Looking After Your Tattoos

By Jimmy Toge – Custom Tattoos, Central Coast NSW

You’ve sat through the session, earned the pain, and walked out with fresh ink. Now comes the part that separates a clean, strong tattoo from a patchy mess — the healing.
Here’s how to look after your tattoo properly, based on 26 years of real-world experience.

1. Straight After Your Session — No Cling Wrap, No Suffocating

I don’t usually cover tattoos with cling wrap after a session. It traps heat and sweat, which breeds bacteria and slows the healing.
I also don’t tend to use second skin (film) straight away — I prefer letting the tattoo breathe. That being said, if you’re working in dusty or dirty environments, or you just want the extra protection, you can buy second-skin wraps like Saniderm or Dermal Film from most chemists.
They’re fine to use if applied properly, but they’re not essential for a clean heal.

2. The First Few Days — Keep It Clean, Keep It Simple

After your session, treat your tattoo like an open wound. It needs air, cleanliness, and patience — not thick ointments or random creams.

Once you remove any initial wrap, wash it gently with warm, clean water and mild, scent-free soap.
Pat dry with clean paper towel or let it air dry — don’t rub.
Keep it completely clean and dry for the first 2 days, no ointment yet.
Wash it at least once a day in the shower, or more often if you’re sweating or working in a dusty area.

On Day 3, you’ll notice it starts to feel tight and dry — that’s when you start applying something light like:

Olive oil (natural, breathable)
Vitamin E cream
Paw Paw cream (non-petroleum)

Use just a thin layer — enough to take the edge off the dryness without clogging pores.
If it itches, don’t scratch it. If it scabs, don’t pick it. Every flake or scab that falls off naturally keeps your ink solid underneath.

3. Working in Dusty or Dirty Environments

If you’re on the tools, in construction, or anywhere dusty:

Keep it covered with clean, breathable clothing — no plastic, no tape.
Wash it as soon as you get home every night.
If you do decide to use second skin, leave it on for 3–5 days, then peel it slowly under warm running water.

4. Training and Exercise

Sweat and friction can ruin early healing.

Take at least 5–7 days off heavy workouts.
Avoid movements that pull or rub on the tattoo.
If you sweat on it, wash and reapply a small amount of light cream after.
Keep gym towels and gear clean — no sharing.

5. Pets and Animals

I love pets, but they’re bacterial bombs when your tattoo’s fresh.

No sleeping with them or letting them lick the tattoo.
Wash your hands before touching your tattoo after handling them.
Keep the area covered if your pet’s clingy or sheds a lot.

6. Swimming — Salt, Fresh, or Pool

Every type of water messes with new tattoos:

Saltwater dries it out.
Freshwater carries bacteria.
Pools are full of chlorine that burns the skin and fades ink.
Avoid swimming for at least 2–3 weeks. Showers are fine — just keep them short and don’t soak.

7. Sun and Outdoor Work

UV destroys fresh pigment fast.

Keep it covered for the first 3 weeks.
Once healed, use SPF 50+ religiously.
Avoid tanning or direct exposure while it’s still healing — it can cause peeling or pigment loss.

8. Medical Conditions (Blood Thinners, Diabetes, Skin Issues)

If you’re on meds or have health conditions that affect skin repair:

Expect slower healing and possible bruising.
Keep it extra clean and watch for signs of infection: red streaks, swelling, pain that gets worse.
Always tell your tattooist in advance — I adjust my depth and approach depending on the client’s health.

9. Second Skin (If You Choose to Use It)

If you do go for second skin:

Leave it on for 3–5 days, unless it leaks or peels early.
A small amount of fluid underneath is normal — don’t drain it.
Peel it off slowly under warm running water.
Once removed, wash gently and start your light cream routine.

10. What NOT to Do

Don’t scratch, pick, or peel flakes.
Don’t wrap it in cling wrap overnight.
Don’t drown it in ointment.
Don’t binge drink or smoke heavily — it slows healing.
Don’t follow random “tattoo hacks” online.

11. Healing Timeline

Day 1–2: Wash daily, keep dry, no cream.
Day 3–7: Starts drying — apply light, breathable moisture.
Week 2–3: Itching and peeling phase — hands off.
Week 4–6: Skin settles and flattens; slight dullness is normal.
After six weeks, it’s safe for sun, swimming, and touch-ups.

Final Words

Your tattoo isn’t just a picture — it’s a wound your body is working hard to seal and protect.
Keep it clean, don’t suffocate it, and don’t overthink it.
If something doesn’t look right — too red, swollen, or leaking — message your artist, not Google.
Good aftercare is the final part of the art.

Tattoo Aftercare Instruction