Care for Your Tattoo, Care for Your Story
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions for Long-Lasting Beauty and Healing
At Last Nerve Tattoo, we treat skin like canvas and every session like a collaboration — and your aftercare journey is just as important as the tattoo itself. Proper aftercare preserves the integrity of your ink, especially our signature black-and-gray realism and precise line work.
With years of experience and raw creative energy behind every piece, we want your tattoo to heal as beautifully as it was applied. The below step-by-step guide includes professional tips, healing timelines, and product recommendations to minimize scabbing, prevent infection, and keep your tattoo looking bold and clean.
Whether it’s your first piece, a full sleeve, or a cover-up, our aftercare routine helps you protect the art you’re proud to wear.
Care for Your Tattoo,
Care for Your Story
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions for Long-Lasting Beauty and Healing
At Last Nerve Tattoo, we treat skin like canvas and every session like a collaboration — and your aftercare journey is just as important as the tattoo itself. Proper aftercare preserves the integrity of your ink, especially our signature black-and-gray realism and precise line work.
With years of experience and raw creative energy behind every piece, we want your tattoo to heal as beautifully as it was applied. The below step-by-step guide includes professional tips, healing timelines, and product recommendations to minimize scabbing, prevent infection, and keep your tattoo looking bold and clean.
Whether it’s your first piece, a full sleeve, or a cover-up, our aftercare routine helps you protect the art you’re proud to wear.
How to care for your tattoo
Important Steps for your aftercare
How to care for your tattoo
Important Steps for your aftercare
I. Initial Bandage & First Wash
Leave the bandage/Wrap on: Keep the artist-applied bandage or second-skin wrap on for 2-4 days (unless otherwise advised)
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap (like Baby's Unscented formula).
Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. Avoid cloth towels—they can harbor bacteria.
II. Moisturizing & Healing Phase (Days 2–14)
Once dry, apply a thin layer of a recommended aftercare product (e.g., Aquaphor, Saniderm Recovery, or a natural, fragrance-free balm).
Don’t over-moisturize—your skin needs to breathe.
Wash your tattoo gently twice a day, then apply aftercare ointment or lotion each time.
Expect itching, flaking, and light scabbing—do not pick or scratch. This is a normal part of the healing process.
I. Initial Bandage & First Wash
Leave the bandage/Wrap on: Keep the artist-applied bandage or second-skin wrap on for 2-4 days (unless otherwise advised)
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap (like Baby's Unscented formula).
Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. Avoid cloth towels—they can harbor bacteria.
II. Moisturizing & Healing Phase (Days 2–14)
Once dry, apply a thin layer of a recommended aftercare product (e.g., Aquaphor, Saniderm Recovery, or a natural, fragrance-free balm).
Don’t over-moisturize—your skin needs to breathe.
Wash your tattoo gently twice a day, then apply aftercare ointment or lotion each time.
Expect itching, flaking, and light scabbing—do not pick or scratch. This is a normal part of the healing process.
III. Avoid These During Healing
No direct sun exposure. UV rays can fade and irritate healing skin.
No swimming in pools, oceans, lakes, or baths. Showers are fine.
No tight clothing over the tattoo—let it breathe.
No gym or intense sweating for at least the first few days. Sweat can lead to a risk of bacteria.
IV. Long-Term Care (After 2 Weeks)
Continue moisturizing your tattoo daily to prevent dryness.
After it heals, always apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) before sun exposure to preserve the ink’s vibrancy.
You can always schedule a touch-up with your artist if needed after the healing process is complete (4-6 weeks later).
Please remember, every skin type heals a little differently.
If something feels off—excessive redness, pus, or fever—contact your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional promptly.
III. Avoid These During Healing
No direct sun exposure. UV rays can fade and irritate healing skin.
No swimming in pools, oceans, lakes, or baths. Showers are fine.
No tight clothing over the tattoo—let it breathe.
No gym or intense sweating for at least the first few days. Sweat can lead to a risk of bacteria.
IV. Long-Term Care (After 2 Weeks)
Continue moisturizing your tattoo daily to prevent dryness.
After it heals, always apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) before sun exposure to preserve the ink’s vibrancy.
You can always schedule a touch-up with your artist if needed after the healing process is complete (4-6 weeks later).
Please remember, every skin type heals a little differently.
If something feels off—excessive redness, pus, or fever—contact your tattoo artist or a healthcare professional promptly.
Get Inked Today
Book Your Appointment and Start Your Tattoo Journey
Get Inked Today
Book Your Appointment and Start Your Tattoo Journey