How you care for your tattoo during the first few weeks plays an important role in how it heals and looks long-term. Keep it clean, give your skin time to heal, and always follow your artist's specific aftercare instructions first.

 

How Do You Take Care of a New Tattoo?

Keep your tattoo clean, lightly moisturized, and protected while it heals. Avoid picking or scratching it, soaking it in water, prolonged sun exposure, and unnecessary friction.

Most tattoos take around 2 to 4 weeks for the surface of the skin to heal, although deeper healing can take longer.

 

Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Follow Your Artist's Bandage Instructions

Your artist will cover your tattoo to protect it from bacteria and irritation. Different bandages require different care, so follow your artist's instructions for when to remove or replace yours.

Keep Your Tattoo Clean

Wash your hands before touching your tattoo. Once the bandage is removed, gently wash the area with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.

Use clean hands instead of a washcloth or loofah, then gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel.

Apply Aftercare Sparingly

Apply a thin layer of the aftercare product recommended by your artist. Avoid covering the tattoo in heavy layers of ointment or lotion.

As your tattoo begins to dry and peel, a small amount of fragrance-free moisturizer can help with dryness and itching.

 

What Should You Avoid After Getting a Tattoo?

While your tattoo heals, avoid picking, scratching, or pulling at peeling skin, as well as baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, and the ocean. You should also limit prolonged direct sunlight and avoid tight clothing or anything that causes repeated friction against the tattoo.

Showers are fine, but soaking isn't. Avoid very hot water, prolonged soaking, and scrubbing. Gently pat your tattoo dry when you're finished.

What Does the Tattoo Healing Process Look Like?

The surface of a tattoo commonly takes around 2 to 4 weeks to heal, but deeper healing can take longer. Size, placement, saturation, and your skin can all affect the timeline.

• Days 1–3: Redness, tenderness, mild swelling, and small amounts of fluid can be normal.
• Days 4–7: Dryness, itching, flaking, and peeling may begin. Don't pick or pull at the skin.
• Week 2: Peeling and itching may continue, and the tattoo can temporarily look dull or cloudy.
• Weeks 3–4: Most visible peeling should be finished, although deeper layers of skin may still be healing.

Can You Work Out After Getting a Tattoo?

Exercise can expose a fresh tattoo to sweat, friction, stretching, and shared equipment. How long you should wait depends on the tattoo, its placement, and your activity. Ask your artist if you're unsure.

Is Tattoo Peeling and Itching Normal?

Yes. Some peeling, flaking, and itching are normal parts of healing. Don't scratch, pick, or pull at peeling skin. Let it come away naturally.

How Do I Know if My Tattoo Isn't Healing Properly?

Some redness, tenderness, itching, and mild swelling can be normal. However, symptoms that get worse instead of better may require attention.

Increasing pain, worsening redness or swelling, significant warmth, unusual drainage, red streaking, or fever can warrant medical attention. If you think your tattoo may be infected, seek care from a qualified healthcare professional.

Long-Term Tattoo Care

Once your tattoo is fully healed, keep your skin moisturized and protect it from excessive UV exposure. Using sunscreen on healed tattoos can help reduce fading over time.

Questions About Your Tattoo?

If you were tattooed at American Vintage Tattoo and have questions about aftercare or healing, reach out to your artist. They know your piece and can provide guidance specific to your tattoo.