Tattoo aftercare is a big part of making sure a tattoo heals well and looks its best long after it's been done. The problem is, there are so many different products out there these days, from butters and creams to lotions, soaps, and second skins, that it can be hard to know where to start.
There isn't one aftercare product that's right for everyone and what works best will often depend on things like the size and placement of the tattoo, skin type, and personal preference. To help, we've put together some of the most popular aftercare products recommended and used by tattoo artists, so you can find what works best for your setup.
Tattoo Aftercare Tips
Learning to tattoo is only one part of the job. Understanding tattoo aftercare is just as important, as even the best tattoos can heal poorly if the right aftercare advice isn’t given. Taking the time to explain the healing process to clients helps protect your work, improves healed results, and creates a better overall experience.
If you’re still learning and completing your apprenticeship, take advantage of the opportunity you have to learn from more experienced artists about how they approach aftercare.
- Step 1: Apply a dressing. After the tattoo is finished, clean the area and apply a dressing or protective film, like a second skin to help protect it from bacteria and friction. Make sure the client knows how long to leave it on for and what to do after they remove it.
- Step 2: Explain how to clean the tattoo. Lots of clients, especially people getting a tattoo for the first time, aren’t always sure how to care for a new tattoo.
- Step 3: Talk through moisturising. When the tattoo is clean and dry, a thin layer of aftercare can help keep the skin comfortable but it’s worth explaining that more isn’t always better and applying too much aftercare cream or butter can sometimes be as bad as letting the tattoo dry out completely.
- Step 4: Cover the basics. Make sure clients know how to avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, sun exposure, and anything that could irritate the tattoo while it’s healing.
Encourage your clients to get in touch if they have any questions while their tattoo is healing. Clear aftercare advice can help prevent complications, achieve better healed results, and build client confidence in your skills as an artist.
What's The Best Tattoo Aftercare Cream?
With so many tattoo aftercare creams on the market, choosing the right one can be difficult. To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of some popular creams, balms, and lotions used by tattoo artists to help support the healing process.
- Hustle Butter Deluxe: An artist-favourite, made with naturally-derived ingredients for soothing and protecting the skin before, during, and after tattooing.
- Hustle Butter Packette: Hustle Butter Deluxe in a small, convenient packet. Perfect for giving to your clients post-tattoo sessions to help them with aftercare.
- Recovery Tattoo Lotion: A moisturising and soothing lotion that helps reduce dryness and irritation of the skin while tattoos are healing.
- Recovery Soothe Gel: Helps to protect as well as reduce redness and inflammation while healing.
- Dermalize Artcare Velvet Cream: Enriched with natural oils and ingredients, this cream hydrates and protects the skin after tattooing.
- Otzi Tattoo Cream: Helps keep skin hydrated and ensure comfort during healing.
- Crybaby Glide / Gothbaby Glide: Use as a glide to help with a smoother tattooing experience or as an aftercare to help nourish and hydrate the skin while healing.
- Pegasus: A tattoo cream designed to help heal the skin after tattooing by strengthening and regenerating the different layers of the skin.
What's The Best Aftercare Ointment For A Tattoo?
Inkeeze has a range of tattoo aftercare ointments designed for healing and protection of fresh tattoos, including the Pink, Green, and Purple glides which are infused with essential oils and vitamins. Use them as a glide during tattooing or as a soothing aftercare solution.
You can also use Hustle Butter Deluxe, a tattoo cream designed to soothe, hydrate, and protect the skin throughout every stage of the tattooing process. As part of a wider range of Hustle Butter aftercare products, it's a popular addition to many artists' setups.
What's The Best Second Skin For Tattoo Aftercare?
A second skin is a transparent, adhesive protective film that is applied over a fresh tattoo immediately after the procedure. It acts as a barrier against dirt, bacteria, and friction while allowing the skin to breathe, helping to create an ideal healing environment during the first few days of the tattoo aftercare process.
- DermX: Unlike traditional second skins, DermX is a gel-like substance that you apply directly to the skin after tattooing. Once applied, it creates a protective, waterproof, and breathable layer over the new tattoo. It reduces exposure to bacteria, helps maintain the colour vibrancy of your tattoo, and allows the skin to heal naturally. After several days, it naturally peels away as healing progresses.
- Tattoo Armour: Super absorbent, sterile pads made to protect the skin and absorb excess fluids from a fresh tattoo. You can cut them to size making them ideal for different size tattoos or working at conventions.
- Hustle Butter Tattoo Aftercare Wrap: A breathable and secure wrap for fresh tattoos to help promote hygienic and faster healing. Available in different sizes to cater to different needs.
- Dermalize Pro Roll: Designed to protect new tattoos from bacteria and friction while still allowing the skin to breathe.
- Dermalize Phantom Roll: A thinner version of the Dermalize Pro, for an almost invisible appearance on the skin.
- Recovery Derm Shield: Light, waterproof bandages that promote a more comfortable and hygienic healing process.
- Recovery Areola Shield: Designed specifically for protecting fresh areola tattoos and acting as a barrier against chafing while still allowing the skin to breathe.
How Long Should I Use Tattoo Aftercare?
The length of time tattoo aftercare products should be used can vary depending on the size, placement, and complexity of the tattoo. Generally, initial healing can last between 2-4 weeks. During this time, keeping the area clean and hydrated is an important part of the aftercare process.
Some washes that are suitable for daily use without excessively drying out the skin include:
- Hustle Butter Foaming Tattoo Soap: Use as a soap to clean the skin while tattooing as well as soothe and gently cleanse after.
- Dermalize Artcare Softwash: A gentle wash for new tattoos, ideal for those with sensitive skin and designed to keep colours vibrant after healing. Available to purchase individually or as part of the Dermalize Artcare Kit, an all-in-one tattoo aftercare kit for cleaning, hydrating, and protecting the skin during and after tattooing.
- Otzi Cleansing Gel: A fragrance-free, daily-use tattoo wash with a PH-balanced formula that gently cleanses and supports comfortable healing.
- Recovery Aftercare Wash: An all-natural formula that soothes, moisturises, and calms irritated and inflamed skin.
Daily washing with a gentle cleanser and regular application of a suitable aftercare cream can help support healing and maintain skin comfort. As healing times differ, aftercare recommendations can vary, but consistent care throughout the early stages of healing is generally advised.
There’s no one size fits all approach to tattoo aftercare so it’s worth trying different products to find what works best for your setup. The main takeaway is that good aftercare can make a huge difference to the healing process and final result, so it shouldn’t be overlooked.
