District Tattoo Co. / Aftercare guide
Take care of your new tattoo.
Your tattoo might be finished, but the healing process is just getting started. Follow the instructions provided by your artist to help your new tattoo heal properly and keep it looking its best.
Method 01
Traditional aftercare.
Initial bandage
Leave the bandage your tattooer applied on overnight.
First wash
In the morning, wash your tattoo thoroughly with your hand using warm water and mild soap.
Moisturizing
Once the tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of scent-free moisturizer or Aquaphor.
Daily cleaning
Wash your tattoo and apply moisturizer as described above at least twice a day for the first 4 days.
Ongoing healing
After that, wash your tattoo daily and apply moisturizer as needed until your tattoo is fully healed.
Things to avoid
Do not soak your tattoo in water or expose it to prolonged direct sunlight until it is fully healed.
Method 02
Tegaderm aftercare.
Initial bandage
Leave the bandage your tattooer applied on overnight.
Cleaning before application
In the morning, wash your tattoo thoroughly with your hand using warm water and mild soap.
Applying the film
Once the tattoo is dry, peel the backing off the Tegaderm and place it over the tattoo.
Press it down slowly to avoid any air pockets. Once it’s fully on, remove the top sheet.
Wearing the bandage
Leave the Tegaderm on for 4–5 days.
If it starts peeling or fills with fluid, remove it, rewash the tattoo and apply a fresh Tegaderm bandage.
Removing the bandage
Remove the Tegaderm slowly and wash the tattoo again as described above.
Continued aftercare
After the 4–5 days of Tegaderm, wash your tattoo daily and apply a scent-free moisturizer as needed until your tattoo is fully healed.
General information
What to expect while healing.
This is how tattoos commonly heal, not a schedule. Every tattoo heals at its own pace; your artist’s instructions above come first.
The first 24 hours
Your tattoo may look red and feel tender and warm, a bit like a sunburn. A little clear fluid or ink on the bandage is common.
The first several days
Redness and tenderness usually start to ease. The skin can feel tight as it begins to heal.
Peeling and flaking
It will likely flake and peel like a sunburn, and it may itch. Let the flakes come off on their own.
Continued healing
Once the flaking stops, the skin can look shiny or a little cloudy for a while before it settles. Keep caring for it until it’s fully healed.
Until it’s fully healed
Things to avoid.
Soaking
No baths, hot tubs or long soaks until your tattoo is fully healed.
Swimming
Pools, lakes and the ocean can wait until it’s fully healed.
Prolonged sun
Keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight until it’s fully healed.
Picking and scratching
Let flakes come off on their own, even when it itches.
General tipFriction
Avoid tight clothing or straps rubbing on the tattoo while it heals.
General tipOther products
Stick to mild soap and a scent-free moisturizer or Aquaphor, unless your artist tells you otherwise.
Questions about healing?
Questions while it heals? Call or email us, or ask your artist.
Aftercare FAQ.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
It depends on the size, the placement and how your skin heals. Keep following your aftercare until your tattoo is fully healed, and ask us if you’re not sure.
Is peeling normal?
Yes. Light peeling and flaking, like a sunburn, is a normal part of healing. Let it come off on its own and don’t pick at it.
Can I shower with a new tattoo?
Yes. Showering is fine; just don’t soak it. Wash it gently with your hand as your instructions describe.
When can I go swimming?
Not until your tattoo is fully healed. That includes pools, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean.
What if my Tegaderm starts peeling?
Remove it, rewash the tattoo and apply a fresh Tegaderm bandage.
When should I contact my artist?
Any time you have a question about how your tattoo is healing.