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Keep It Clean and Covered
Protect Your Fresh Tattoo
Right after your session, your tattoo is an open wound, so keeping it clean is the first step toward great healing. Your artist will cover it, and it’s important to leave that bandage on for the recommended amount of time—this prevents bacteria from entering the skin and helps reduce irritation. When the time comes to remove it, gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Avoid hot water and don’t scrub; let the skin do its job.
Let it breathe with proper care once your bandage is off, and your tattoo has been washed, pat it dry with clean paper towels—never rub. Apply only a thin layer of the ointment recommended by your artist, and avoid suffocating the skin with heavy or petroleum-based products not approved by your artist. The goal is to protect and moisturize, not saturate. Your tattoo needs air to heal, so keep it clean, slightly moisturized, and uncovered when possible.
Protect the Area From Friction
Moisturize and Avoid Irritation
A fresh tattoo needs hydration, but it also needs to breathe. Stick to fragrance-free moisturizers or ointments approved by your tattoo artist. Apply a thin layer rather than overcoating it. Too much product can trap bacteria or clog pores, making healing harder. Keeping the skin balanced—never too dry, never overly greasy—will help the tattoo lock in color and reduce itchiness.
Protect the area from friction; clothing can rub off scabs prematurely and irritate healing skin. Choose loose-fitting clothes and avoid tight waistbands, straps, or fabric that constantly moves against your tattoo. If your tattoo is on a high-contact area like a wrist, ankle, or shoulder, be especially careful to avoid watches, heavy socks, backpacks, bras, or anything that adds pressure. Let your tattoo heal without interference to avoid fading or patchy spots.
Avoid Picking, Swimming, and Sun Exposure
Be Patient and Let It Heal
As your tattoo heals, it may peel, itch, or develop light scabbing—this is normal. Don’t pick at it or scratch it, even if it’s uncomfortable. Avoid soaking the tattoo in pools, lakes, hot tubs, or baths, as water can cause ink loss and introduce bacteria. Sun exposure is the quickest way to fade a fresh tattoo, so keep it completely out of direct sunlight until it’s fully healed.
Long-term care matters even after your tattoo looks healed on the surface, the deeper layers of skin are still recovering. Continue moisturizing daily, avoid tanning or direct sun exposure, and once fully healed, always use sunscreen when outdoors. A tattoo is a long-term investment—and protecting it over time will preserve its contrast, vibrancy, and detail for years.