Tattoo Aftercare – What to Do the Day After Your Tattoo

Your tattoo should be red and swollen but beginning to heal by now. It may start itching and flaking as it recovers; resist any urges to scratch, which could lead to infections and distortion of its design.

Remove the Bandage

At this point, most scabs should have fallen off, leaving behind normal-appearing skin. Irritation should have subsided significantly, and any further oozing has likely ended.

Continue Aftercare

After 14 days, your skin should have recovered entirely from your tattoo. If there are still flaky patches,, itching, or oozing, continue with regular aftercare and apply moisturizer twice daily until your tattoo is completely healed.

Clean the Tattoo

Once all scabs have fallen off (usually within several days), carefully wash your new tattoo with unscented soap and water before gently patting it dry with a clean paper towel. Avoid submersion, as this will weaken its adhesive bandage attachment. Clean the tattoo 2-3 times daily with antibacterial fragrance-free soap and apply a healing ointment sparingly.

Moisturize

As soon as your tattoo has dried completely, apply a thin coat of an ointment such as Vitamin A