YOU GOT
THE TATTOO.
NOW KEEP IT.

THE WRAP: WHAT TO DO FIRST

Your artist will cover your fresh tattoo before you leave. What they use matters for your first steps.

• Leave it on for 24–72 hours
• Some fluid buildup under the wrap is completely normal — this is plasma, not infection
• Remove it in the shower under warm running water — peel slowly from one corner, don't rip
• If it starts lifting at the edges before 24 hours, that's fine — remove it then

• Remove after 2–4 hours
• Wash immediately with clean hands using unscented antibacterial soap
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel — not a cloth towel, which can harbor bacteria

WASHING YOUR TATTOO

For the first 2 weeks, wash your tattoo twice a day. Morning and night is a good habit.

• Clean hands first — always
• Use lukewarm water (not hot — hot water opens pores and pulls ink)
• A small amount of unscented antibacterial liquid soap (Dial Gold or similar)
• Gentle circular motion with your fingertips — no washcloths, no sponges
• Rinse thoroughly until the skin doesn't feel slippery
• Pat dry gently with a clean paper towel
• Let it air dry for 5–10 minutes before applying moisturizer

MOISTURIZING

Hydration is everything during healing. Dry skin cracks. Cracked skin loses ink. Moisturize.

• Unscented lotion (Lubriderm, Eucerin, or Aveeno unscented are all good)
• Aquaphor for the first 3 days if skin feels very tight or dry
• Avoid anything with fragrance, color, or active ingredients (vitamin C, retinol, AHA/BHA)
• Coconut oil is fine if you prefer natural options

• A thin layer — not a thick coat. If it looks shiny and wet, you've used too much
• 2–3 times a day, always after washing

WHAT NOT TO DO

These aren't suggestions. Breaking any of these rules can ruin your tattoo.

• Don't pick or scratch — peeling skin takes ink with it if pulled. Let it fall off on its own
• Don't soak — no baths, pools, hot tubs, or ocean swimming. Showers are fine
• Don't expose to direct sun — UV destroys fresh tattoo ink. Keep it covered or out of direct sunlight entirely
• Don't use sunscreen on a fresh tattoo — wait until it's fully healed
• Don't let clothing rub on it — if clothing will touch the tattoo, wear something loose or cover lightly with cling wrap
• Don't let anyone touch it — including pets

THE PEELING PHASE

Around days 5–10, your tattoo will start to peel. This is normal, expected, and looks alarming if you don't know what's coming.

The top layer of skin that was tattooed will shed — it may look like the color is coming off with it. It's not. The ink is set deeper in the skin. What you're seeing is the dead epidermis separating from the healed layers beneath.

• Flaking, peeling skin — similar to a sunburn
• Possibly a milky or cloudy appearance over the tattoo temporarily
• Some itchiness — this is normal. Slap it gently if you can't resist, don't scratch

• Keep moisturizing
• Keep washing
• Keep your hands off it
• It will look slightly dull or faded until the skin fully settles — this is normal

LONG-TERM CARE

Once your tattoo is fully healed (4–6 weeks), the rules relax — but a few habits will keep it looking sharp for decades.

• Sunscreen, always — UV is the number one enemy of tattoo longevity. SPF 30+ on any exposed tattoo when you're outside
• Moisturize regularly — well-hydrated skin keeps tattoos looking vibrant. Make it part of your routine
• Stay hydrated — drinking water keeps your skin healthy, which keeps your tattoo healthy
• Avoid prolonged soaking — even when healed, extended time in chlorinated pools or salt water fades ink over time

SIGNS OF A PROBLEM

Tattoos get red and swollen immediately after — that's normal. Here's what's not normal:

• Redness that spreads beyond the tattoo and gets worse after day 3 (not better)
• Swelling that increases after the first 48 hours
• Yellow or green discharge (clear or slightly pink is fine)
• Hot skin around the tattoo several days after
• Fever

Infections are rare when you follow proper aftercare. If you're unsure, send us a photo — we'll tell you if it looks normal.

YOUR FREE TOUCH-UP

All tattoos done at Iron & Ink come with a free touch-up within 90 days of your appointment. Once your tattoo is fully healed (minimum 4 weeks), book your touch-up if any areas look uneven, light, or need a refresh.

Touch-ups are normal — they're not a sign something went wrong. Even perfect tattoos sometimes need a pass over a spot that healed lighter. It's part of the process.