Tattoo Aftercare Guide: How to Heal a Tattoo Step-by-Step (Day by Day)

The Complete Tattoo Aftercare Guide: How to Heal Your Tattoo Step-by-Step

Getting tattooed is only half the process — how you heal it determines how it looks forever.

Proper aftercare protects your investment, keeps lines crisp, prevents scarring, and helps your tattoo heal faster and more comfortably. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, following a simple, consistent routine makes all the difference.

At Black Swan Tattoo Care, we break healing into three simple phases:

Clean It. Heal It. Soothe It.

Here’s exactly what to do — and when.

Why Tattoo Aftercare Matters

A fresh tattoo is technically a controlled wound. Your skin needs time, hydration, and protection to repair itself.

Without proper care, you risk:

• Fading or patchy color

• Heavy scabbing

• Infection

• Scarring

• Blurred or uneven lines

The goal is simple:
Keep it clean. Keep it lightly moisturized. Don’t irritate it.

Phase 1: CLEAN IT (Days 1–7)

Your first priority is keeping bacteria, sweat, and debris away from your fresh tattoo.

Step 1 — Wash Gently

Thoroughly wash your tattoo with:

• Warm water

• BSTC Cream Cleanser or a mild, fragrance-free soap

Use clean hands only — no washcloths or loofahs, do NOT scrub.

Step 2 — Pat Dry

Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Do not rub, which can irritate or disrupt healing skin.

Step 3 — Avoid Soaking or Sun

For the first 2 weeks: (or until fully healed depending on your personal healing time)

• No baths

• No swimming pools or oceans, lakes etc.

• No hot tubs

• No prolonged sun exposure (ideally use a physical sunscreen like a cover up/ SPF protection shirt)

Showering is completely fine — just don’t soak the tattoo.

There’s also no need to overwash. Once or twice daily is enough unless you sweat heavily or get dirty.

Step 4 — Don’t Pick or Scratch

As your tattoo heals, you may notice:

• Light scabbing

• Peeling

• Itching

This is all completely normal.

Do not pick, scratch, or peel, as this can cause:

• Patchy healing

• Ink loss

• Scarring

• Permanent imperfections

Let your skin shed naturally.

Phase 2: HEAL IT (Days 1–7)

After cleaning, it’s time to protect and nourish your skin.

Apply a Thin Layer of Healing Balm

For the first week:

• Use a very small amount of BSTC Healing Balm

• Gently massage it into the tattoo using clean hands only

• Apply 1–3 times daily or whenever the skin feels dry, tight, or itchy

Less is more.

Your tattoo should feel hydrated, not greasy or suffocated. Over-moisturizing can slow healing.

What to Expect This Week

During this stage, you may notice:

• Redness

• Tightness

• Light scabbing

• Mild itching

These are all normal signs your skin is repairing itself.

Phase 3: SOOTHE IT (Days 7+)

Once heavy peeling and scabbing have passed, your tattoo enters the final healing phase.

Switch to Soothing Salve

After about 7 days:

• Apply a thin layer of BSTC Soothing Salve

• Use whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight

• Continue until fully healed

The salve helps:

• Restore softness

• Reduce lingering dryness

• Brighten healed tattoos

• Nourish the skin long-term

Many people continue using it even after healing to keep their tattoos looking bold and fresh.

Tip: The Balm and Salve can be used interchangeably, but together they create an ideal healing progression.

Tattoo Healing Timeline (What’s Normal)

Here’s a quick overview of what most people experience:

Days 1–3: Tender, slightly red, fresh
Days 4–7: Peeling and itching begin
Days 7–14: Skin flakes off, tattoo looks dull temporarily
Weeks 2–4: Skin settles, color returns brighter

Full healing can take 3–4 weeks, sometimes longer for large pieces.

Common Aftercare Mistakes to Avoid

Even great tattoos can heal poorly if you:

- Over-moisturize
- Pick scabs
- Swim too soon
- Use heavily fragranced lotions
- Expose it to sun early
- Overwash or scrub

Keeping your routine simple is always best.

Keep It Simple

Tattoo healing doesn’t need to be complicated. Best approach always is to leave it be as much as possible, the body knows how to heal as long as we don’t get in it’s way. So be smart, use proper products, and don’t mess with it.

Just remember:

Clean It. Heal It. Soothe It.

A gentle cleanser, a nourishing balm, and consistent care will help your tattoo heal smoothly and look its absolute best for years to come.

Your skin — and your artwork — deserve it.

Still unsure what to do? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions for healing your tattoo

• How long does a tattoo take to fully heal?

  Most tattoos heal on the surface within 2–3 weeks, but complete healing beneath the skin can take 3–4 weeks or longer, depending on size and placement. Larger or heavily saturated tattoos may take slightly more time. Continue moisturizing even after peeling stops to support full recovery.

• How often should I wash my new tattoo?

  Wash your tattoo once or twice per day with warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Overwashing can dry and irritate the skin. If you sweat heavily or get dirty, an extra gentle wash is fine.

• When should I start moisturizing my tattoo?

  Begin applying a thin layer of healing balm immediately after your first wash. Keeping the skin lightly hydrated helps reduce tightness, itching, and heavy scabbing. Avoid thick layers — your skin still needs to breathe.

• How much aftercare balm or salve should I use?

  Less is more. Use just enough to create a light, breathable layer. Your tattoo should feel soft and hydrated, not greasy or sticky. Over-moisturizing can slow healing.

• Can I shower after getting a tattoo?

  Yes. Showering is completely fine and recommended to keep the tattoo clean. Avoid soaking or submerging your tattoo in baths, pools, hot tubs, or oceans for at least 2 weeks or until there’s no visible scabbing.

• When can I swim or take a bath again?

  Wait until your tattoo is fully healed and finished peeling, usually 2–3+ weeks. Submerging too early can introduce bacteria and soften scabs, which may lead to ink loss or infection.

• Is peeling or flaking normal?

  Yes — peeling is a completely normal part of the healing process and often feels similar to a mild sunburn. Let the skin shed naturally. Do not pick or peel, as this can cause patchy healing or scarring.

• What soaps or products should I avoid?

  Avoid:

  • Fragranced soaps or lotions

  • Alcohol-based products

  • Petroleum-heavy ointments

  • Harsh exfoliants

  Stick to gentle, skin-safe, nourishing products designed specifically for healing tattoos.