Tattoo Aftercare

Proper aftercare and long-term care are essential to ensure your tattoo heals correctly and maintains its quality over time. Healing results and longevity depend heavily on how well aftercare instructions are followed.

Always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your artist.
The information below is general guidance and may vary by artist.

• Keep the bandage on for the amount of time recommended by your artist
• Wash hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo
• Gently wash the tattoo using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel (do not rub)
• Allow the tattoo to air dry before applying any aftercare product

• Wash the tattoo 2–3 times daily with mild, fragrance-free soap
• Apply a thin layer of recommended ointment or fragrance-free lotion
• Keep the tattoo clean and dry
• Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo
• Stay hydrated and maintain proper nutrition to support healing

• Over-apply lotion or ointment
• Scratch, pick, or peel flaking skin
• Shave over the tattooed area until fully healed

🚫 Sun Exposure

• Avoid direct sunlight during healing
• Do not apply sunscreen to a fresh tattoo
• After healing, sunscreen is strongly recommended to prevent fading

🚫 Water Exposure

• No swimming in pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, or hot tubs
• No soaking baths
• Showers only — keep them short and gentle

🚫 Sweating & Friction

• Avoid excessive sweating and intense workouts
• Avoid tight clothing or friction on the tattoo
• Limit contact with gym equipment or shared surfaces

🚫 Other Avoidances

• No tanning beds
• No exfoliating or scented products
• No alcohol-based products
• Avoid pets sleeping on or touching the tattoo

• Mild redness and swelling are normal during the first few days
• Flaking, peeling, and itching are part of the healing process
• Healing times vary by size, placement, and individual skin type

Most tattoos heal on the surface within 2–3 weeks, with deeper layers continuing to heal beyond that timeframe.

If you experience:

• Excessive redness or swelling
• Severe or worsening pain
• Yellow or green discharge
• Fever or signs of infection

Seek medical attention immediately and notify your artist.

Once fully healed, proper long-term care is essential to preserve clarity, contrast, and overall appearance.

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to healed tattoos
• Prolonged sun exposure causes fading and loss of detail
• Avoid tanning beds
• Cover tattoos when possible during extended sun exposure

• Moisturize tattooed skin regularly with fragrance-free lotion
• Drink plenty of water to support healthy skin
• Healthy skin helps tattoos age better

• Significant weight changes may distort tattoos
• Healthy habits support skin elasticity
• Avoid repeated trauma or friction to tattooed areas

• Over time, tattoos may naturally soften or fade
• Touch-ups can restore contrast and detail
• Touch-up policies and pricing vary by artist
• Please contact the artist who performed your tattoo directly regarding touch-ups

If your original artist is no longer tattooing at Ink Me, we will make a reasonable effort to assist you; however, Ink Me is not responsible for completing or modifying prior work.

Ink Me provides a professional studio environment and general aftercare guidance only.
Each artist is an independent tattoo professional and may provide specific aftercare instructions.
Ink Me is not responsible for complications caused by improper aftercare, individual skin reactions, or failure to follow artist instructions.