a tattoo is only half finished when you walk out — how you heal it decides how it looks for the next few decades. good news: the actual routine is simple. the trick is just not skipping it, and not overthinking it either.
before anything else: do what your own artist told you. they know the work they did and the products they used, and their instructions beat any generic guide — including this one. what's below is the version pretty much everyone agrees on.
the first day
leave the original wrap on for as long as your artist said — a few hours for a regular bandage, sometimes days for a second-skin film. when it comes off, wash your hands first, then gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap. pat it dry with a paper towel (skip the bath towel — it holds bacteria) and let it breathe. a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer is usually all it wants.
socal artists you can book on goodwork
their work, where they tattoo, and the deposit they ask for.
vince espinozablackwork · linework$50 deposit
lunayflorestattoosanta fe springsrealism · black & grey$100 deposit
level tattoolos felizblackwork · minimalist$100 deposit
dylan aielloblackwork · minimalist$100 deposit
the timeline, roughly
- days 1–3: a little redness, warmth and tenderness is normal. wash once or twice a day, moisturize thin. it might weep some ink and fluid — that's fine.
- days 4–6: it tightens up and starts to flake, and the color looks duller. keep it lightly moisturized and leave it alone.
- days 7–14: peeling and itching, the hard stretch. do not scratch or pick. picking a scab pulls ink with it and leaves patches. tap it or moisturize if the itch is bad.
- weeks 2–4: the surface looks healed. it may have a slightly shiny, milky look while the deeper layers finish up over the next couple of months. totally normal.
what to steer clear of
- sun and tanning beds — UV fades fresh ink fast. keep it covered or shaded.
- soaking — no pools, hot tubs, baths or ocean until it's healed. quick lukewarm showers are completely fine.
- picking and scratching — the number one cause of patchy healing, hands down.
- tight or dirty clothing rubbing the spot, and sweaty gym sessions that soak it.
- drowning it in lotion — a thin layer heals; a thick one suffocates it. less really is more.
when to actually worry
a bit of redness and puffiness early on is expected. it's worth getting checked if you see redness spreading, any pus, a fever, or pain that gets worse after day three instead of better. real infections are uncommon with a clean studio and decent aftercare — but trust your gut and see someone if something feels off.
the long game
once it's healed, sunscreen is the single best thing you can do to keep a tattoo sharp for years. and if a spot needs a touch-up down the line, that's normal — just ask your artist. picking the right person from the start is what makes all of this easier, which is the whole reason every artist on goodwork is vetted before they're listed.
find your next tattoo artist →
ready to pick someone?
zitronxushighland parkblackwork · dark art$150 deposit
vladimir kozachenkobeverly groveblack & grey · realism$500 deposit
christopher diazportraits · black & grey$80 deposit
gloria.shi.inkalhambrafine line · minimalist$100 deposit
chiu rayarts districtsurrealism · black & grey$100 deposit
jian lianghighland parkblack & grey · realism$100 deposit
frequently asked questions
how do i take care of a new tattoo?
keep the initial wrap on as long as your artist says, wash gently with clean hands and fragrance-free soap, pat dry, and apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer. avoid sun, soaking, picking and tight clothing while it heals. always follow your own artist's specific instructions first.
how long does a tattoo take to heal?
the surface heals in about 2 to 3 weeks; the deeper layers settle over 2 to 3 months. it will peel and feel itchy in the first couple weeks — don't scratch or pick. that's normal.
what should i avoid with a new tattoo?
no direct sun or tanning, no swimming pools, hot tubs, baths or ocean, no scratching or picking the scabs, and no tight or dirty clothing rubbing the area — until it's fully healed.
when can i shower with a new tattoo?
you can shower normally right away — just keep it brief, use lukewarm water, and avoid soaking or pointing the stream directly at it. baths, pools and hot tubs are off-limits until it's healed.
how do i know if my tattoo is infected?
some redness, swelling and warmth in the first days is normal. see a doctor if you get spreading redness, pus, a fever, or pain that worsens after day three instead of improving. when in doubt, get it checked.