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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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