Healing a tattoo properly is essential for preserving its appearance and preventing infection. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to take care of a new tattoo from the moment you leave the tattoo studio until it is fully healed (typically 2–4 weeks).

 

Step-by-Step Tattoo Healing Instructions

🕐 Immediately After Getting the Tattoo

1. Leave the Saniderm Bandage On

   • Your tattoo artist will cover the tattoo with a sterile bandage or plastic wrap.

   • Leave it on for the time recommended (usually 3–4 days), or follow your artist’s specific instructions.

2. Avoid Touching the Tattoo

   • Do not touch or peel off the covering unless your hands are clean.

💦 First Wash (After Removing the Bandage)

1. Wash Your Hands First

   • Use antibacterial soap and warm water.

2. Clean the Tattoo Gently

   • Use lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, mild antibacterial soap (e.g., Dial Gold or Dr. Bronner's unscented).

   • Gently wash off blood, plasma, or ink using your fingers.

   • Do not scrub with cloths or sponges.

3. Pat Dry with a Clean Paper Towel

   • Avoid fabric towels—they can harbor bacteria or snag the skin.

   • Let it air dry for 10–20 minutes if needed.

🧴 Apply a Thin Layer of Ointment

1. Use a Tattoo-Safe Aftercare Hustle Butter Ointment

   • Avoid petroleum jelly (Vaseline) unless advised.

2. Apply a VERY Thin Layer

   • Massage it gently into the skin.

   • Dab off excess with a clean paper towel.

3. Repeat Cleaning + Ointment 2–3 Times Daily

   • Do this for the first 3–5 days or until peeling starts.

📆 Days 3–7: The Peeling Stage Begins

• Your tattoo may start to itch and peel, similar to a sunburn.

• Do not pick or scratch — let flakes fall off naturally.

• Switch from ointment to a fragrance-free lotion (e.g., Aveeno, Lubriderm, or Eucerin).

• Keep moisturizing the tattoo 2–3 times daily.

🚫 What to Avoid During the Healing Process

1. No Soaking the Tattoo

   • Avoid baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, or oceans for at least 2–3 weeks.

   • Showering is fine—just avoid letting the water stream hit the tattoo directly for too long.

2. Avoid Sun Exposure

   • Keep your tattoo out of the sun.

   • Do not apply sunscreen until it's fully healed.

   • After healing, always use SPF 30+ on your tattoo to prevent fading.

3. No Tight or Dirty Clothing

   • Wear loose, breathable fabrics.

   • Avoid anything that may rub against the tattoo.

4. Avoid Physical Activities That Cause Heavy Sweating

   • Especially avoid gym equipment or yoga mats that might contact the tattoo.

🧼 Ongoing Cleaning and Moisturizing (Week 2–4)

• Continue gentle washing with a non scented antibacterial soap once or twice daily.

• Apply Hustle Butter lotion as needed to prevent dryness.

• The tattoo will go through a dry, flaking stage, then a dull phase before fully healing.

🟢 Signs of Normal Healing

• Redness or slight swelling in the first couple of days.

• Scabbing or flaking in week 1–2.

• Dull or cloudy appearance (the tattoo may look faded temporarily—this is normal!).

🔴 Signs of Infection or Trouble (See a Doctor If...)

• Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth after day 3.

• Yellow or green pus.

• Foul odor.

• Fever or chills.

• Pain that gets worse instead of better.

✅ Once Healed (Week 3–6)

• You can resume normal activities: swimming, sun exposure (with sunscreen), gym, etc.

• Keep moisturizing with Hustle Butter the tattoo to maintain vibrancy.

• Use SPF regularly to prevent fading over the years.