Leave the covering alone
Keep the original bandage or adhesive covering in place for the amount of time your artist instructed. Different coverings require different timing.
Tattoo Aftercare
Protect the work while your skin heals.
Your artist’s instructions come first. Bandages, products, and healing needs can vary, so use this page as a general reminder. It does not replace the directions you received in person.
Start with clean hands
Wash your hands before touching the healing tattoo. When your artist says the covering can be removed, clean the area gently as directed and pat it dry instead of rubbing.
Use only recommended products
Apply only the ointment, lotion, or other product recommended by your artist, and use the amount they specified. Avoid experimenting with scented or unfamiliar products on healing skin.
Let the skin heal
Do not pick, scratch, or pull at flaking skin. Ask your artist before swimming, soaking, returning to strenuous activity, or doing anything that repeatedly rubs the area.
Protect healed tattoos from the sun
After the tattoo has healed, dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to help protect tattooed skin and reduce fading.
Know when to get help
Contact your artist if healing does not look or feel right. Seek medical care for concerning or worsening symptoms such as significant redness, swelling, heat, drainage, fever, severe pain, hives, dizziness, chest tightness, or trouble breathing.
This page provides general information and is not medical advice. A healthcare professional should evaluate a possible infection, allergic reaction, or other medical concern.