Tattoo Aftercare 101: Do It Right or Regret It Later
Getting a new tattoo is exciting—but if you don’t take care of it properly, that fresh ink can turn into a hot mess real quick. As tattoo artists, we don’t just care about how your tattoo looks when you leave the shop—we care about how it heals and how well it holds up to the test of time. And to prove that we care we always offer touch-up service free of charge once healed as long as you make it back to us within 6 months of completion.
So let’s talk aftercare. Here’s what you need to know to keep your tattoo crisp, clean, and badass for years to come.
The Golden Rules of Tattoo Aftercare
DO:
Wash it gently – Use warm (not hot) water and an unscented, antibacterial soap like Dial or Dr. Bronner’s. Wash your tattoo with clean hands—never a loofah or rag.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel – Not your bathroom towel. Towels collect bacteria. Pat, don’t rub.
Moisturize – Once it’s dry, apply a thin layer of moisturizer 2–3 times a day. We recommend Tattoo Goo for its lightweight, non-greasy feel and healing-friendly ingredients. Coconut oil is also a solid choice—natural, antibacterial, and great for people with sensitive skin. Just make sure it’s pure, organic, and used in small amounts.
Let it breathe – After the first few hours with your bandage on, remove it (unless we used a second skin-style wrap like Saniderm, in which case follow the specific instructions we give you). Your skin needs oxygen to heal, not to marinate in moisture.
Stay hydrated – Good skin comes from within. Drink water and keep your immune system happy.
DON’T:
Don’t pick, scratch, or peel – Yes, it itches. Yes, it flakes. No, you’re not allowed to mess with it. You’ll lift ink, cause scarring, and end up needing a touch-up.
Don’t soak it – No pools, hot tubs, lakes, saunas, long baths, or anything that leaves your tattoo submerged for more than a quick shower. Moisture breeds bacteria.
Don’t sunburn it – Fresh tattoos and sun do not mix. Avoid direct sunlight and don’t put sunscreen on a healing tattoo—wait until it’s fully healed, then go SPF crazy.
Don’t over-moisturize – Too much ointment can suffocate the tattoo and trap bacteria. You want the skin hydrated, not greasy.
Don’t trust random advice online – We love DIY, but your cousin’s homemade lotion probably isn’t pH balanced or sterile. Stick to tried-and-true products—or ask us.
Our Aftercare Preference:
At Dakota Dream Tattoos, we lean toward Tattoo Goo. It’s designed for healing skin, goes on light, and doesn’t clog pores. That said, if you’re someone who swears by the natural healing process of using coconut oil, go for it—as long as you’re using the pure, unrefined kind and applying it sparingly. Avoid anything loaded with artificial fragrances, alcohol, or petroleum (looking at you, Vaseline). Avoid anti-bacterial ointments or creams containing zinc while the tattoo is still open and weeping as zinc is not intended to be used on open wounds.
Final Thoughts:
A tattoo is a lifelong investment—and how you care for it in the first two weeks will make or break its long-term quality. We’re here to give you more than just dope art—we want to give you knowledge, too.
If you ever have questions about aftercare, product recommendations, or what’s normal vs. what’s not—call us at 701-540-4964. Don’t play guessing games with your skin.
