Aftercare
Tattoo Aftercare: Do’s, Don’ts, and Common Mistakes
January 18, 2026 5 min read
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Your artist does 50% of the work; you do the rest. A strict guide to protecting your investment.
We see beautiful tattoos ruined by poor aftercare. Follow these rules strictly.
The Golden DOs
- DO wash your hands before touching your fresh tattoo.
- DO use a thin layer of unscented moisturizer (like Cetaphil or specialized tattoo balm).
- DO wear loose cotton clothing over the area.
The Fatal DON'Ts
- DON'T soak in water. No swimming pools, bathtubs, or oceans for 2 weeks. Bacteria is your enemy.
- DON'T scratch the peel. Let it fall off naturally.
- DON'T use Vaseline or petroleum jelly. It traps bacteria and doesn't let the skin breathe.
- DON'T expose it to direct sun. UV rays break down fresh ink pigments instantly.
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