Tattoo Aftercare Guide: How to Take Care of a New Tattoo
You got the tattoo. Now you need to take care of it.
Proper tattoo aftercare helps your skin heal while protecting the appearance of your new tattoo.
Your tattoo artist may give you specific instructions based on the tattoo, your skin and the type of bandage used. Always follow your artist's instructions first.
This guide covers the basics of caring for a new tattoo, what to expect while it heals and what you should avoid.
The First 24 Hours After Getting a Tattoo
A fresh tattoo is essentially healing skin.
Some redness, tenderness and a small amount of fluid around the tattoo can be normal immediately afterward.
Your artist will cover the tattoo before you leave the shop. Depending on the tattoo and artist, this may be a traditional bandage or an adhesive tattoo film.
Don't immediately remove the covering just because you're excited to look at your tattoo.
Follow your artist's instructions for how long to leave your specific bandage on.
How to Wash a New Tattoo
Once it's time to remove the covering, keeping the tattoo clean becomes one of the most important parts of aftercare.
Before touching your tattoo, wash your hands thoroughly.
Gently wash the tattoo using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
Use your clean hands rather than aggressively scrubbing the area.
Rinse the tattoo thoroughly and gently pat it dry with a clean disposable paper towel, or allow it to air dry.
Avoid rubbing the tattoo with a towel.
Can You Shower After Getting a Tattoo?
Generally, you can shower with a new tattoo.
The important distinction is between washing the tattoo and soaking the tattoo.
A normal shower allows you to gently clean the area.
Avoid very hot water and don't let a powerful stream of water continuously blast the fresh tattoo.
Keep the shower reasonable, wash the tattoo gently and pat it dry afterward.
Don't Soak a Fresh Tattoo
While showering is generally fine, soaking is different.
Avoid submerging a healing tattoo in:
Swimming pools
Hot tubs
Bathtubs
Lakes
Rivers
The ocean
Wait until the tattoo has healed sufficiently before returning to swimming or soaking.
This is particularly important for anyone getting a tattoo while visiting Cocoa Beach or Florida's Space Coast.
If your vacation involves spending every day in the ocean or pool, getting tattooed toward the end of your trip may make more sense.
Moisturizing a New Tattoo
After the appropriate initial healing period, your tattoo may begin feeling dry or tight.
A small amount of appropriate fragrance-free moisturizer can help.
You don't need to bury the tattoo underneath a thick layer of lotion.
Apply a thin amount and gently work it into the skin.
Too much product can leave the tattoo excessively wet and irritated.
If your artist recommends a specific product or routine, follow those instructions.
Is Tattoo Peeling Normal?
Yes, some peeling and flaking can be part of normal tattoo healing.
Your tattoo may begin looking dry or flaky several days into the healing process.
It can almost resemble a mild sunburn peeling.
Don't pick at it.
Allow loose skin to come away naturally.
Picking, scratching or pulling at peeling skin can irritate the tattoo and potentially affect how it heals.
Is It Normal for a Tattoo to Itch?
Some itching can occur while a tattoo heals.
The difficult part is resisting the urge to scratch it.
Don't dig your fingernails into a healing tattoo.
Keeping the skin appropriately moisturized and allowing it to heal naturally can help make this stage easier.
If itching becomes severe or is accompanied by symptoms that concern you, contact an appropriate healthcare professional.
Don't Pick Tattoo Scabs
Some tattoos may develop light scabbing during healing.
Leave it alone.
Picking scabs can reopen healing skin and potentially pull pigment from the tattoo.
Even if there's one little piece that's driving you crazy, let your body handle it.
What Should I Wear Over a New Tattoo?
Loose, clean clothing is generally preferable when possible.
You don't want dirty or extremely tight clothing constantly rubbing against a fresh tattoo.
Placement matters.
For example, after getting a leg tattoo, choose clothing that doesn't unnecessarily rub against the area.
The same principle applies to waistbands, bras, socks and other clothing that may sit directly over a fresh tattoo.
Can I Work Out After Getting a Tattoo?
This depends partly on the tattoo's size and location.
Exercise can introduce several problems:
Heavy sweating
Friction
Stretching of the tattooed area
Contact with gym equipment
Exposure to shared surfaces
Talk to your artist about your normal exercise routine and the location of your tattoo.
Taking a little time away from certain activities may be worthwhile while the skin begins healing.
Keep a New Tattoo Out of the Sun
Fresh tattoos and strong sunlight aren't a good combination.
While your tattoo is healing, keep it protected from unnecessary sun exposure.
Once the tattoo has completely healed, protecting it from UV exposure can also help preserve its appearance over the long term.
Sun protection matters especially here in Florida, where significant sun exposure can be part of everyday life.
Can I Put Sunscreen on a Fresh Tattoo?
Don't treat a fresh, healing tattoo the same way you treat normal healed skin.
During the initial healing process, keeping the tattoo physically protected from direct sunlight is important.
Once your tattoo is fully healed, sunscreen can become part of protecting it from UV exposure.
Ask your tattoo artist if you're unsure whether your tattoo has healed enough for normal skincare products.
Sleeping With a New Tattoo
Use clean bedding when possible.
Depending on where the tattoo is located, try to avoid spending the entire night putting unnecessary pressure and friction directly on the tattoo.
Fresh tattoos can occasionally release small amounts of fluid during the early healing period.
If clothing or bedding sticks to the tattoo, don't aggressively rip it away.
How Long Does a Tattoo Take to Heal?
Tattoo healing happens in stages.
The surface may begin looking considerably better within a couple of weeks, but deeper layers of skin can continue healing after the tattoo looks healed from the outside.
Your individual healing time depends on factors including:
Tattoo size
Placement
Your skin
Aftercare
Overall health
Amount of irritation during healing
Don't use appearance alone as an excuse to immediately return to activities like soaking or intense sun exposure.
What Does Normal Tattoo Healing Look Like?
During normal healing, you may experience stages involving:
Initial tenderness and redness
followed by:
Dryness, itching or flaking
followed by:
Gradual settling of the skin and tattoo
Everyone's skin is different, so tattoos don't all heal on an identical schedule.
Signs You Should Get Medical Advice
Tattoo artists can answer questions about normal tattoo healing and aftercare, but tattoo artists aren't a replacement for medical professionals.
Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms that concern you, particularly if they are worsening rather than improving.
Examples that warrant attention can include spreading redness, increasing swelling or pain, significant warmth around the area, pus-like drainage, fever or feeling generally unwell.
When in doubt about a possible infection or medical reaction, contact a healthcare professional.
Tattoo Aftercare FAQ
Can I shower after getting a tattoo?
Generally, yes. Showering and gently washing the tattoo are different from soaking it in water.
Can I swim after getting a tattoo?
Avoid swimming while your tattoo is healing. This includes pools, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean.
Can I go to Cocoa Beach after getting tattooed?
You can go to the beach, but a fresh tattoo needs protection from swimming, sand, excessive sun and other sources of irritation. If beach activities are a major part of your trip, consider scheduling your tattoo accordingly.
Should I pick peeling skin off my tattoo?
No. Let peeling skin and light scabbing come away naturally.
Can I scratch my tattoo?
Avoid scratching a healing tattoo.
Should I moisturize my tattoo?
Follow your artist's aftercare instructions. When moisturizer is appropriate, use a thin amount of a suitable fragrance-free product rather than heavily coating the tattoo.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
The visible surface may improve substantially within a few weeks, while deeper healing continues longer. Healing time varies by person and tattoo.
What if I think my tattoo is infected?
Contact an appropriate healthcare professional if you're concerned about infection or another medical complication.
Getting Tattooed at Moon & Ash Tattoo Co.
Good tattoo aftercare begins with understanding what to expect before you leave the shop.
At Moon & Ash Tattoo Co. in Merritt Island, Florida, we'll explain the aftercare for your tattoo and answer your questions before you leave.
We're located at:
Moon & Ash Tattoo Co.
76 E Merritt Island Cswy, Suite 210
Merritt Island, FL 32952
Upstairs above Tijuana Flats
Walk-ins are welcome based on availability.
Flash tattoos start at $25, and custom tattoos start at $50.