Tattoo Aftercare 101: The Ultimate Guide To Caring For Your New Tattoo
Whether it's your first tattoo or your 100th, aftercare is key to keeping your artwork looking pristine. Every artist’s care instructions are a little different, but after more than 15 years of giving and receiving tattoos, here’s what I’ve found works best for my body:
Saran Wrap vs. Second Skin: Which Tattoo Bandage is Better?
The most common bandage types you will encounter are Saran Wrap and Second Skin (Saniderm).
Saran Wrap: This is the plastic cling wrap you use in your kitchen.
Second Skin: This is a medical-grade product often used for burns.
At first glance, you may think the medical product is the better choice. However, in my experience, Saran Wrap has fewer negative side effects. Some people swear by Second Skin, and if it works for you, that's great! But I’ve seen allergic reactions, tattoo damage, and even scarring or discoloration from its use. That said, there are times when Second Skin is helpful, especially if the tattoo is difficult to cover with Saran Wrap, or if a client requests it.
For most tattoos, I’ll apply Saran Wrap unless I think the client would benefit from Second Skin or requests it specifically.
How Long Do I Keep My Tattoo Bandage On?
If you went home with Saran Wrap, I recommend leaving it on for at least 2 hours.
For simple tattoos with minimal shading, this is usually enough. If you're worried, keep it on for 4-6 hours, especially for tattoos with detailed shading or color blending.
Leaving the bandage on longer helps prevent your tattoo from sticking to your clothes as the wound continues to release liquid.
Can I Leave the Tattoo Bandage On Overnight?
Yes! If your tattoo session ends late or you're just too tired, it's totally fine to leave your wrap on overnight. Just make sure to clean it well the next day. If it’s uncomfortable while sleeping, a quick shower can refresh you, and then you can go back to sleep.
What Do I Do When I Take the Tattoo Bandage Off?
The first step is washing the tattoo. Use cool water and a gentle liquid antibacterial soap (like Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap or Dial Gold).
Wash your hands first.
Gently clean the area, especially if ointment was applied. You might need to wash it a few times to remove all the ointment.
Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel (don’t rub it).
Let it air dry or wear loose, breathable clothing that doesn’t touch the tattoo.
What Can I Expect in the First Few Days After Getting Tattooed?
The first few days are usually chill, but if your tattoo is large or particularly detailed, it might be a bit uncomfortable. Over the next couple of days, your tattoo will begin to seal itself, and infection becomes less of a concern.
What to Avoid During Tattoo Healing
Soaking: Avoid swimming, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water (lakes, oceans).
Sun exposure: Stay out of direct sunlight.
Animal contact: Keep pets away from your tattoo.
Rough activities: Avoid activities like jello wrestling or any rough contact sports.
When Should I Apply Lotion or Ointment?
I typically don’t apply anything to the tattoo until day 6, when it starts peeling. Some people recommend applying ointment (like Aquaphor) right away, but I find that many clients overdo it.
Only apply ointment if the tattoo feels tight or uncomfortable due to excessive scabbing. After peeling, a moisturizing lotion (like CeraVe, Lubriderm, or Curel) can help ease the itching and dryness.
How Long Does It Take for a Tattoo to Heal?
On average, tattoos heal in 2 weeks. However, this depends on the tattoo type and the area of your body. For example, a fine line tattoo may heal in as little as 1 week, while bold traditional tattoos may take up to 3 weeks to fully heal.
For cover-up tattoos, I recommend waiting 4-6 weeks between sessions to give the skin enough time to heal.
How to Know if You Need a Touch-Up
It's normal for tattoos to appear lighter once they heal, but keep an eye out for areas that seem to have lost more pigment than others. If you think a touch-up is needed, consult with your artist. They’ll be happy to check the tattoo in person and give you an accurate assessment.
Conclusion: Taking Care of Your Tattoo
Tattoo aftercare is essential for maintaining vibrant, long-lasting artwork. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your tattoo heals beautifully. And remember, don’t hesitate to ask your artist for advice if you’re unsure about anything during the healing process.
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