At least twice daily, wash your new tattoo with fragrance-free mild soap and moisturize using BUFF or HYDRABALM products to maintain optimal conditions for healing. Once you remove your bandage, clean the new tattoo with lukewarm water and non-fragranced dial soap (or similar brand). Use clean hands instead of a washcloth or loofah.
Day 1
Within the first week of application, new Tattoos may exude plasma and ink, requiring special care when cleaning off to avoid infections. Use antibacterial soap with clean fingers when washing off your new tattoo. Avoid washcloths or loofahs that might harbor bacteria and cause further irritation to prevent diseases and promote healing. Once your tattoo is clean and dry, gently pat it before applying any aftercare ointment or lotion suggested by your artist. Your tattoo may appear blotchy at this point; this is normal. Additionally, itching may occur, and an additional moisturizer can provide much-needed relief.
Day 2
Now is the time to clean your tattoo with mild antibacterial soap using lukewarm water. Avoid hotter temperatures, as they could open pores and leak ink. Avoid washcloths loofahs, or use hand towels that may harbor bacteria. Once completed, dry your tattoo with a fresh paper towel before applying a light layer of fragrance-free moisturizers such as BUFF or Sanibalm to keep the area soft.
Day 3
Once the wrap has been removed, wash your tattoo with warm water and fragrance-free soap (we suggest dial). Gently pat dry. Your tattoo may become itchy this week, and extra moisturizer can provide relief. Take care not to pick any scabs that form naturally on your new skin, as scabs may develop, and then pick away at them! Within the first two to three weeks after you get a tattoo, your skin may produce plasma and ink. This is entirely normal and a part of the healing process.
Day 4
Tattoos are beautiful pieces of body art but also represent open wounds that must be adequately cared for to avoid infection. Without proper cleansing and moisturization measures, diseases could quickly arise and compromise their beauty. Clean your tattoo 2-3 times daily using lukewarm water and antibacterial soap, using gentle strokes without scrubbing or picking at any scabs that form. Applying an anti-itch lotion or fragrance-free ointment may also be beneficial for added relief.
Day 5
At this point, your tattoo should start scabbing over. It is crucial not to pick at these scabs as this could cause them to shed on their own and leave you feeling itchy and irritated. Additional moisturizers can provide comfort during this stage. Clean your tattoo 2-3 times daily using warm water and antibacterial soap, using a new washcloth, sponge, or loofah (old ones contain bacteria that could make things worse). When the tattoo has dried completely, apply a thin layer of lotion.
Day 6
An individual should wash their tattoo two to three times daily with warm water and mild antibacterial soap, using their hands rather than cloth to avoid cross-contamination. Scabs may form, and it is normal for these to appear during this phase, but picking or scratching at them should be avoided as much as possible. A thin lotion or ointment layer can relieve and soothe the skin. Over-moisturization should be avoided to prevent bacteria or germs from settling on your tattoo and spreading, rather than adding abundant lotion. Apply a thin layer every few hours as necessary.
Day 7
Tattoos should be washed twice daily using warm water and mild soap for the first week; avoid using washcloths or loofahs as these may contain bacteria that could make you sick. Once cleaned, ensure the area feels “squeaky clean.” After cleansing, apply a small amount of healing ointment without fragrance and alcohol to protect from suffocation and excessive scabbing, which could cause color fade. Doing this will prevent further color fading from the condition of suffocated areas.
Day 8
Once your tattoo has healed, wash and rinse twice daily for one week with mild, fragrance-free soap to maintain optimal skin health. Gently rub with fingers rather than scrubbing for best results. Double rinse every time! Do not be alarmed if your new tattoo “weeps” during its healing period; this is normal and requires dabbing with a dry paper towel to restore order. After washing, moisturize with an unscented white lotion or cream (Aveeno, Curel, Eucerin, etc.). Use three to six moisturizers every day until your tattoo heals completely.
Day 9
After several days, your tattoo may lose its initial sheen and form scabs. Gently wash it using warm water with unscented antibacterial soap (using clean hands only!), rinse thoroughly, and pat dry carefully. Your artist may also recommend applying an ointment or lotion after it dries completely. Submersion in any body of water, such as bathtubs, hot tubs, lakes, or ponds, should be avoided to avoid infection caused by bacteria entering the healing skin and creating disease.
