Aftercare Do’s and Don’ts

Do follow your tattoo artist’s instructions. Leave your tattoo covered for several hours to let it absorb any fluid, blood, or excess ink that might leak out. (This is totally normal.)

Do remember that a tattoo is a wound. When you’re ready to remove the bandage, treat your tattoo like you would any other skin injury. Wash your hands before touching your tattoo and carefully wash the affected area with soap and water. Always use lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free anti-bacterial soap.
Do keep it moist, but let it breathe. Then, cover your whole tattoo with a thin layer of ointment or another approved product. If your tattoo is in an area that isn’t covered by clothing, leave it uncovered to let your skin breathe and facilitate healing.
Do cover up when you’re in the sun. Wear loose-fitting, sun-protective clothing until your tattoo heals. Then you can use SPF lotion — tattooed skin isn’t immune to UV rays or premature aging.
Do reach out to your tattoo artist or doctor if you have any unusual swelling, irritation, or other signs of infection or allergic reactions.

Don’t rub your skin dry — pat it gently if it gets itchy or to avoid irritation.

Don’t apply sunscreen or body lotion to your tattoo until your skin is fully healed, because the chemicals or minerals could irritate your broken skin.
Don’t pick, scratch, or rub your tattoo until it’s healed. You could cause scarring.
Don’t swim (especially in the ocean), soak in a hot tub, or take a bath until your tattoo has healed completely. Opt for a shower instead. (It’s fine to soak or swim if you can keep your new tattoo out of the water.) We recommend avoiding steam rooms and saunas until your ink has healed as well.
Don’t go to the gym until your tattoo is healed. Spending time in unclean environments will increase the likelihood of infection and you may also damage your tattoo. Profusely sweating my also effect how the tattoo heals.