Tattoo healing basics
Expect redness, warmth, and light swelling at first. Peeling and itching are normal during healing — scratching is not.
This is the window where cleanliness matters most. Keep it simple and consistent.
- Wash hands first. Gently wash the tattoo with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel (don’t rub). Let it air dry for a minute.
- Apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare ointment/lotion (thin = better).
- Wash 2–3x per day. Keep it clean, not soaked.
Flaking/peeling is normal. Let it happen. Keep moisturizing lightly and avoid over-washing.
- Wear clean, loose clothing over the area.
- Moisturize lightly when dry/itchy.
- Sleep on clean sheets the first week.
- Stay hydrated and avoid heavy sweating early on.
- Don’t pick or scratch flakes/scabs.
- Don’t soak (pools, hot tubs, ocean) for ~2–3 weeks.
- Don’t use petroleum-heavy products unless instructed.
- Don’t expose to direct sun; no tanning.
Keep it out of direct sun while healing. After it’s healed, SPF helps keep blacks crisp and colors bright.
Keep it clean. Don’t overdo it.
Piercings heal from the outside and inside. Over-cleaning and touching are the fastest ways to irritate it.
- Wash hands before touching. Better: don’t touch at all.
- Clean 1–2x daily with sterile saline (or per your piercer’s instructions).
- Pat dry with clean paper towel. Avoid cloth towels (bacteria + snagging).
- Don’t twist, rotate, or remove jewelry during early healing.
Alcohol/peroxide, ointments (unless instructed), makeup/creams on the area, and sleeping pressure on it.
Normal: mild swelling, slight warmth, clear/whitish discharge that crusts, tenderness.
Not normal: spreading redness, severe swelling, thick yellow/green discharge, fever, intense throbbing pain. If you’re unsure, call us — and if symptoms are serious, seek medical care.
Brows heal in stages
Color can look darker at first, then fade, then “come back.” That’s normal while skin regenerates.
- Keep brows dry as instructed (especially first days). Avoid steam and heavy sweating.
- Don’t pick flakes. Let them shed naturally to avoid patchy healing.
- Avoid makeup, skincare acids, and oils directly on the brow area until healed.
- Follow your artist’s specific aftercare (some methods require light cleansing + product).
Common healing questions
Quick answers for the stuff everyone wonders (and nobody wants to Google at 2am).
Is peeling/itching normal?
Yes. Peeling and itching are normal for tattoos and microblading. Do not scratch or pick — light moisturizer and a gentle pat can help.
When can I go to the gym?
Light activity is usually fine, but avoid heavy sweating and friction on the area for the first several days. If it’s irritated, back off.
When can I swim?
Best practice: avoid pools, hot tubs, and ocean until fully healed (often ~2–3+ weeks for tattoos). Water exposure increases infection risk.
My tattoo looks faded or patchy while healing — is it ruined?
Healing can look uneven. Let it fully heal before judging. If a touch-up is needed, we’ll guide you on timing.
What are infection red flags?
Spreading redness, fever, thick yellow/green discharge, severe swelling, or intense pain. Seek medical care if serious symptoms occur.
Can I put sunscreen on a new tattoo?
Not until it’s fully healed. After healing, SPF helps keep the tattoo looking sharp long-term.