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After Your Session

Aftercare
Guide.

The session is done. The work is permanent. What happens in the next four weeks determines how well it stays that way. Follow this guide closely.

Days 1 to 3Days 4 to 7Weeks 2 to 4Long Term
Healing Timeline

What to Do and When.

Days 1 to 3

The Healing Begins

  • Leave the protective wrap on for the time your artist specified. This is typically 2 to 4 hours, or overnight if second skin film was applied.
  • When the time comes, remove the wrap gently. Wash the tattoo with clean hands using a fragrance-free, mild soap and lukewarm water.
  • Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel. Never rub.
  • Apply a very thin layer of unscented moisturizer or tattoo-specific aftercare balm. Thin is the key word. Do not suffocate the skin.
  • Repeat the wash and moisturize routine 2 to 3 times daily. Consistency matters more than quantity.
  • Expect some redness, warmth, and minor swelling. This is your body healing and is completely normal.
Days 4 to 7

The Peel

  • The tattoo will begin to peel and flake. This is expected and is a sign that the outer skin layer is renewing.
  • Do not pick, scratch, or attempt to pull off the flaking skin. Let it fall away naturally.
  • Continue washing gently and moisturizing 2 to 3 times per day.
  • The area may look dull or cloudy. This is normal. The saturation and sharpness return once healing is complete.
  • If itching occurs, gently tap the area rather than scratching. Scratching pulls ink.
  • Wear loose clothing over the tattoo to avoid friction and irritation.
Weeks 2 to 4

The Settle

  • The surface of the skin will feel healed. The deeper layers are still recovering.
  • Continue light moisturizing as needed. Hydrated skin holds ink better long-term.
  • Avoid prolonged sun exposure. If you must be outdoors, cover the area or apply SPF 50 over healed skin.
  • You may return to swimming or baths after 4 full weeks, once the tattoo is completely surface-healed.
  • Do not soak the tattoo in water for extended periods during the first month.
Long Term

Protecting the Investment

  • Apply SPF 50 sunscreen to tattooed areas before any sun exposure. UV rays are the primary cause of tattoo fading over time.
  • Keep the skin moisturized year round. The quality of your skin directly affects how well your tattoo ages.
  • Stay hydrated. Water intake affects skin quality at the cellular level.
  • Avoid rapid weight fluctuation where possible. Significant skin stretching can distort detailed work.
  • If significant fading or patchiness appears after full healing, contact the studio to discuss options.
Avoid These

What to Avoid
During Healing.

These are the most common reasons tattoos heal poorly. Every item on this list has cost someone a good piece.

Direct sunlight on fresh skinUV rays break down ink during healing
Picking or peeling flakesPulls ink out of the dermis
Scratching the areaDamages the healing skin layer
Soaking in pools, oceans, or bathsFor the first four weeks minimum
Hot tubs and saunasHeat and bacteria are both harmful
Petroleum-based productsCan pull fresh ink from the skin
Tight clothing over the tattooFriction disrupts the healing surface
Intense exercise the first weekSweating and skin stretching cause issues
Applying makeup to the areaCosmetics introduce bacteria and chemicals
Shaving over a healing tattooWait until full surface healing is complete
What to Use

Product Guidance.

No specific brands are endorsed. These are the product categories and criteria to look for when selecting what to use.

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Cleansers

Fragrance-free, dye-free

Look for a gentle soap marketed for sensitive skin. Avoid anything with added fragrance, antibacterial agents, or exfoliating components.

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Moisturizers

Unscented, non-comedogenic

Apply in thin layers. The goal is hydration, not occlusion. Tattoo-specific balms work well. Avoid petroleum-based products during the first two weeks.

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Sun Protection

SPF 50 or higher, mineral

Apply to healed skin only. Mineral SPF is preferred. Reapply every two hours during outdoor exposure and year-round once healing is complete.

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Initial Wrap

Applied by the artist

Your artist will wrap the tattoo at the end of your session. This will be either second skin film or traditional wrap. Follow the specific instructions you were given. Do not swap the wrap type.

Questions During Healing?

If something looks unusual or you are unsure about anything during the healing process, reach out. We would rather hear from you than have you guess.

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