Tattoo Aftercare Essentials

A great tattoo does not end when you leave the studio. The first two to four weeks of aftercare determine how your ink heals, and good habits now pay off for decades.

The first 24 hours

Keep your bandage on for the time your artist recommends — usually a few hours. When you remove it, wash gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel; never rub.

Moisturize, do not soak

Apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare product two to three times daily. Your tattoo should look slightly moisturized, not greasy. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and long baths until fully healed.

Hands off

Itching is normal. Scratching is not. Let any scabbing or peeling happen naturally. Picking at flakes pulls ink out and can cause patchy spots.

Sun protection

Once healed, sunscreen is your tattoo's best friend. UV exposure fades colour faster than almost anything else. Apply SPF 30 or higher whenever your tattoo is exposed.

When to call us

Redness spreading beyond the tattoo, excessive swelling, or signs of infection are rare but worth checking. Contact your Wild Ink studio if anything feels off — we are always happy to take a look.

For our full aftercare guide, visit the Aftercare section on our website.