AFTERCARE

Tattoo Aftercare: How to Take Care of Your New Tattoo for Perfect Healing

Your tattoo is a piece of art that becomes a part of your body forever. After getting tattooed, the way you care for your skin directly impacts how your tattoo heals and how vibrant it looks in the long run. At Salvation Beauty Ink in Pembroke Pines, FL, we want your new tattoo to stay as beautiful as the day you left our studio. That’s why we’ve created a detailed guide on how to take care of a tattoo from day one until it’s fully healed.

General Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

1. Keep the protective plastic on
Your artist will wrap your tattoo with a sterile protective film or plastic. This layer protects your fresh tattoo from bacteria and friction.

  • Keep it on as long as it feels comfortable, but no more than 3 days.

  • It’s normal for fluid or plasma to build up under the plastic; don’t panic.

2. Avoid bending or wrinkling the tattooed area
Especially during the first few days, avoid excessive movement that could stress the healing skin.

3. Keep the area clean and dry

  • Once you remove the wrap, gently wash the tattoo daily with lukewarm water and a mild antibacterial soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.

  • Avoid harsh scrubbing or loofahs.

4. Avoid hot showers, saunas, or soaking
For at least 3 weeks, avoid hot showers, baths, hot tubs, and saunas. Heat and steam can soften the scabs, prolong healing, and increase the risk of infection.

5. Avoid swimming and sun exposure
Do not go to the beach, pool, lake, or any body of water for 3 weeks. UV rays and bacteria in water can damage your healing tattoo.

6. Apply tattoo aftercare products

  • After the first 4 days, start using a thin layer of tattoo serum or a recommended tattoo moisturizer every other day for the next 3 weeks.

  • Do not over-moisturize; less is more during the healing stage.

7. If you notice a reaction
Contact us right away if you notice excessive redness, swelling, pus, or other unusual symptoms. We are always here to help.

What to Expect During the Tattoo Healing Process

Day 1–3:

  • Some fluid buildup under the plastic wrap is normal.

  • Mild redness and swelling are expected, especially in the area around the tattoo.

First Week:

  • Itching: As the tattoo begins to heal, it will itch. This is normal. Do not scratch!

  • Scabbing: Thin scabs may appear. Do not pick, peel, or scratch—let them fall off naturally.

Weeks 2–3:

  • The skin may look dry and start to peel, similar to a sunburn. Continue washing and moisturizing as instructed.

Why Tattoo Aftercare is So Important

Tattoo aftercare is crucial for:

  • Preventing infection

  • Preserving color and detail in your tattoo

  • Avoiding scarring or patchy healing

Following these steps will ensure your tattoo stays crisp, bright, and healthy for years to come.

Ready to Get Your Next Tattoo?

Your new tattoo is a collaboration between you and your artist—aftercare is your part in making sure the art heals beautifully. If you have any questions about how to take care of a tattoo, visit us or contact our team:

Salvation Beauty Ink
📍 12251 Taft St., Suite 302, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
📞 754-888-9981