Tattoo Aftercare Guide 2025 | OC Tattoo Blog
Congrats! You just got your first (or maybe your second) tattoo. Now what?
You're probably hyped and ready to show it off—but before that, let’s make sure your ink heals clean and stays 🔥 for years. Taking care of a new tattoo is easier than people think... if you follow the steps.
Here’s your full day-by-day guide, plus answers to the most common questions people ask after leaving the shop.
Day-by-Day Tattoo Aftercare Guide
Day 0 (Right After the Shop): Leave the wrap on until you’re home (usually 2–4 hours, unless your artist used second-skin film). The wrap protects your skin from bacteria while it's still open and fresh.
Day 1 (First 24 hrs)Wash your hands, then gently clean the tattoo with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Let it breathe. Cleans off excess ink and plasma. No lotion yet—just let it chill.
Day 2–3Wash 1–2× a day. After each wash, apply a super-thin layer of fragrance-free lotion or tattoo-specific balm. Your skin's healing. Moisture helps without suffocating it. Think light, not greasy.
Days 4–6: Flaking and itchiness may start—totally normal. Keep washing gently and moisturizing afterward. Don’t scratch. Don’t pick. Picking flakes can pull out ink. Just let them fall off naturally.
Days 7–10: Most peeling will be done. Tattoo may look dull or cloudy—normal part of healing. Keep it clean + moisturized. That faded look? It's just your skin rebuilding. Color will sharpen back up.
Day 10–14: The skin should feel smooth again. Apply SPF 30+ to your tattoo if you’re going outside.UV rays are your tattoo’s worst enemy. Sunscreen protects the pigment.
Week 3+Resume normal activities (gym, swimming, shaving) only when the tattoo is fully healed and skin is smooth.If it still feels tight or scabby, give it more time. Heal fully before going hard.
🚫 The Big Don’ts (Please Don’t Be That Person)
❌ Don’t scratch, peel, or rub flakes.
Let them fall off naturally. Picking = patchy healing and lost ink.
❌ Don’t soak it.
No swimming, hot tubs, or long baths until it’s 100% healed (at least 2 weeks).
❌ Don’t re-wrap it with plastic.
Let it breathe. Plastic = moisture trap = bacteria growth = nope.
❌ Don’t use Vaseline or thick petroleum jelly.
It blocks airflow and slows healing.
❌ Don’t use scented lotions, body wash, or anything with alcohol.
Fragrances can irritate fresh tattoos.
❌ Don’t tan or expose it to the sun raw.
Sun fades fresh ink fast. If you gotta be outside, cover up or wear SPF 30+ once healed.
🙋♀️ Common Questions We Hear All the Time
Q: It’s so itchy! Can I slap it?
Yes, lightly tapping is fine. Or moisturize again. Just don’t scratch.
Q: My tattoo is peeling and looks dull—did I mess up?
Nope, that’s normal. Once healed, the brightness comes back.
Q: When can I work out again?
After 3–5 days if it’s light workouts (no rubbing/sweating on the area). Heavy sweat sessions? Wait until after Week 1.
Q: When do I start using sunscreen?
Once it’s no longer scabby or peeling, usually Day 10–14. Use SPF 30+ daily to keep your tattoo vibrant.
Q: My tattoo looks lighter in one spot—is that normal?
Could be. Wait until it's fully healed (about 4–6 weeks). If it still looks off, schedule a touch-up with your artist.
Q: Can I sleep on my tattoo?
Try not to for the first few nights. Sleep on your opposite side and wear clean, loose clothes to avoid rubbing or sticking to your sheets.
✅ Final Vibes
Healing a tattoo isn’t complicated—you need to keep it clean, moisturized, and protected. The biggest flex is showing off a healed tattoo that still looks bold and crisp.
If you’re ever unsure, don’t guess—call your artist or contact us. It’s your skin, and it deserves the best care.
