Tattoo Aftercare
Your new tattoo is a piece of art — and how you care for it in the first few weeks determines how it looks for a lifetime.
Your new tattoo is a piece of art — and how you care for it in the first few weeks determines how it looks for a lifetime.
Proper aftercare is essential for healing and to maintain the quality, detail, and color of your tattoo. Every tattoo we create is a piece of art, and we want it to look incredible for a lifetime.
The first few weeks after getting your tattoo are critical. Follow each step carefully to ensure the best results and preserve every detail of your new art.
Your tattoo is essentially an open wound. Keeping it clean, moisturized with approved products, and protected from sun exposure ensures vibrant colors and crisp lines.
Once healed, always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to prevent fading. With the right care, your tattoo will stay bold and beautiful for decades.
If you ever have questions during your healing process, no matter how small, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here for you every step of the way.
Follow these six steps carefully to protect and heal your new tattoo.
Have questions about your healing process?
Avoid sexual activity if the tattooed area may be exposed to friction or bodily fluids.
Do not soak in pools, oceans, lakes, hot tubs, saunas, or jacuzzis. Showering is fine.
Avoid gym workouts and contact sports for at least 2 weeks.
Do not scratch, pick, or peel the tattoo even if itchy. This causes ink loss or scarring.
Avoid direct sunlight on the fresh tattoo while healing.
Do not apply creams, lotions, or products unless recommended by your tattoo artist.
Keep pets away from the fresh tattoo during the healing process.
If the tattoo sticks to clothing, moisten with water and gently remove it. Never pull dry.
Avoid contact with dirty water or environments during healing.
Do not apply excess ointment — a thin layer is enough for the skin to breathe.
These are normal signs that your body is healing the tattoo.
Once healed, always apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to prevent fading and keep your tattoo vibrant for years.
When to Contact Your Artist or a Doctor
Avoid the gym, heavy lifting, and contact sports for at least 2 weeks after getting your tattoo. Sweat and friction can irritate the healing skin and introduce bacteria, which may lead to infection or ink loss.
Wait until your tattoo is fully healed before swimming — typically 4 to 6 weeks. Pools, oceans, lakes, and hot tubs contain bacteria and chemicals that can damage fresh ink and cause infection.
Yes, light peeling and flaking is completely normal and is part of the healing process — similar to a sunburn. Do not pick or scratch the peeling skin. Let it shed naturally to preserve the ink underneath.
Wait until your tattoo is fully healed before shaving over the area. Shaving too early can cause irritation, remove scabs prematurely, and damage the ink. Once healed, shave gently with a clean razor.
A cloudy or milky appearance is completely normal during the healing process. This is caused by a layer of new skin forming over the ink. It typically clears up within a few weeks as the skin fully heals and settles.