LoudMind Studios Important Tips
So, you’re here, which means you’ve either just gotten a new tattoo or are about to. No matter where you are in the process, tattoo aftercare is essential. We know there’s a ton of information out there about how to ensure your ink heals properly and stays vibrant.
The problem is, much of that advice conflicts or contradicts what your artist may have told you. It’s frustrating when you’re not sure who or what to believe, and this confusion can lead to serious issues with your ink.
Right now, in the U.S., only seven states (Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, and North Dakota) require tattoo artists by law to provide aftercare instructions from the public health department. That doesn’t mean other artists don’t give good advice—it’s just that the guidance can vary widely, which can be confusing.
If this sounds like your experience, we’ve felt your frustration. That’s why we created this guide, reviewed by a practicing dermatologist with a passion for tattoos, to cut through the noise and give you clear, reliable advice.
Trust us—this is everything you need to know about caring for your new ink.
How Do I Prepare for a Tattoo Appointment?
Tattoos are exciting, whether it’s your first or your 50th. But just like aftercare, preparing for your appointment is crucial for getting the best outcome. These pre-appointment tips will help make sure you’re ready for your artist and the tattooing process.
First, eat a solid meal and drink plenty of water beforehand. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Also, avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and caffeine—these substances can interfere with your ability to tolerate the tattoo process. Plus, tattoo artists are legally prohibited from working on an intoxicated person, so skip the alcohol entirely.
For longer sessions, pack a snack and a sports drink to stay fueled and hydrated. Getting a tattoo can put a lot of stress on your body, no matter how many times you've been in the chair. Keeping your blood sugar stable with a snack and staying hydrated will help keep your energy up and ensure you feel steady throughout the process.
To get your skin prepped, exfoliate and moisturize the morning of your appointment, and avoid the sun. Trust us—you do not want to get tattooed on sunburned skin! Save yourself the pain and skip the UV rays for a few days leading up to your appointment to ensure your skin is in the best condition for tattooing.
Lastly, avoid heavy workouts a day or two before your appointment. Sore, tense muscles don’t pair well with needles or certain tattoo placements, and you want to be as comfortable as possible.
Remember, preparing for a tattoo is just as important as the aftercare. By staying hydrated, eating well, and being well-rested, you’ll set yourself up for the best possible outcome for your ink.
On the flip side, knowing what not to do before a tattoo will help keep you safe and healthy—and most importantly, make sure your body is fully ready for its new piece of art.
How Do I Care for a New Tattoo?
It’s easy to damage or fade your new tattoo if you don’t take proper care of it. Even worse, neglecting aftercare can lead to infections or frequent touch-ups—or, in extreme cases, needing a complete redo. Luckily, while tattoo care is essential, it’s not complicated.
The size and complexity of your tattoo will determine how long the healing process takes. Larger tattoos generally take longer because they put more strain on your skin. Smaller tattoos might heal faster, but that doesn’t make their aftercare any less important.
Solid patches of ink can also require extra time to heal, so don’t be surprised if it takes up to three months for your tattoo to fully recover. But with the right care and products, your ink will be vibrant and in top condition much sooner, and for much longer.
There’s a step-by-step process for healing your tattoo, shared by some of the most experienced artists, to keep it looking fresh and bright.
Keep the Tattoo Covered
Your tattoo artist will clean the area and cover your fresh ink with a bandage. It’s essential to leave that bandage on for at least three hours—longer if your artist recommends it. They’ve likely given you some aftercare tips, too. As long as their advice aligns with our guide, you should be in good hands.
Once your tattoo is applied, the healing process begins immediately. Within the first 24 hours, you may notice some changes: oozing fluid that looks a bit odd (this is just blood plasma mixed with some extra ink), redness, soreness, and possibly warmth around the area. These are all normal reactions.
Some people, however, don’t experience much of a reaction at all—no redness, no soreness, and their ink may seem to heal quickly. That’s perfectly fine too! After your first tattoo or two, you’ll start to get a sense of how your body reacts during healing.
Removing the Bandage
When it’s time to remove the bandage, make sure you wash and thoroughly clean your hands with antibacterial soap first. Dry your hands completely before handling your tattoo. Unless your artist specifically tells you to re-wrap your ink, there’s no need to cover it again once the bandage is off.
From here, it’s all about moving into the washing and moisturizing phase. Let nature (and a little help from top-tier aftercare products like Mad Rabbit) work their magic to keep your tattoo healing properly.
Wash Your Tattoo
Once you remove the bandages, it’s time to wash your tattoo. Use a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap with lukewarm water, and gently pat the area dry. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin—your tattoo will be sensitive, even if you’re a quick healer with minimal discomfort.
There’s a reason to use lukewarm water. Hot water can irritate the skin further, while cold water might cause it to tighten and slow down the healing process. Stick to unscented antibacterial soap and steer clear of harsher formulas or exfoliating soaps.
When in doubt, be gentle and treat your tattoo like a delicate wound. For the first few days, you might notice continued oozing from the area, including some ink and other natural fluids. Washing and drying every few hours will help, but be careful not to let your tattoo dry out too much!
Avoid using washcloths to dry the area—they can harbor bacteria. Instead, gently pat your tattoo dry with a clean paper towel.
Be consistent with your aftercare routine. After each wash, apply a thin layer of soothing gel to keep the area calm and hydrated. Don’t worry if you see a little ink running off into the sink—this is just excess ink coming out of your skin.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize—And Keep Moisturizing
After cleaning, moisturizing is a vital part of tattoo aftercare. Keeping your tattoo moisturized protects it from drying out, cracking, or bleeding. Apply a moisture-sealing product two to three times daily (every 8 to 10 hours) until the scabs are fully healed.
Avoid products with petroleum jelly, as these can damage your ink and interfere with the natural healing process. Also, steer clear of lotions or creams with harsh perfumes or chemicals—they can irritate the skin and slow healing.
We recommend using our Mad Rabbit Soothing Tattoo Gel. It’s packed with naturally hydrating ingredients to give your freshly inked skin exactly what it needs. But don’t overdo it! Too much moisturizer can suffocate your tattoo, preventing it from breathing. A thin layer of our Soothing Gel after each wash should be enough to keep your tattoo hydrated while allowing the skin to heal naturally.
For extra dry areas, our Balm Stick provides added hydration. Just be sure to wipe off the end of the stick to prevent any cross-contamination, and don’t use it on fresh tattoos!
Once your tattoo is clean and moisturized, let it air out. There’s no need to re-bandage it, as doing so can keep the wound too wet and increase the risk of infection. The only time to consider re-bandaging is if you're in a particularly dirty environment or expect a lot of friction on the area.
For the first few nights, sleep carefully to protect your tattoo. Try to avoid lying on it or keeping it under heavy blankets. This will prevent your sheets from absorbing excess ink and protect the area from germs and irritation. If you're prone to tossing and turning, plan ahead by laying down some paper towels or using an old set of sheets.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Your new tattoo is particularly delicate while it’s healing, and exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading. UV rays penetrate the skin and break down the pigment in your tattoo, which can dull its appearance. For more details, check out our article on how to protect your tattoo from the sun.
During the first two to four weeks of healing, keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. The fresh wound makes your skin more vulnerable to UV damage, so tanning is a no-go!
Too much sun exposure not only disrupts the healing process but can also damage the deeper layers of your skin. While a few minutes in the sun might not completely ruin your tattoo, it’s better to be safe and avoid the sun entirely during the first month.
If you have to be outside for extended periods, wear clothing that fully covers your tattoo. Stick to the shade and wear loose-fitting garments to stay comfortable while your ink heals.
Avoid Strenuous Activity or Workouts
New tattoos are essentially open wounds, which makes them vulnerable to infection and damage. Working out too soon can expose your tattoo to bacteria from sweat and gym equipment, while certain exercises might overstretch the healing skin or tear scabs. Even your gym clothes can cause friction and chafing, which could lead to trauma in the area.
It’s best to wait at least 48 hours before engaging in any light physical activity. Any damage during the healing phase can affect the appearance and health of your tattoo. Full healing typically takes four to six weeks, so if you do choose to work out, proceed with extreme caution and be mindful of the risks.
While it may be tempting to dive back into weight training or yoga, we recommend sticking to light exercises during this period. Activities like walking or cycling are great alternatives—they’ll keep your blood flowing and help you maintain the mental benefits of exercise. Just remember to hit the shower immediately after your workout and follow your cleaning and moisturizing routine to avoid any complications.
It’s only a few weeks until your tattoo is fully healed, so don’t compromise your ink by rushing back into the gym. You’ll have plenty of time to go all-out with your fitness goals once your tattoo has finished healing.
No Tight Clothing
Just like workout clothes, tight-fitting clothing can rub against your tattoo, causing chafing and irritation. This friction can pull off scabs, stick to lotions or gels, and lead to added discomfort or even pain. Scabs are a vital part of the healing process, so it’s important to keep them intact by wearing breathable, loose-fitting clothes.
As your ink heals, opt for lightweight, airy fabrics that won’t cling to your skin. Go up a size or two, or embrace oversized versions of your favorite outfits to give your tattoo room to breathe and heal properly.
We also suggest setting aside a few pieces of clothing specifically for the tattoo healing process. Ink may transfer to the fabric, so this is a good way to avoid ruining expensive or sentimental items. Plus, these "tattoo-friendly" clothes can be reused for future sessions—ask any seasoned tattoo enthusiast, and they’ll likely have a collection of go-to garments that have survived the healing phases!
Leave Your Scabs Alone
As mentioned earlier, scabbing is a natural and essential part of the healing process. A tattoo is essentially a wound, and your body will work to heal it just like it would any other cut or scrape. Picking at scabs can pull ink out of the skin and cause scarring, which often doesn’t look great over your fresh ink.
Stay focused on the end result. When your tattoo starts to dry out, it’s normal to feel an urge to itch. Resist the temptation! Instead, apply your moisturizer and try to distract yourself. The longer you let those scabs sit undisturbed, the better your tattoo will look in the end. A little patience and willpower now will save you from long-term regret later.
After about a week, the scabs will begin to flake and peel away naturally, especially during moisturization and washing. As long as you don’t actively pick at these flakes, your tattoo will continue to heal beautifully. By the final stages of healing, most of the big flakes will be gone, and you’ll notice the scabs disappearing. You might still see some dead skin, but this will eventually clear up, too.
Speaking of full healing—while the surface of your tattoo may look great after a few weeks, the deeper layers of skin take about three to four months to heal completely. By the end of that period, your tattoo should be as bright and vivid as you and your artist intended—assuming, of course, that you didn’t pick at those scabs!
Don’t Go Swimming (But Don’t Forget To Shower)
While swimming in pools, lakes, or hot tubs can be fun, it’s a big no-no for a new tattoo. Water, especially in public places, carries bacteria that can lead to infections. An infection can ruin your tattoo and even lead to serious health issues. No amount of plastic wrap or waterproof covering can fully protect your tattoo, so it’s better to resist the temptation and wait until your tattoo has fully healed before taking a dip.
That said, showering is a must. Keeping your skin clean is crucial for preventing bacteria from getting into your tattoo and potentially causing problems like itchiness or patchy healing. Brief, efficient showers will keep your tattoo clean without soaking it, which is exactly what you need while it’s healing.
Use Lukewarm or Warm Water
When you do shower or wash your tattoo, avoid hot water. Hot water can loosen your scabs and pull them off too early, potentially damaging your ink. Stick to lukewarm or warm water to clean your tattoo gently. Depending on where your tattoo is located, you may be able to wash it in the sink with your favorite soap and a clean paper towel. If it’s in a hard-to-reach spot or larger in size, a quick shower rinse will do the trick. While not the most convenient, it’s worth the extra effort for long-term results!
Avoid Drinking Alcohol for a Few Days
Just like before your tattoo appointment, it’s best to avoid alcohol for a few days after getting inked. Alcohol thins your blood, which can cause excess bleeding and potentially damage your fresh tattoo. Once your scabs begin to form, feel free to enjoy that celebratory drink—just make sure you’ve given your ink the time it needs to heal a bit first!
Don’t Shave Over Your Tattoo
While you can shave other parts of your body, avoid running a razor over a fresh tattoo. Shaving too soon can peel away scabs, cut the skin, or damage the ink. The same goes for using chemical hair removers like Nair, which can irritate the healing skin. It’s totally normal for small hairs to regrow around the tattooed area, especially on your legs or arms, but hold off on shaving until your tattoo is fully healed to keep it looking its best.
Communicate with Your Partner
If you’re intimate with your partner after getting a new tattoo, be mindful of skin-to-skin contact. Your tattoo is still an open wound and can be vulnerable to bacteria, chafing, or irritation from touch. Let your partner know not to touch your tattoo directly, especially with unwashed hands. A sweet alternative? Have them help you apply your soothing gel for a few days—it’s a great way to stay close while also caring for your ink.
Stay Hydrated
Water does wonders for your body’s natural healing process, including your skin. Staying hydrated helps your skin stay clear and elastic, which promotes better healing and reduces scarring. Plus, it’s essential for overall health. So go ahead, drink that extra glass of water—you’ll thank yourself later. You can also support your skin by eating healthy foods and taking skin-boosting supplements like collagen or coconut oil, which can aid in faster recovery.
Know the Signs of Infection
While proper tattoo aftercare will greatly reduce the risk of infection, it’s still important to recognize the warning signs. If you notice any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately for treatment:
A rash or raised skin around the tattoo
Increased swelling that worsens over time
Fever or chills
Unrelenting pain that doesn’t improve
Pus or discharge from the wound
It’s normal for your tattoo to ooze blood and ink in the first few days, but if it remains red and swollen after a week, you should see a doctor or consult your tattoo artist.
Take Care of Your New Tattoo the Right Way
Navigating the sea of tattoo aftercare advice can be overwhelming. But by following dermatologist-approved tips and advice from your artist, you’ll be well on your way to a beautifully healed tattoo. Stick to these guidelines, and you’ll never have to second-guess your aftercare routine again!