Tattoo Aftercare Guide

A Golden Rule: Listen to Your Artist, Not Your Friends

Every tattoo artist provides slightly different aftercare instructions, and for good reason: while two healed tattoos may look identical, the way each artist works skin is entirely unique. Just as two people can produce the same flawless script using completely different hand pressure — one heavy-handed, one delicate and feathery — every artist applies ink differently, resulting in different skin dynamics during healing.

Because of this variation in technique:

• Ignore outside advice

  Never follow aftercare tips from friends or family who were not tattooed by your specific artist. What worked for their tattoo may compromise yours.

• Ask questions freely

  Any and all questions regarding your healing process are always welcome. When in doubt, reach out directly and send clear photos or videos.

• Be completely honest

  If an accident happens — such as accidentally soaking the tattoo, going swimming, or letting pet fur touch the area — admit it right away. There is zero judgment; being transparent is the only way your artist can accurately assess the situation and give you the right guidance to protect your piece.

Phase 1 · Days 1–3

The Absorbent Pad Phase

Tattoo Armour pads are designed to absorb excess plasma, blood, and ink while letting the skin breathe. Keep each pad on for 6 to 8 hours at a time, changing it 2 to 3 times per day.

Step-by-Step Change Routine

1. 01

   Wash your hands

   Always clean your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap before touching your bandage or fresh tattoo.

2. 02

   Remove the pad

   Gently peel off the medical tape and remove the Tattoo Armour pad. An imprint of your tattoo on the pad is completely normal — that is excess ink and dried plasma.

3. 03

   Wash the tattoo

   Clean the area gently using your fingertips, lukewarm water, and a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap. Wash away all surface fluid, dried blood, and residual ointment. Never use a washcloth or sponge.

4. 04

   Pat dry

   Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean, single-use paper towel. Do not rub, and do not use regular bath towels. Let it air-dry for 2 to 3 minutes.

5. 05

   Apply a thin layer of ointment

   Spread a very thin layer of artist-approved tattoo ointment or balm over the tattoo. The skin should look slightly hydrated, never shiny, greasy, or suffocated.

6. 06

   Apply a fresh Tattoo Armour sheet

   Place the perforated foil side directly against the tattoo, leaving a slight margin around the edges. If needed, cut the pad with clean scissors to fit the area. Secure all edges firmly with medical paper tape (such as 3M Micropore).

Phase 2 · Days 4–14

Open Air & Moisturizing

Once the pad comes off clean without fluid buildup (typically after 48 to 72 hours), discontinue using the pads and leave the tattoo open to the air.

• Wash

  Continue gently washing the tattoo twice daily (morning and evening) with warm water and fragrance-free soap.

• Moisturize

  Once you stop using the Tattoo Armour pads, always apply a thin layer of a daily body moisturizer like Aveeno, or any gentle lotion that is paraben-free and fragrance-free. Apply a small amount 2 to 3 times daily whenever the skin feels tight or dry, rubbing it in completely until no excess remains.

• Peeling & Flaking

  Around days 4 to 7, the tattoo will begin to peel and flake like a sunburn. Do not pick, peel, or scratch the skin. Allow all flakes to shed naturally to prevent pulling out pigment or causing scars.

Universal Healing Rules

• No soaking

  Showers are fine, but do not submerge your tattoo in baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, or oceans for at least 3 to 4 weeks.

• Zero direct sun exposure

  Keep the tattoo covered by loose clothing while outdoors. Do not apply sunscreen until the skin has completely finished peeling and the surface has fully closed (typically 3 to 4 weeks).

• Wear loose clothing

  Avoid tight, abrasive fabrics or straps rubbing directly against the healing skin.

• Keep pets away

  Do not allow animals to lick, rub against, or sleep on your healing tattoo, and ensure your bed linens are freshly washed.