Cool new ink.
Aftercare of your Tattoo
How to protect your investment
Getting a tattoo is more than just body art—it’s a meaningful investment in your skin. The healing process is critical to how well your tattoo settles, retains color, and ages over time. The most important window for aftercare is the first week, when your tattoo is at its most vulnerable. During this phase, your skin is still compromised, and your body is working hard to repair the area and protect the ink.
Let’s break down the why behind tattoo healing and walk through a simple timeline of what to expect:
First 24 hours: Your tattoo is considered an open wound. It’s raw, exposed, and highly susceptible to bacteria and irritation.
By 48–72 hours: Your skin begins to seal and form a light scab. This is your body’s way of protecting and healing the ink that’s been deposited.
By day 5–7: You’ll start to notice flaking or peeling, similar to a sunburn. This is a normal part of the healing process and a good sign your tattoo is recovering.
Caring for your tattoo during this time isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about preserving the artwork, preventing infection, and ensuring your tattoo looks as bold and beautiful as the day you got it.
We're diving into wet vs. dry healing to help you understand which method best suits your tattoo and lifestyle. Wet healing uses a second skin bandage, like Clear View, to lock in moisture and protect the tattoo like a sealed cover. Dry healing uses a nonstick, absorbent pad to keep the tattoo clean and allow it to breathe naturally. Each method supports healing in different ways, and knowing the pros and cons of both can help you protect your tattoo and get the best possible outcome.
Wet Healing
Definition: Using a second skin device to cover and conceal your tattoo for the first 2 days to 5 days.
How it works:
Keep the bandage on the tattoo that was placed on at the end of your session for 2 to 5 days. How long the wrap stays on varies by client and lifestyle, some people need less time. Talk with your artist about your specific aftercare.
Keep the area clean and check the second skin clear bandage for tears, or leakage. If your tattoo leaks, remove the bandage.
Using breathable bandages like Saniderm or Tegaderm during the first few days may cause ink and plasma to seep from your tattoo, creating a colored fluid that collects between the bandage and your skin. This is a normal part of the healing process.
Benefits:
Less scabbing and itching
Better color retention in some cases
A smoother overall heal
More protection for inclement conditions and other environmental concerns like chemical exposure.
Risks:
Over-moisturizing can cause clogged pores or pimples
If occlusive bandages are used improperly, they can trap bacteria and cause infection if not removed at the first sight of integrity loss of the bandage.
Adhesive allergies can be experienced with this method, check with your artist.
Dry Healing
Definition: Letting the tattoo heal naturally without coverings for more than 12 hours. Common with using a nonstick, absorbent pad to keep the tattoo clean and allow it to breathe naturally.
How it works:
Gently wash the tattoo with mild soap and water after the prescribed time of removal
Avoid applying aftercare products for the first 3 to 5 days.
Allow scabs to form and fall off naturally. Moisturize the skin with CeraVe lotion.
Benefits:
Fewer chances of irritation from products
Simpler and more natural
Risks:
More scabbing, which may affect ink retention
More itching and flaking
Higher risk of scarring if the tattoo is scratched or disturbed
Allergies to Adhesive Bandages
If someone is allergic to the adhesive in medical dressings like Saniderm, Tegaderm, or even traditional bandages:
Symptoms:
Redness, itching, rash around the bandage
Blistering or welts in the shape of the adhesive
Prolonged irritation or delayed healing
Alternatives & Solutions:
Use non-adhesive dressings, like sterile gauze and hypoallergenic medical tape (e.g., paper tape or silicone tape)
Choose tattoo films labeled hypoallergenic (though some may still cause a reaction)
Go with dry healing but monitor closely and keep the tattoo clean
Use soft fabric barriers like clean, loose cotton clothing (but only when healed enough to avoid friction)
Important Note: Allergies to adhesives are not rare—many clients may not realize they have a sensitivity until they wear a bandage for 24+ hours.
Closing: Healing with Intention
Your tattoo’s longevity starts with how well you care for it in the first week. Whether you choose wet healing with a second skin bandage or the more traditional dry healing method, the goal is the same: protect your investment. Understanding your options, your skin’s needs, and how your body responds to adhesives or moisture will guide your aftercare decisions. With the right care, your tattoo will heal beautifully—preserving its color, detail, and meaning for years to come.