Tattoo Aftercare 101: Keep That Ink Lookin’ Fresh
- Alchemy Art Collective
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
So you just got tattooed, hell yeah! Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth, proper aftercare is the necessity that keeps your piece looking bold, crisp, and clean for years to come.
At Alchemy Art Collective, we pour everything into the work we do. Now it’s your turn to take care of it. Don’t worry, we’re not leaving you hanging. Below is everything you need to know to heal like a pro (and what to avoid like that one ex you regret tattooing their name).
Heads up: We’ve got a downloadable Tattoo Aftercare PDF you can keep on hand for reference. But if you're more of a "Google it while you're freaking out at 2 a.m." kind of person... Bookmark this!
💀 The Basics: After You Walk Out The Door
1. Remove the initial wrap after 30–45 minutes (1 hour MAX): That protective wrap served its purpose, now let your skin breathe.
2. Optional “second skin” bandage: Want that next-level healing setup? We apply a medical-grade film (like Saniderm/DermShield) over your fresh tattoo.
Keep it on for 3–5 days to let it work its moisture-lock magic
On day 3–5, peel it off slowly in the shower. Start at one corner and pull down and across the skin, not straight off, to minimize pain and protect your ink.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly first: You’re about to touch freshly wounded skin. No shortcuts here.
4. Clean with natural, unscented soap: Use something like Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented. No scrubs—just soft fingertip circles.
5. Pat dry—no rubbing: Use a clean towel or paper towel. Gentle only.
6. Air-dry for 5–10 minutes: Let your skin take a breath before moisturizing.
7. Apply a small dab of unscented lotion: Light layer only—rub until fully absorbed. Avoid heavy ointments like Vaseline, A&D, or Neosporin.
8. Repeat steps 2–7 up to 4 times daily for 7–10 days: Keep it hydrated, not soaked.
⚠️ Do Not Even Think of Doing These
❌ No picking, scratching, or scabbing: Apply zero pressure. Let it peel naturally.
❌ No soaking: That means no swimming, tanning, baths, or hot tubs.
❌ No tight clothes over the tattoo: Breathe, baby, let it breathe.
❌ No direct sun: Stay out of the sun for the first 10 days. After that, slap on SPF, tattoos hate UV.
❌ No plastic wrap or Vaseline: We’ve all seen “makeshift wraps” on icky tutorial channels. Professional bandage only, and avoid occlusive greases that trap bacteria.
🧠 What’s Normal & What’s Not
Normal:
Mild swelling or redness
Peeling, flaking, or light itchiness days 3–7
Slight fluid buildup under second skin (totally normal!)
Not Normal:
Intense swelling/redness spreading out
Pus or strange discharge
Fever, chills, hardened lines (keloid), or major pain
If you see any of this, call a doc, pronto.
🖤 Long-Term Love
Healing shouldn’t stop your life, it just needs a bit of TLC:
Stick to unscented soap & lotion while it heals
Stay sun-aware, long-term SPF is key
Skip exfoliants or harsh scrubs even after the initial healing
Typical healing takes 7–14 days, but full settling could take weeks
👊 Bottom Line
You got artwork, don’t let bad aftercare ruin it. Follow these steps, and your piece will stay dope for decades. Any questions? We’re always down to help, hit us up or swing by.
Location
📞 720.485.3435
Hey! Don't forget to download our Tattoo Aftercare PDF that you can keep on hand for reference.
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