Tattoo Aftercare Guide: Heal It Right, Wear It Forever

Taking care of your tattoo is just as important as choosing your design and artist. This guide is based on our professional experience as tattoo artists and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider if you experience unusual symptoms.

Your Tattoo is a Wound — Treat It Right

A fresh tattoo is an open wound. And like any wound, it needs proper tattoo care to heal cleanly and beautifully. At Elvis Tattoos, we don’t just create the art — we guide you through the full journey, from stencil to healed. In this comprehensive tattoo aftercare guide, we’ll walk you through everything: healing timelines, aftercare instructions, best tattoo aftercare products, what to avoid, and how to know when something’s off.

Whether you just got a new tattoo across the chest or added a minimalist piece on your wrist, proper tattoo aftercare helps your ink stay bold, clear, and smooth for life.

Remember, how your tattoo heals is just as important as how it looks on day one. Skipping key steps in the healing process can result in dull lines, faded color, or even scarring — none of which your tattoo artist wants to see.

Understanding the Tattoo Healing Process

Healing usually takes 2 to 4 weeks — but every body is different. Here’s what to expect during each phase of tattoo healing:

Days 1–3: The Protective Phase

  • A tattoo may feel hot, tight, or red
  • Clear plasma, excess ink, and slight bleeding may occur
  • Leave the bandage or plastic wrap on for 2–24 hours depending on your tattoo artist’s advice
  • Avoid touching the tattooed area unnecessarily

This is the phase where the skin reacts to trauma. It’s completely normal to feel soreness, warmth, and sensitivity. Keep the tattoo covered and clean during this stage.

Days 4–10: The Peeling Phase

  • Skin begins to flake and peel like a sunburn
  • Itching and dryness are common — don’t scratch or pick
  • Continue cleaning your tattoo with lukewarm water and unscented antibacterial soap
  • Apply a thin layer of aftercare ointment or lotion

You may see what looks like your tattoo flaking away — but don’t worry. It’s just a layer of skin. Let the scabs fall off on their own to avoid damaging the fresh ink.

Days 10–30: The Strengthening Phase

  • Tattoo may appear slightly cloudy as deeper layers of skin heal
  • Moisturize regularly to avoid drying out your skin
  • Avoid direct sunlight and continue using sunscreen

This is where your tattoo’s true look starts to return. Stay consistent with your aftercare routine and keep the tattoo protected from UV exposure.

When to Be Concerned

Most tattoos heal without issue, but it’s important to recognize the red flags that signal something may be wrong.

Excess swelling or heat

While some swelling is normal in the first 24–48 hours, persistent or increasing swelling could be a sign of infection.

Oozing or pus

Slight weeping of clear plasma is expected early on. Yellow or green pus, especially with odor, is not.

Red streaks radiating from the tattoo

This can be a sign of lymphangitis, which requires immediate medical attention.

Foul smell

If the tattooed area smells bad even after cleaning, that’s a sign bacteria may be present.

Sharp or increasing pain

Tattoos may be tender, but escalating pain days after the tattoo can signal a problem.

Fever or chills

These are systemic signs that your body is fighting an infection.

If you notice any of these symptoms, stop applying lotion or ointment and contact your tattoo artist immediately for guidance. They may refer you to a dermatologist or healthcare provider.

Tattoo Aftercare: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a daily guide to tattoo aftercare management to keep your fresh tattoo healthy and your ink looking sharp. This is your derm’s guide to properly caring for your new tattoo—covering every step, sensation, and supply.

Day 1 – Initial Care

You’ve just left the tattoo studio with new ink. Now it’s time to start the healing process. The first few hours matter most.

  • Remove the bandage (or second skin, if applied) gently using clean hands. Don’t rush this step. Let the wrap come off naturally—no tugging or tearing.
  • Clean the area using lukewarm water and unscented antibacterial soap. Let the water run over the tattoo to loosen dried plasma, not blast it directly.
  • Use your fingers only—never a washcloth or sponge, which can harbor bacteria.
  • Dry with a clean paper towel or let air-dry. Never use fabric towels, which can irritate the skin or trap bacteria.
  • Apply a thin layer of ointment like Aquaphor to keep the tattoo hydrated and form a protective barrier.
  • Do not rewrap the tattoo unless instructed by your tattoo artist. Plastic wrap can suffocate the skin if used beyond day one.

Days 2–5 – Ongoing Cleaning

This is when the tattoo begins forming a light scab and might ooze a little excess ink. It’s also when itching kicks in.

  • Wash the tattoo 2–3 times daily with lukewarm water and unscented antibacterial soap.
  • Dry with a clean paper towel each time.
  • Use a thin layer of ointment or switch to a moisturizer if your skin is less raw.
  • Avoid friction from tight clothes. Fabrics like polyester can stick to the tattoo and irritate the skin.
  • Let the tattoo breathe as much as possible — keep it uncovered while indoors.

If you see excess ink or cloudy fluid in the sink while washing, don’t panic. This is normal. It’s part of your body’s natural response to the trauma to your skin.

Week 2–3 – Recovery Mode

This is when the tattoo peels. The flaking may look alarming, but it’s just a layer of skin being shed.

  • Switch from ointment to a fragrance-free lotion like Lubriderm, Eucerin, or After Inked.
  • Moisturize 2–3 times a day to prevent itching and cracking.
  • Never pick at flakes or scabs. You could pull out ink or open the wound again.
  • Avoid submerging your tattoo in water — no hot tubs, baths, or pools.
  • Continue using lukewarm water for gentle cleaning. Avoid pressure washing the tattoo.

Stick to wearing breathable cotton clothing that doesn’t stick or irritate the tattooed area. This allows for airflow and helps keep the skin calm.

After Week 3 – Long-Term Tattoo Care

Your tattoo may appear fully healed on the surface, but deeper layers of skin continue to regenerate for weeks. This is the time to protect and preserve.

  • Use sunscreen daily on your tattoo when exposed to UV rays. Choose SPF 30 or higher. Sun exposure is the biggest culprit for fading.
  • Continue moisturizing with a replenishing body lotion to nourish the skin.
  • If areas healed unevenly, consult your artist about a touch-up.
  • If irritation ever reappears, go back to using a soothing, sensitive-skin moisturizer.

This maintenance phase supports long-term tattoo health. A properly healed tattoo maintains line crispness and color vibrancy — even years later.

Best Tattoo Aftercare Products (And What to Avoid)

Caring for your tattoo includes using only the best products — tested, trusted, and safe for healing skin.

Ointments for Healing

  • A&D Ointment: supports early-stage healing
  • Aquaphor Healing Ointment: great for the first few days
  • Hustle Butter Deluxe: vegan, organic, and non-petroleum based

Lotions for Moisturizing

  • Lubriderm Daily Moisture: recommended for sensitive skin
  • Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion: rich hydration without irritation
  • After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer: fragrance-free and non-comedogenic

Sunscreens for Tattoo Protection

  • Mad Rabbit Tattoo Sunscreen SPF 30+: designed for new ink
  • Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 30: lightweight and fragrance-free

Common Tattoo Aftercare Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding what not to do is as important as knowing the steps. Here’s what to avoid:

  • Over-washing: Stick to 2–3 times daily
  • Hot water: Always use lukewarm water to avoid trauma to your skin
  • Scratching or picking scabs: Let them fall naturally
  • Skipping sunscreen: Sun exposure fades your ink fast
  • Listening to unverified advice: Always go by your tattoo artist’s guidance
  • Using dirty towels: Always dry with a clean paper towel or sterile cloth
  • Ignoring irritation signs: Redness and discomfort can mean your skin needs a break or a new product

Tattoo Aftercare FAQs: What You Need to Know About Tattoo Healing

Avoid strenuous workouts for at least 3–5 days after your tattoo.

Fragrance-free lotions like Lubriderm or After Inked are ideal.

Avoid all bodies of water for 2–3 weeks to allow your tattoo to heal properly.

Itching is normal, but don’t scratch. Keep the tattoo moisturized.

That’s just excess ink and plasma — totally normal.

If you experience tattoo reactions like pus, red streaks, or fever, seek medical help.

Use only products labeled for sensitive skin. Test on a small patch first.

Use only products labeled for sensitive skin. Test on a small patch first.

Why Tattoo Aftercare Matters at Elvis Tattoos

At our Hendersonville tattoo studio, every client walks out with the knowledge and tools to care for their new tattoo. Jason “Elvis” Martin has over 20 years of experience in tattoo aftercare management.

  • You receive a complete tattoo aftercare kit
  • Every healing product is organic, vegan, and hand-tested
  • We use second skin wraps like Saniderm when appropriate
  • Jason personally checks in with clients to ensure they heal properly

Our goal isn’t just great tattoos — it’s tattoos that heal beautifully, stay vibrant, and never need laser tattoo removal down the line.