New Tattoo Care: What Not to Do After Getting Inked

Alt text: Red geometric heart tattoo with a rose growing from the top, outlined in black with sparkling star accents on the calf.

A new tattoo is permanent, but the way it heals isn’t automatic. What you do after leaving the studio has a real impact on how your ink looks over time.

The first few days of healing are the most crucial. Even if your tattoo looks great when you leave the studio, the choices you make during this phase can affect how it heals and how it looks long-term. Proper new tattoo care requires a little patience, a bit of restraint, and the right steps — because even small missteps can impact the final result.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to take (and what to avoid) to make sure your tattoo heals properly and stays looking its best.

Don’t Remove the Bandage Too Soon (or Leave It On Too Long)

Your tattoo artist wraps your tattoo for a reason. That bandage protects the skin from bacteria, friction, and airborne contaminants during the most vulnerable stage of healing.

What not to do:

• Don’t rip the bandage off immediately “to let it breathe”

• Don’t keep the bandage on for days unless instructed otherwise

• Don’t re-wrap with random plastic wrap without guidance

Why it matters: Removing the bandage too soon exposes fresh skin to bacteria. Leaving it on too long can trap moisture, which creates the perfect environment for irritation or infection.

Best Practice: Follow your artist’s exact instructions for when and how to remove the bandage, and wash your hands before you touch anything.

Don’t Overwash (Yes, That’s a Thing)

Cleanliness is crucial, but more is not better.

What not to do:

• Don’t scrub your tattoo aggressively

• Don’t wash it every hour

• Don’t use loofahs, washcloths, or sponges

Why it matters: Overwashing strips the skin of its natural oils and disrupts healing. Scrubbing can damage the surface of the tattoo, leading to color loss and irritation.

Best Practice: Wash gently with clean hands, lukewarm water, and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Don’t rub!

 

Don’t Use Petroleum-Based Products

This is one of the biggest tattoo aftercare mistakes we see.

What not to do:

• Don’t use petroleum jelly

• Don’t slather on heavy ointments

• Don’t “seal” the tattoo under thick layers of product

Why it matters: Petroleum-based products suffocate the skin. A tattoo needs oxygen to heal properly, and overly thick products can trap bacteria and moisture beneath the surface.

Best Practice: Use a thin layer of a tattoo-approved, fragrance-free moisturizer. When in doubt, ask your Club Tattoo artist for product recommendations.

Don’t Pick, Scratch, or Peel—No Matter How Tempting

Your tattoo will scab and flake. That’s totally normal. What you don’t want to do is interfere with the process.

What not to do:

• Don’t pick at scabs

• Don’t peel flaking skin

• Don’t scratch, even if it itches like crazy

Why it matters: Picking or peeling can pull ink out of the skin, leaving patchy color, scars, or uneven lines. Scratching introduces bacteria and can permanently damage the tattoo.

Reality check: If you mess with the healing process, you’re messing with the final result.

Don’t Submerge Your Tattoo in Water

Showers are fine. Long soaks are not.

What not to do:

• No swimming pools

• No hot tubs

• No oceans, lakes, or baths

Why it matters: Submerging a fresh tattoo exposes it to bacteria and chemicals (hello, chlorine). Prolonged soaking softens the skin and increases the risk of ink loss and infection.

Rule of thumb: Avoid soaking your tattoo until it’s fully healed—typically 2–4 weeks, depending on size and placement.

Don’t Expose Your Tattoo to Direct Sunlight

Sunburn and fresh tattoos are a terrible combination.

What not to do:

• Don’t tan with a new tattoo

• Don’t skip covering it outdoors

• Don’t apply sunscreen too early

Why it matters: UV rays damage healing skin and can cause fading before your tattoo even settles. Sunscreen on a fresh tattoo can also clog pores and irritate open skin.

What to do instead: Keep it covered with loose clothing while healing. Once fully healed, sunscreen becomes your tattoo’s best friend.

Don’t Wear Tight or Restrictive Clothing Over It

Your outfit choices matter more than you think during healing.

What not to do:

• Don’t wear tight jeans over leg tattoos

• Don’t wear restrictive bras over rib or chest pieces

• Don’t let clothing rub constantly against fresh ink

Why it matters: Friction irritates the skin, pulls scabs, and increases inflammation. Tight fabrics can also trap sweat and bacteria.

Best Practice: Opt for loose, breathable clothing that lets the tattoo heal without interference.

Don’t Ignore Signs of Infection

A healing tattoo will be tender, but it should not be getting worse.

What not to do:

• Don’t ignore excessive redness, swelling, or heat

• Don’t dismiss yellow or green discharge

• Don’t assume pain that intensifies is “normal”

Why it matters: Infections can compromise your tattoo and, more importantly, your health. Early intervention makes all the difference.

If something feels off: Contact a medical professional, and let your Club Tattoo artist know so we can help guide you.

Don’t Overdo Workouts or Physical Activity

Yes, even if you’re dedicated to your routine.

What not to do:

• Don’t hit intense workouts immediately

• Don’t stretch skin excessively

• Don’t let gym equipment rub against your tattoo

Why it matters: Sweat, friction, and repeated movement can irritate healing skin and introduce bacteria.

Best Practice: Give your body a few days of rest, especially if the tattoo is large or in a high-movement area.

Don’t Let Other People Touch Your Tattoo

Fresh tattoos tend to attract attention — and curiosity.

What not to do:

• Don’t let friends touch it “just to see”

• Don’t allow anyone to grab, tap, or rub the area

• Don’t assume clean-looking hands are actually clean

Why it matters: A new tattoo is open skin. Any unnecessary contact increases the risk of introducing bacteria, even if it’s brief. This is especially common in social settings where people aren’t thinking about hygiene.

Best practice: Admiration is fine (and encouraged). Physical contact is not. Protect the tattoo until it’s healed.

 

Don’t Sleep Directly On a Fresh Tattoo (If Possible)

Healing doesn’t stop when you go to bed.

What not to do:

• Don’t sleep with direct pressure on the tattoo

• Don’t ignore friction from sheets or blankets

• Don’t sleep on unclean bedding

Why it matters: Pressure and friction can increase swelling, cause ink weeping, and irritate healing skin. Trapped moisture overnight can also slow the healing process.

Best Practice: Use clean sheets and adjust your sleeping position for the first few nights to avoid direct contact.

Don’t Mix or Rotate Aftercare Products

More products doesn’t mean better care.

What not to do:

• Don’t switch products every few days

• Don’t layer multiple ointments or lotions

• Don’t combine artist recommendations with online advice

Why it matters: Mixing products can clog pores, irritate sensitive skin, and disrupt healing. Inconsistent aftercare often causes more issues than using one product correctly.

Best Practice: Stick with a single, tattoo-approved product and use it as directed by your artist.

Don’t Rush the “It Looks Healed” Phase

Looking healed isn’t the same as being healed.

What not to do:

• Don’t assume peeling means you’re in the clear

• Don’t resume swimming or sun exposure too soon

• Don’t exfoliate healed-looking skin prematurely

Why it matters: Surface healing happens first, but deeper layers of skin are still repairing. Pushing activities too early can cause fading or uneven healing.

Best Practice: If it’s been less than a month, continue treating your tattoo with care.

 

Don’t Assume All Tattoos Heal the Same

Every tattoo — and every body — is different.

What not to do:

• Don’t follow random internet advice

• Don’t ignore your artist’s instructions

• Don’t compare your healing to someone else’s

Why it matters: Placement, size, ink saturation, and skin type all affect healing time. Your artist’s guidance is tailored to your tattoo.

Best Practice: Follow your artist’s instructions closely and avoid comparing your healing process to others. Your tattoo is unique to you

Don’t Ignore Your Overall Health

Your body does the healing, not just the skin.

What not to do:

• Don’t stay dehydrated

• Don’t overdo alcohol while healing

• Don’t neglect sleep and nutrition

Why it matters: Dehydration, inflammation, and poor recovery habits can slow healing and increase irritation. Healthy skin heals better.

Best practice: Stay hydrated, get enough rest, and nourish your body to support healing. Healthy habits lead to healthy skin—and a tattoo that looks its best long-term.

Thinking About Your Next Tattoo?

Every great tattoo starts with a conversation. A consultation gives you the opportunity to talk through ideas, placement, sizing, and aftercare expectations with an expert Club Tattoo artist.

If you’re ready to plan your next piece—or just want professional guidance—book a consultation and take the first step toward a tattoo designed to last.

New Tattoo Care FAQs

How long does a new tattoo take to heal?

Most tattoos heal on the surface in 2–4 weeks, but deeper healing can take longer. Even if it looks healed, continued care helps protect the ink.

Is redness or swelling normal?

Yes, mild redness, swelling, and tenderness are normal at first. These should improve over a few days. Worsening symptoms may need attention.

Can I shave over a healing tattoo?

No. Wait until the tattoo is fully healed to avoid irritation or damaging the ink.

Why does my tattoo look dull or cloudy while healing?

This is a normal healing phase. Color typically settles and brightens once the skin fully recovers.

Do touch-ups need aftercare too?

Yes. Touch-ups should be treated like a new tattoo and cared for the same way.

When should I contact my artist?

If something doesn’t feel right or you’re unsure about healing, reach out. Your Club Tattoo artist can help guide you