials, jewelry, or shoes that rub against your tattoo.
• Do not let anyone touch your tattoo unless they've washed their hands.
• Beware of gym equipment — wash it well before using it.