You just got done with your tattoo session. What you do to take care of it over the next few weeks determines how well it turns out in the long run.

The First 24 Hours

Before you leave the shop, your artist will cover your fresh tattoo to protect it from the environment and absorb any initial weeping (plasma, excess ink, and a small amount of blood. This is normal). Keep the covering on for the time your artist specifies, usually 2-4 hours, or as directed.

When you remove the covering, gently wash the tattoo with clean hands, lukewarm water, and a fragrance-free soap. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel or a fresh, clean, dry washcloth. Let it air dry for a few minutes before applying anything.

The First Two Weeks

Cleaning

Wash your tattoo once or twice a day with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Use your clean hands only for washing. Rinse thoroughly. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or a fresh, clean, dry washcloth, then let it breathe before moisturizing.

Moisturizing

Once the tattoo has dried after washing, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, unscented lotion. A little goes a long way. The goal is hydration, not a thick coat. Heavy application can suffocate the skin and slow healing. If your skin feels tight or dry between washes, a small amount of lotion is fine.

Let it air out

After the first 24 hours, give your tattoo as much air as possible. Loose clothing over the area is ideal. Tight, synthetic fabrics trap heat and moisture, which is not what a healing tattoo needs.

Peeling and flaking

Around days 3-7, your tattoo will start to peel. This is completely normal. It looks a lot like a peeling sunburn. Do not pick, scratch, or peel it. Let it shed on its own. Pulling off flaking skin before it's ready can pull pigment with it and affect the final result.

Itching

Some itching is normal as the skin heals. Do not scratch. Gently tapping around (not on) the tattoo can help relieve the sensation. If itching is intense or accompanied by a rash, contact us.

What to Avoid

Sun exposure: Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight during healing. UV light breaks down pigment, and a healing tattoo is especially vulnerable. Once healed, apply SPF 30+ sunscreen over it any time you're in the sun. Sunscreen is the single most effective way to keep your tattoo looking sharp long-term.

Swimming: No pools, hot tubs, lakes, or ocean water for at least 4 weeks. Soaking the tattoo during healing introduces bacteria and can cause ink loss. Showers are fine, just don't let a direct stream run over the tattoo for extended periods.

Picking and scratching: Pulling flaking skin away before it's ready can lift pigment and leave patchy spots. It can also introduce bacteria. Leave it alone.

Tight clothing over the area: Friction and pressure from tight fabric can irritate healing skin and potentially affect how ink settles.

Working out (temporarily): Heavy sweating can irritate a fresh tattoo. If you exercise regularly, try to wait 48-72 hours before intense workouts, and wash the tattoo after any sweaty session.

Antibiotic use: If you're prescribed antibiotics during healing, let your artist know. Some antibiotics can affect how your skin heals and may cause tattoo ink to fade or behave differently.

What's Normal

• Redness and tenderness in the first 2–3 days

• Mild swelling, especially in areas like the inner arm, ankle, or hands

• Weeping of clear-to-yellowish fluid in the first day

• Peeling and flaking in the first 1–2 weeks

• A milky, slightly dull appearance as new skin forms over the tattoo

What's Not Normal

If you experience increasing redness that spreads beyond the tattoo, significant swelling or warmth, green or yellow discharge, fever, or worsening pain after the first couple of days, reach out to us and, if necessary, see a doctor. Infections are not common when a tattoo is done in a clean environment and cared for properly, but they do happen.

Long-Term Care

A tattoo is a long-term investment. Once it's healed:

• Apply sunscreen every time the tattoo is exposed to sunlight. This is the biggest factor in how well your tattoo ages.

• Moisturize regularly. Dry, neglected skin makes tattoos look dull faster. Keeping your skin healthy keeps the ink looking its best.

• Avoid prolonged sun exposure without protection, especially in summer.

Touch-Ups

Most well-healed tattoos don't need a touch-up, but some spots (particularly areas with a lot of flex or sun exposure, or placements that are harder to heal) may need a small amount of work after healing is complete. Any piece done at Stay Marked gets a complimentary touch-up within 6 months. If your tattoo was done at another shop, we're happy to help, but standard rates will apply.

Just make sure your tattoo has had enough time to fully heal before booking. We generally recommend waiting at least 8-12 weeks after your session. Skin that's still in the healing process won't hold a touch-up as well, and we want your artwork to look great for the long term.

Questions?

If something looks off, reach out before assuming the worst. We'd rather answer a question than have a client stress unnecessarily, or let something go too long that needs attention. Contact us or stop by during open hours.

For answers to other common questions, visit our Tattoo FAQ page.