Your tattoo is an open wound during the first phase of healing. The goal is simple: keep it clean, protect it, and let it heal naturally. Follow the aftercare method your artist used: Traditional Bandage Aftercare or Second Skin Aftercare.

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Traditional Tattoo Aftercare (Standard Bandage)

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1) Leave the bandage on

• Keep the bandage on 2 hours up to overnight, depending on your artist’s recommendation.

• If it sticks, don’t rip it off. Soften with lukewarm water until it releases.

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2) First wash (after bandage removal)

• Wash your hands first.

• Wash the tattoo gently with warm water and a fragrance-free liquid soap.

• Use clean fingertips only (no loofahs, washcloths, or scrubbers).

• Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean paper towel or a fresh, clean towel.

• Let it air dry for a few minutes.

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3) Keep your tattoo clean

• Wash 2–3 times per day (up to 3–4 if needed for work, sweat, or a dirty environment).

• Pat dry every time.

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4) Moisturize lightly

• Apply a very thin layer of artist-approved aftercare or fragrance-free lotion 2–3 times daily, as needed.

• If it looks shiny/wet, you used too much. Wash off any excess immediately. A light, breathable layer is the goal.

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What Not to Do (Traditional Aftercare)

• Do not pick, scratch, or peel.

• Do not soak (baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, ocean) for 2–3 weeks. Showers are fine.

• Do not expose to direct sunlight for 2–3 weeks.

• Avoid friction (tight clothing, straps, backpacks rubbing the area).

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​Second Skin Tattoo Aftercare Steps

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1) Leave the second skin on

• Follow your artist’s exact timing and instructions.

• It’s normal to see ink/plasma fluid under the bandage.

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2) If the seal breaks or it leaks

• If it leaks, lifts significantly, or water gets underneath: remove it and switch to Traditional Aftercare (unless your artist instructs otherwise).

• Do not try to “patch” it with random tape.

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3) Removing second skin

• Wash your hands first.

• Remove it in the shower under warm water.

• Peel slowly pulling away from the skin, not straight down.

• Allow water to get in to help loosen adhesive.

• Once removed: wash gently with fragrance-free soap, rinse, and pat dry.

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4) After removal (continue aftercare)

• Continue like Traditional Aftercare:

  • Wash 2–3 times per day

  • Apply fragrance-free lotion lightly as needed

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What Not to Do (Second Skin Aftercare)

• Do not keep it on if you have a strong reaction (burning, rash, hives).

• Do not soak (same rule: 2–3 weeks).

• Avoid heavy sweating if possible while it’s sealed (sweat can compromise adhesion).

 

Tattoo Healing Timeline (What’s Normal)

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What’s Normal During Tattoo Healing

• Mild redness and soreness in the first 1–3 days

• Light swelling (especially on larger tattoos)

• Peeling or flaking as it heals

• Itching (do not scratch)

• Full healing can take 2-4 weeks

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Tattoo Aftercare Red Flags

What to Watch For

Reach out to your artist if you notice:

• Redness that spreads or gets worse after day 2–3

• Increasing heat, swelling, or throbbing pain

• Thick yellow/green discharge, strong odor, or excessive tenderness

• Fever/chills, or red streaking away from the tattoo

• With second skin: intense itching/burning, rash, blisters, or hives

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When to Reach Out

If symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or you feel unsure, contact your artist right away. If you believe you may have an infection or allergic reaction, seek medical attention.

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Best Practices for Tattoo Aftercare

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Tattoo Aftercare Tips

• Wash hands before touching your tattoo

• Sleep on clean sheets the first few nights

• Avoid pet hair and dirty environments when possible

• Wear clean, loose clothing over the area

• Once fully healed, protect your tattoo with sunscreen to maintain quality and contrast long-term

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Pros and Cons of Traditional Tattoo Aftercare

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Pros of Traditional Aftercare

• Simple and familiar for most clients

• Easy to monitor the tattoo’s progress day-by-day

• Works well for most placements and skin types

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Cons of Traditional Aftercare

• Requires consistent washing (more daily maintenance)

• More exposure to friction, bacteria, and drying out if neglected

• Higher risk of irritation if over-moisturized or if scabs are picked

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Pros and Cons of Second Skin Tattoo Aftercare

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Pros of Second Skin Aftercare

• Strong protection from dirt, friction, and bacteria

• Often reduces scabbing and improves comfort

• Convenient for travel, work, and sleeping (less rubbing)

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Cons of Second Skin Aftercare

• Adhesive can irritate sensitive skin or cause a rash in some people

• If it leaks or peels, it can trap moisture and needs to come off

• Not ideal for everyone (some placements, heavy hair areas, or high-movement spots)