Tattoo Aftercare

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Before you head out to enjoy your new tattoo, you need to follow some aftercare instructions to ensure your tattoo continues to look great, heals well, and that you aren’t vulnerable to infections or scaring. 

A tattoo typically takes 7-14 days to appear fully healed, though this can vary based on factors like the style, size, and placement. It's important to remember that while the surface heals in this time, the deeper layers of your skin continue to recover for up to a month. During this process, your body locks in the ink and ensures your tattoo looks its best. While there's no foolproof method to guarantee perfect healing, carefully following these aftercare instructions will give your tattoo the best chance of healing beautifully.

The care you give your tattoo during its healing phase is essential for the best outcome. Consider your tattoo as similar to any wound that requires proper attention. Recognize that healing can differ widely among individuals, so using your best judgment and common sense is key. Before you leave, your artist will secure your tattoo with a waterproof bandage. Follow these aftercare instructions below, and please feel free to reach out to the shop with any questions during your healing process.

Saniderm, Tegaderm, Derm Shield, and Second Skin are transparent, medical-grade adhesive barriers designed to safeguard new tattoos during the healing process. These bandages are both waterproof and breathable, allowing them to be worn for an extended duration. It's normal for plasma to accumulate beneath the bandage once it's in place. You have the option to replace the bandage after roughly 24 hours or to keep it on for up to 3 days before changing it.

When it's time to remove the bandage, it's best to do so under lukewarm water. Once the film is removed, you’ll also want to gently rinse the fresh tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap that’s safe for tattoos. Once the bandage is completely off, slosh the soapy water onto the skin to gently rinse off any blood or fluids that may be seeping from the tattoo. Gently pat it dry with a paper towel. Avoid using any type of cloth that can exfoliate the skin, and use minimal (if any) pressure. Allow your tattoo to air dry thoroughly before applying a new bandage. This replacement bandage can be worn for another 3 days, or up to 5 days if you're changing it after the initial 24 hours, but do not exceed a total of 6 days.

You may notice some redness or slight irritation around the tattoo where the adhesive was applied to non-tattooed skin; this is normal. If you notice any unusual reactions on the tattoo itself, discontinue using the bandage and allow your tattoo to heal naturally. After this phase, your tattoo should be mostly healed and will only require a small amount of Griffin Salve or unscented lotion (like Lubriderm) to keep it moisturized until it is fully healed. The total healing process usually takes around four weeks.

Using Griffin Salve

For the best healing experience, we recommend using Griffin Salve once you've removed the waterproof bandage.:

  1. Maintain a gentle washing routine for your tattoo, cleansing it two to three times daily, followed by applying Griffin Salve until it is fully healed.

  2. With clean hands, scoop a small amount of Griffin out and warm it between your fingers until it melts.

  3. Apply a thin, even layer over the tattoo—just enough to cover it.

Using a Topical Ointment

If you're using an ointment instead:

  1. Maintain a gentle washing routine for your tattoo, cleansing it two to three times daily, followed by applying the ointment.

  2. Use the ointment 3-4 times daily for the first three days.

  3. Starting on day four, switch to an unscented, water-based lotion and use it until the tattoo is fully healed.

If you are healing the old fashioned way, the most important thing to remember is to keep your tattoo clean, dry, and slightly moisturized.

Click here for Saniderm Aftercare Instructions

General Aftercare Guidelines

  • Keep it clean: Avoid allowing anyone or any animals to touch your healing tattoo. If this occurs, wash the area immediately with warm water and antibacterial soap, and make sure hands are clean before touching the tattoo.

  • Less is more: Apply your Griffin Salve or ointment sparingly. If your tattoo appears shiny or wet, you’ve used too much. It's important for your skin to breathe during the healing process.

  • No picking or scratching: It’s normal to feel some itching, but resist the temptation to scratch or pick at your tattoo while it heals.

  • Avoid water and sunlight: Stay out of direct sunlight and refrain from swimming in pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs, or long baths until your tattoo is completely healed.

Tattoo Aftercare Dos and Don’ts

  • Do touch or care for your tattoo ONLY when your hands are clean 

  • Do ask your tattoo artist for how long you should wait before removing the protective covering

  • Do follow your tattoo artist’s instructions for the best way to care for your tattoo, including what products to use on your fresh tattoo

  • Do keep tattoo ointment with you to use if your tattooed skin feels itchy or is peeling

  • Do wait for it to heal and avoid heavy partying or excessive behaviors to allow your immune and lymphatic system the chance to heal the tattoo completely

  • Do avoid excessive or prolonged sun exposure

  • Do wear protective clothing, especially whenever outside

  • Do call your tattoo shop or doctor if you see signs of an infection

  • Do keep it clean by regularly showering with a quality, fragrance-free, tattoo-safe soap

  • Do apply Griffin or a quality tattoo ointment recommended by your tattoo artist to keep it moisturized and help it heal

  • Do avoid harsh chemicals, which can damage your tattoo

Things NOT to do After Getting a Tattoo

  • Don’t smother the tattoo with too much ointment or lotion, which can clog pores and lead to a rash

  • Don’t use sunscreen or sunblock on your tattoo until after it’s healed as the chemicals in sunscreens may damage the tattoo. Instead, wear protective clothing whenever you’re outside or exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.

  • Don’t sunbathe, which can cause the tattoo to fade

  • Don’t pick, itch, or rub your tattoo as it heals

  • Don’t cover the tattoo with tight clothing; you want the skin to breathe

  • Don’t immerse your body in water. You want to avoid pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs, or long baths, until it’s healed

When to Call Your Tattoo Artist or Doctor

It can take time for a tattoo to heal, and the skin may look irritated after you have received your tattoo, especially for those with sensitive skin or if you have a bigger tattoo. 

You may experience minor bumps or rashes, which can be dealt with at home with the help of proper cleaning and tattoo aftercare, some quality tattoo ointment, hydration, healthy food, and rest to promote skin healing.

That said, if you experience more severe signs of infection, please ensure you reach out to not only your tattoo shop, but your doctor as well. Signs of infection include: 

  • Swelling or hard, raised tissue of the area that’s been tattooed

  • Sores, especially if they’re pussy, red, or hot 

  • Bad odor 

  • Red streaking from the tattoo

  • Fevers of 102 degrees F (38.9 C) or higher

  • Feeling waves of hot and cold

  • Abnormal shivering

  • Extreme thirst

  • Impetigo

Fortunately, most tattoo infections are easy to treat with the help of a doctor and a round of antibiotics. Better yet, you may be able to prevent infections from occurring in the first place with proper tattoo aftercare. 

Consult a healthcare provider at the first sign of infection.

Divine Rites
29 North Park Square, Suite 201
Marietta, GA 3006016
770-992-5800

Health Authority — Cobb County
1650 County Services Pkwy
Marietta, GA 30008
770-514-2300