Tattoo Aftercare: How to Take Care of Your New Tattoo
Don Davis
Owner & Lead Tattoo Artist at Art In Motion Tattoos
You just sat through the hard part. Now the most important work happens at home.
Proper tattoo aftercare keeps your new ink looking bold, helps prevent infection, and protects the time and money you just invested.
These are the same tattoo aftercare instructions we give every client at Art In Motion Tattoos in Colorado Springs.
Quick Tattoo Aftercare Checklist
- Keep your bandage on for 6–24 hours. We know you want to show it off, but wait.
- Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your tattoo.
- Wash gently with antibacterial soap and your hands only—no washcloths, scrubbers, and don’t have anyone else do it for you.
- Use a very thin layer of recommended lotion (we often suggest Curel) 2–4 times a day.
- Do not use Vaseline, Neosporin, or petroleum-based products.
- No soaking: no pools, hot tubs, lakes, baths, or ocean while it heals.
- No tanning beds or direct sun on the tattoo during the first month.
- Do not pick or scratch scabs or peeling skin.
- Call us or a medical professional if you see signs of infection.
Typical surface healing time for a tattoo is about 4–6 weeks, depending on size, placement, and your body.
First 24 Hours: Bandage and First Wash
Leave your bandage on!
Your new tattoo is an open wound. The bandage protects it from bacteria, friction, and dirt.
- Keep it on for at least 6 hours and up to 24 hours, unless your artist gave different instructions.
- Avoid lifting the bandage “just to peek”—every time you expose the tattoo, you increase the risk of infection.
Your first wash
When it’s time to remove your bandage:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
- Gently remove the bandage.
- Using antibacterial soap and lukewarm water, wash the tattoo with your fingertips only.
- Rinse until all ointment and residue are gone.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. Do not rub and do not use a washcloth.
Do not let other people touch or wash your tattoo. That includes friends, partners, or anyone with cuts or open wounds on their hands.
Days 1–7: Clean, Dry, and Lightly Moisturized
For the first week, your tattoo aftercare routine should focus on keeping the area clean, lightly moisturized, and protected.
- Wash your hands before every touch.
- Gently wash the tattoo 2–3 times a day with antibacterial soap and water.
- After each wash, air dry and let the area breathe for a few minutes.
- Apply a very thin layer of a recommended, fragrance-free lotion such as Curel 2–4 times daily. The skin should feel soft, not greasy or shiny.
Products to avoid
Do not use:
- Vaseline or petroleum jelly
- Neosporin or similar antibiotic creams
- Heavy, oily, or strongly scented lotions
These products can trap bacteria, pull ink from the skin, or slow the healing process.
Weeks 2–4: Peeling, Itching, and Long-Term Care
As your tattoo heals, you may notice:
- Light scabbing or flaking
- Itchiness in the tattooed area
- A dull or cloudy look while new skin forms
All of this is normal.
- Do not pick, peel, or scratch the tattoo—this can cause scarring, ink loss, and infection.
- Continue washing gently when needed and moisturizing with a thin layer of lotion.
- Wear clean, soft, baggy clothing that doesn’t rub or stick to the tattoo.
Sun, water, and tanning beds
For the first month:
- Avoid tanning beds and direct sun exposure on the tattooed area. UV rays can blur, fade, and irritate a fresh tattoo.
- Do not soak the tattoo in any body of water—no pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, or ocean.
Showers are fine; long baths are not. Think “quick rinse,” not “long soak.”
After it’s fully healed
Once your tattoo is completely healed:
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever it’s in the sun to help keep the colors bright and lines crisp.
Moisturize regularly to keep the skin healthy and the lines crisp.
What Not to Do During Tattoo Aftercare
To protect your new tattoo, avoid:
- Do not let other people touch your tattoo, especially with dirty or injured hands.
- Do not use washcloths, loofahs, or exfoliating tools on the area.
- Do not re-bandage the tattoo unless your artist specifically tells you to.
- Do not wear tight, dirty, or abrasive clothing that rubs on the tattoo.
- Do not do heavy workouts that cause the tattooed area to constantly rub or sweat against equipment or clothing.
- Do not let pets lick or rub against your fresh tattoo.
If it feels dirty, sweaty, or rough, keep it away from your new ink.
When to Call Art In Motion Tattoos or a Doctor
Even with perfect tattoo aftercare, infection is still possible anytime you have an open wound.
Contact Art In Motion Tattoos or seek medical care right away if you notice:
- Spreading redness around the tattoo
- Heat, swelling, or severe tenderness that gets worse instead of better
- Yellow or green discharge, or a foul odor
- Red streaks moving away from the tattoo
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
Mild redness and soreness are normal in the first couple of days. Anything that seems extreme or keeps getting worse should be checked.
Tattoo Aftercare FAQ
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
When can I go back to the gym?
When can I swim or soak in water?
Can I use sunscreen on a fresh tattoo?
What if my tattoo scabs or peels?
What if I have questions about my tattoo aftercare?
About This Tattoo Aftercare Guide
This tattoo aftercare guide was written by Don Davis, owner and lead tattoo artist at Art In Motion Tattoos in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Don and the Art In Motion team have spent years tattooing clients from all over Colorado and beyond, and these are the same tattoo aftercare instructions we send home with every client.
Art In Motion Tattoo & Piercing follows all Colorado and El Paso County health department regulations for body art studios. We use single-use needles, razors, ink caps, tape, and bandages, and maintain a sterile environment for every tattoo and piercing.
Our artists review and update these tattoo aftercare instructions regularly to reflect current best practices in professional tattooing and wound care. If you ever have questions about how to care for your tattoo, you can contact our studio directly and speak with the artist who created your piece.
Author: Don Davis– Owner & Lead Tattoo Artist, Art In Motion Tattoos
Last reviewed: November 2025