Getting a tattoo is exciting, being finally done with a piece that you wanted is an amazing feeling. Although the process isn’t truly over yet. Aftercare is the next part of the tattoo process. It can make all the difference to how it heals and how it looks long term. If you’re wondering what can be done to keep your tattoos looking good long term. Here are the tattoo aftercare instructions you should follow to protect your investment and keep your design clean and vivid.
Why Aftercare Matters
A tattoo is a wound, your skin has been stabbed by needles repeatedly for minutes, hours or even days on end depending on your tattoo. While that does sound scary at first, it’s not too different to your regular scratch or scab. However, you still need to take care of your tattoo, reasons why include:
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To prevent infections that can damage the tattoo and your overall health.
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Keep your tattoo looking sharp and vibrant over long periods of time.
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Reduce scabbing, flaking, and scarring. Which will make it easier for you to take care of your tattoo.
If you ignore aftercare of your tattoo, you will run the risk of losing colors, uneven healing and even long term damage to your tattoo and skin.
Day of the Tattoo (First Hours)
The first 24 hours after your tattoo is completed, is the most vulnerable state for your tattoo. It is an open wound and needs to be kept clean during this duration.
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Leave the bandage on for as long as your artist advises (typically 1–3 hours). This will also depend if your bandage is an adhesive bandage like second skin. Then it should be left for as long as recommended.
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Wash hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo. This should be done at any time before touching the tattoo until it is fully healed.
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Gently remove the bandage. This can be made easier with warm water during a shower or wash.
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Rinse the tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Use your fingertips, not a cloth or sponge. Do not soak your tattoo in a bath.
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Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Don’t rub as this can agitate the skin.
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Apply a thin layer of healing ointment. If unsure, leave the tattoo alone until scabs start to form.
Days 2-4
This is the period of time when your tattoo will start to form its scab layer. This is when you will see the tattoo get darker in color.
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Wash 2-3 times a day with a mild soap, rinse, and pat dry.
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After cleaning, apply a very thin layer of ointment or a recommended aftercare product.
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Avoid re-bandaging, let the tattoo breathe to aid healing.
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Wear loose clothing over the area to avoid friction.
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Do not soak your tattoo, no pools, baths, hot tubs, or ocean.
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Avoid direct sunlight while healing.
Days 5–14 (Peeling / Flaking Phase)
The tattoo will begin to peel or flake. This is normal as new healthy layers of outer skin have formed under the scabs.
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Switch from ointment to unscented lotion after about 4-5 days, once the tattoo is no longer greasy.
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Moisturize lightly to prevent dryness and avoid scabs cracking. Which can affect the results of the tattoo.
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Do not pick or scratch you scabs, let flakes fall off naturally.
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Continue to avoid soaking, tanning, and harsh exposure.
Long-Term Care (After Healing)
After your scabs have peeled, it will be safe now to go swimming, and soak your tattoo. It will also be fine to go out in the sun, but some care is still needed.
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Always use sunscreen (SPF 25 or higher) when your tattoo will be exposed to sun.
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Moisturize occasionally to keep your skin healthy.
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Keep your scratch or injury risk low by avoiding abrasive rubbing.
Common Questions & Tips
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I shower? | Yes, gently. Avoid high pressure and let water run over the tattoo; don’t scrub. |
| Is redness normal? | Mild redness or swelling for 1–3 days is normal. |
| What if I see ink flakes when washing? | That’s normal those are loose surface scabs that have fallen off. |
| When is the tattoo fully healed? | Surface healing often completes in 2–3 weeks. Deeper layers can continue settling for months. |
Warning Signs to Watch For
In some cases, there can be the risk of a tattoo infection. While not common, it can happen to your tattoo during the healing process. Look out for these tell tale signs:
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Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth.
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Pus or foul odor coming from your tattoo.
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Heavy scabbing or thick crust.
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Pain that worsens after day 3.
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Fever or chills.
If you notice any of these, contact your tattoo artist or a medical professional.
Final Thoughts
These tattoo aftercare instructions aren’t just a small after thought, they are essential. Your tattoo is a long-term piece of art, and proper care ensures it looks great for years to come.
At Sabian Ink, we value the aftercare process as much as the tattoo process. We’ll give you guidance specific to your skin type and design. We also stock aftercare products for you to take care of your tattoo as well. Be sure to take proper care of your tattoo, it will show its best for the rest of your life.
