How to Make Your Tattoo Heal Perfectly

Posted on Feb. 2nd, 2025

Having a tattoo done is just the first step—how you take care of it afterward is what makes all the difference. A properly healed tattoo stays bold, crisp, and vibrant for years, while poor aftercare can lead to fading, patchy ink, or even infection. The healing process is simple, but there are some crucial things to know to keep your tattoo looking its best. From washing and moisturizing to avoiding the sun and resisting the urge to scratch, every step matters. Here’s everything you need to know to make sure your tattoo heals perfectly so you can show off your new ink with confidence.

The First Few Hours: What to Expect

Right after getting tattooed, your artist will clean the area and wrap it up to protect it from bacteria and irritation. That bandage isn’t just for looks—it keeps your fresh tattoo safe from dirt, germs, and anything that could mess up the healing process. Depending on what kind of covering was used, you’ll need to leave it on for a few hours up to a full day. It’s tempting to take a peek, but keeping it wrapped for the right amount of time helps prevent infection and gives your skin a chance to start healing.

When it’s finally time to remove the bandage, do it carefully and wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Your skin will feel sensitive, and you might notice plasma, ink residue, or even a little blood—that’s totally normal. Avoid using anything harsh like exfoliating scrubs or loofahs. Just gently wash with your hands, pat it dry with a clean paper towel, and let it breathe. This is the beginning of the healing process, so how you treat it now will set the stage for how your tattoo settles in.

Keeping Your Tattoo Clean Without Overdoing It

A fresh tattoo is an open wound, and keeping it clean is the key to preventing infection. Washing it twice a day—once in the morning and once at night—is usually enough. Overwashing can dry out your skin and irritate the area, so don’t go overboard. Use mild, fragrance-free soap, and make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any leftover ink, blood, or plasma.

While keeping it clean is important, you don’t want to let your tattoo stay wet for too long. After washing, gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel—never rub, because that can pull off healing skin and cause patchy ink. Avoid using regular bath towels, since they can harbor bacteria and irritate your fresh ink. Let it air out for a few minutes before applying moisturizer to keep it from drying out.

Moisturizing: How Much Is Too Much?

Your tattoo needs to stay hydrated, but too much lotion can clog pores and trap bacteria, slowing down the healing process. A thin layer of fragrance-free, alcohol-free lotion or tattoo-specific aftercare cream is all you need. If your tattoo looks shiny or greasy after applying moisturizer, you’ve used too much—dab off the excess with a clean paper towel.

You’ll want to apply moisturizer two to three times a day, or whenever your tattoo starts feeling tight or dry. Keeping your skin hydrated helps prevent excessive peeling and itching, which can be some of the most annoying parts of healing. Look for products with natural ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil, but avoid anything with added scents or alcohol, which can irritate your skin. A well-moisturized tattoo heals better, flakes less, and keeps its colors looking fresh.

Avoiding the Itch: Don’t Pick or Scratch!

At some point, your tattoo is going to itch like crazy, and this is where a lot of people make mistakes. As your skin heals, it will start to peel and flake, just like a sunburn. This is completely normal, but whatever you do, don’t pick at it. Pulling off scabs or scratching at peeling skin can pull out ink, leaving patchy, faded spots that will need a touch-up.

If the itching gets unbearable, lightly tap your skin or apply a cold compress to soothe it. Keeping your tattoo clean and moisturized also helps reduce itchiness. Stay away from hot water, saunas, and excessive sweating, as these can make the irritation worse. The key is patience—after a couple of weeks, the peeling will stop, and your tattoo will start looking smooth and fully healed.

Protecting Your Tattoo From the Sun

One of the worst things you can do to a healing tattoo is expose it to the sun. Fresh ink is extremely sensitive to UV rays, which can cause fading, blurring, and even permanent damage. For the first few weeks, keep your tattoo completely covered if you’re outside, whether that’s with loose clothing or a clean bandage.

Once your tattoo is fully healed, wearing a high-SPF sunscreen is a must to keep the colors looking vibrant. Sun exposure over time is one of the main reasons tattoos fade, so if you want your ink to stay sharp and bold for years, protect it from direct sunlight. A few extra seconds applying sunscreen is a small price to pay for long-lasting ink.

Avoiding Pools, Showers, and Sweat

While washing your tattoo is necessary, soaking it in water is a no-go. That means no swimming, hot tubs, or long baths for at least two to three weeks. Sitting in water softens your skin, which can pull out ink and cause blurry healing or infections. Quick showers are fine—just make sure to keep them short and avoid direct water pressure on your tattoo.

You’ll also want to take it easy on the intense workouts for the first week or two. Sweat can irritate a fresh tattoo, and excessive movement can cause scabbing to crack, affecting how the ink settles. If you must hit the gym, keep your tattoo clean, dry, and away from bacteria-ridden surfaces. Your ink will heal much better if you let your skin recover properly before jumping back into heavy activity.

How to Tell If Your Tattoo Is Healing Right

In the first few days, you’ll likely notice redness, swelling, and a little oozing—this is completely normal. After a week or so, the peeling phase begins, and your tattoo might look flaky, dull, or even slightly patchy while new skin forms. Around the two-week mark, things should start looking smoother, and by a month, your tattoo should be fully healed.

If you experience extreme redness, excessive pain, or pus, those could be signs of an infection. While infections aren’t common when you follow proper aftercare, it’s always best to check in with your artist if something doesn’t feel right. A well-healed tattoo looks sharp, vibrant, and evenly settled into the skin. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m here to make sure your ink heals beautifully.

Stay Looking Sharp

The way you treat your tattoo in those first few weeks determines how it’ll look for years to come. Keeping it clean, moisturized, and protected is the key to making sure it heals perfectly. Avoid scratching, stay out of the sun, and don’t rush back into swimming or workouts too soon. A little patience now means bold, long-lasting ink that holds up over time. If you’re ready to get your next tattoo or need help with aftercare, Los Primos Ink has you covered—call or text (480) 781-8384 and let’s get you inked the right way!