Tattoo Aftercare Made Simple

1. Keep it sealed.
Your artist applied a medical-grade bandage (Tegaderm or similar) to lock out bacteria and trap in your body’s natural healing fluids. Leave it on for 3 to 5 days—don’t sweat the goo underneath, that’s normal.

2. Peel with care.
When it’s time to remove the bandage, do it under warm running water to ease it off gently. Don’t yank it dry unless you enjoy pain and scabs (trust us, you don’t).

3. Wash it like it’s royalty.
Use fragrance-free, gentle soap and lukewarm water. Clean hands only. Pat it dry with a fresh towel or let it air dry—no rubbing, no reusing gym towels.

4. Moisturize the right way.
Apply a light layer of unscented lotion (like Lubriderm, Aveeno, or any clean, no-nonsense moisturizer). Do this 2–3 times daily for the next few weeks. No petroleum jellies. No fancy perfumes.

5. Hands off.
Your tattoo will flake and peel like a sunburn. That’s normal. Don’t scratch, don’t pick, don’t slap. You’ll only slow down healing or risk ink loss.

6. Protect your investment.
No soaking (baths, pools, hot tubs), no direct sun, and no tanning beds while it heals. Show it off with pride—once it’s ready.