How do I clean my new tattoo?

Use a fragrance-free mild soap from a pump dispenser. Wash gently 3–4 times a day, pat dry — never rub. Avoid bar soap as it can harbor bacteria.

What lotion is best for tattoo aftercare?

We recommend Lubriderm Unscented, Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, or Hustle Butter Deluxe. Avoid anything with fragrance, alcohol, or dyes.

How long does a tattoo take to fully heal?

The surface skin heals in about 2–3 weeks, but deeper skin layers take 2–3 months to fully regenerate. Avoid sun exposure and apply SPF 50 once healed.

Can I swim after getting a tattoo?

No. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and soaking baths until your tattoo is fully healed — typically 3–4 weeks. Water and chemicals can damage the healing ink and cause infection.

Tattoo Aftercare Guide | Traditional Ink

Your tattoo is a fresh wound — and how you treat it in the first few weeks determines how it heals for a lifetime. Follow these guidelines closely. When in doubt, call us at (608) 520-0603 or DM us on Instagram.

DOS & DON'TS

✓ DO'S

✓ Treat your tattoo like an open wound — because it is one.
✓ Use a tattoo cleanser or fragrance-free mild soap to clean your fresh tattoo and pat it dry. Don't rub!
✓ Let your tattoo breathe. Loose, breathable clothing over the area helps.
✓ Contact your tattoo artist with any concerns — we'd rather hear from you than have you guess.
✓ See your doctor if you notice signs of infection or severe allergic reaction: swelling, fluid/pus, redness or soreness that increases after the initial days.
✓ Allow scabs to fall off naturally on their own timeline.
✓ KEEP IT CLEAN. Wash with fragrance-free mild soap from a pump dispenser 3–4 times a day.

✕ DON'TS

✕ Don't expose your tattoo to direct sunlight while healing.
✕ Don't heavily exercise for the first 48 hours after getting tattooed.
✕ Don't swim or use a hot tub until your tattoo is fully healed.
✕ Don't soak your tattoo in a bath until healed.
✕ Don't use Vaseline or Sudocrem. Vaseline locks bacteria into your tattoo and can cause infection. Sudocrem can fade ink pigment and is too strong a disinfectant for freshly tattooed skin.
✕ Don't itch, scratch or pick your tattoo while it's healing — allow any scabs to come away naturally.

HEALING TIMELINE

DAY 1 — FRESH Your artist will wrap your tattoo. Keep the wrap on for the time they recommend (usually 2–4 hours). Gently wash with mild soap, pat dry, apply a thin layer of unscented lotion.

DAYS 2–3 — SORE & SWOLLEN Some redness and swelling is normal. Keep washing 3–4x daily. The area may feel warm to the touch — this is expected.

WEEK 1 — PEELING BEGINS The outer layer of skin will start to peel and flake. This is normal. Do not pick. Keep moisturizing with unscented lotion.

WEEK 2 — ITCHY PHASE The tattoo will itch as new skin forms underneath. Tap gently to relieve the itch — never scratch.

WEEKS 3–4 — SURFACE HEALED The surface skin looks healed but deeper layers are still regenerating. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and apply SPF 50 sunscreen any time you're outside.

MONTHS 2–3 — FULLY HEALED Skin has fully regenerated. Your tattoo should look vibrant and settled. If you notice any patchiness or fading, contact us about a touch-up.

WHAT TO USE

The right products make all the difference. Keep it simple — fragrance-free, gentle, and consistent.

MOISTURIZERS

Lubriderm Unscented Daily Moisture Dermatologist recommended, fragrance-free, and lightweight enough to not clog pores.
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion Oat-based formula — naturally gentle on healing skin without any irritants.
Curel Fragrance-Free Lotion Locks in moisture deeply without disturbing fresh ink or causing reactions.

TATTOO-SPECIFIC

Hustle Butter Deluxe Plant-based, petroleum-free. Used by artists during and after the session.
After Inked Tattoo Moisturizer Designed specifically for healing tattoos — non-greasy and absorbs fast.
Saniderm / Tegaderm Film Breathable bandage for the first few days. Protects while letting your skin breathe.

CLEANSERS

Dial Gold Antibacterial Soap The classic studio recommendation. Gentle, widely available, and effective.
Dr. Bronner's Baby Unscented Natural castile soap — no harsh chemicals, safe for sensitive healing skin.

AVOID Vaseline, Aquaphor, anything with fragrance, alcohol, or dyes.

AFTERCARE

DOS & DON'TS

✓ DO'S

✕ DON'TS

HEALING TIMELINE

WHAT TO USE

MOISTURIZERS

TATTOO-SPECIFIC

CLEANSERS

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR TATTOO?

AFTERCARE

DOS & DON'TS

✓ DO'S

✕ DON'TS

HEALING TIMELINE

WHAT TO USE

MOISTURIZERS

TATTOO-SPECIFIC

CLEANSERS

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR TATTOO?

COME ON IN.