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Tattoo Aftercare
Great tattoos deserve great aftercare.
Here’s everything you need for proper tattoo healing and to keep your tattoo looking its best for years to come.
Choose Your Aftercare Method
Depending on your tattoo and your artist’s recommendation, you’ll be following one of two aftercare methods:
Traditional Aftercare
The classic healing method where you clean and care for your tattoo daily throughout the healing process.
1. Remove the Tattoo Wrap
Keep your fresh tattoo covered for the time recommended by your artist.
Small tattoos: Remove the bandage after approximately 4 hours.
Large tattoos: Remove the bandage after approximately 12 hours.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your fresh tattoo.
2. Wash & Clean Your Tattoo
Once the wrap is removed, gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild antiseptic soap.
Clean the entire tattoo carefully, making sure to remove any plasma or slimy residue from the surface. Do not scrub the tattoo or use a loofah, sponge or anything abrasive.
3. Gently Dry Your Tattoo
After washing, gently dab the tattoo dry using fresh, clean tissues.
Do not rub or wipe the tattoo. Make sure there is no excess moisture left sitting on the skin.
4. Let Your Tattoo Breathe for 72 Hours
For the next 72 hours, keep your tattoo clean and dry and allow it to breathe naturally.
Do not apply creams, oils, lotions or other products during this period unless specifically recommended by your tattoo artist.
5. Shower Carefully
You can shower while your tattoo is healing. Keep your showers relatively quick and avoid soaking the tattoo.
Clean running water passing over the tattoo is fine, but avoid very hot water, prolonged exposure to water or aggressively rubbing the area.
6. Start Using Tattoo Aftercare Cream
From the 4th day, begin applying your recommended tattoo aftercare cream as instructed by your artist.
Apply only the recommended amount and keep following the aftercare routine advised by your tattoo artist throughout the healing process.
7. Never Pick or Scratch the Tattoo
As your tattoo heals, dry skin, flaking and scabs may naturally form. Let them fall away on their own.
Do not pick, peel or scratch the tattoo, even if it feels itchy. Removing scabs prematurely can interfere with the healing process and may cause parts of the tattoo to heal unevenly or fade.
8. Avoid Friction, Exercise & Soaking
Until your tattoo has completely healed, avoid anything that can unnecessarily irritate or soak the area.
Avoid tight-fitting clothing over the tattoo, activities or exercises that create excessive friction or pressure on the area, swimming pools, beaches, baths and prolonged soaking in water.
9. Protect Your Tattoo After It Heals
Good tattoo aftercare doesn't end once the skin has healed.
Avoid unnecessary prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and use a good sunscreen on your tattoo once it is completely healed. Protecting your tattoo from UV exposure can help maintain its colour, contrast and overall appearance for years to come.
Every tattoo and every person's healing process can be different. If something doesn't look or feel right during your tattoo healing process, contact your artist rather than experimenting with products or remedies on your own.
When in doubt, ask your artist!
Dermalize Aftercare
Dermalize, also known as a second skin, is a breathable protective film applied over your tattoo to help keep it protected during the healing process.
At Koru Ink, your artist applies Dermalize on the second day after your tattoo session. Once applied, it acts as a protective barrier against dirt, friction and external contamination while allowing the skin underneath to heal.
The film stays on for the duration recommended by your artist, making tattoo aftercare simpler with less day-to-day maintenance compared to the traditional healing method.
Your artist will guide you on how long to keep it on, whether it needs to be replaced, and how to remove it safely.