The Esquire Guide To Tattoo Aftercare
So, you got a tattoo. Now, don’t ruin it
You did it.
You paid the price in pain, sat through the buzzing needle, and now you’re branded—permanently. Maybe it’s a well-thought-out masterpiece or a questionable decision fueled by testosterone and tequila. Either way, that ink is yours now.
But here’s the deal: that tattoo isn’t really yours yet (well, at least not in the strictest sense). Not until it heals. And healing is where most people screw up. So unless you want it to age like an expired milk carton, you need to take care of it. Because honestly, good aftercare is equally important as picking a good tattoo artist.
Below is a guide on how to keep your ink crisp, your skin smooth, and your tattoo game strong.
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The First 24 Hours: The Risky Zone
The moment you leave the tattoo chair, your ink is essentially an open wound. That means bacteria are lurking, waiting for an opportunity to turn your fresh artwork into an infection site. Your tattoo artist may have wrapped it up in a plastic wrap to keep the bacteria out. Keep this dressing on for at least a few hours (or as your artist recommends). If it’s a medical-grade adhesive wrap, you can even keep it on for a few days.
When it’s time to remove it, make sure you wash your hands first. After, use lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap to clean the area gently. No aggressively rubbing it like you’re trying to erase bad decisions. No loofahs. Just your clean hands and a soft pat dry. Once dry, apply a light layer of any recommended ointment.
Please, for the love of god, do not slather on Vaseline. It suffocates your tattoo.
Days 2-6: The Ugly Phase Begins
By this time, your tattoo will start forming thin scabs. It might look dull. You might wonder if your artist messed up. They didn’t. This is part of the process, and this is where your discipline has to kick in.
Keep washing it twice a day with mild soap, and apply a light layer of fragrance-free lotion. Not a thick glob, just enough to keep it from drying out. (Think hydrated, not drowned.)
Do not pick! Seriously. You need to resist the urge to scratch, peel, or poke at your tattoo. Picking at scabs leads to patchy ink, uneven healing, and a lifetime of regret. If it’s unbearable, tap it lightly. Do not go to the gym, do not sweat, and do not even think about exposing your tattoo to the sun yet—UV rays are the ultimate ink killer.
If there’s excessive redness, swelling, or a funky smell, you may have an infection, and you need to call a doctor.
Weeks 2–4: The Home Stretch
Your scabs will still be peeling off, but you should let them fall off naturally (unless you enjoy patchy tattoos and unnecessary touch-ups). Stick to loose, breathable clothing to avoid unnecessary friction, and keep your tattoo moisturized to prevent dryness or irritation.
At this stage, your tattoo is nearly healed, but it still needs care. Avoid prolonged sun exposure (SPF is your best friend), and resist the urge to pick at any lingering flakes. It might look a little dull, but keep moisturizing, and the brightness will return.
The deeper layers of your skin are still repairing, and a little patience now will keep your ink looking like a masterpiece for years to come.
The No-Go Zone: Rookie Mistakes to Avoid in the First Month
No scratching, no picking, no excuses. You wouldn’t scratch a healing wound, so don’t do it to your tattoo.
No soaking. Pools, hot tubs, long baths—off-limits until fully healed.
No gym for a few days. Sweat is a bacteria playground. Give it a rest.
No direct sun exposure. Your tattoo hates UV rays.
Long-Term Care: Making Your Tattoo Last
Your tattoo isn’t just about the first month of healing—it’s a lifetime of commitment. So if you really need it to look equally good decades down the line, you need to follow these rules:
Always wear sunscreen.
Moisturise daily—your ink will look best on well-hydrated skin.
Avoid massive weight fluctuations if possible. Rapid weight gain or loss can distort the tattoo.
Stay away from scratchy fabrics on fresh ink. Invest in good bedsheets.
A good tattoo is an investment. Treat it like one. With the right care, your tattoo will stay bold, your lines will stay sharp, and you won’t be that guy with the faded, botched mess trying to convince everyone it ‘used to look better.’