Heal it right

Aftercare

A tattoo is only as good as how it heals. Start with Red's own guide, then follow the steps below.

Step by step

1. 1. Keep the wrap on.

   Leave the bandage or wrap on for the first few hours, or as long as Red tells you. It protects your fresh tattoo while it starts to seal.

2. 2. Wash gently.

   With clean hands, wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. No scrubbing — just your hand. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel.

3. 3. Thin layer of ointment.

   Apply a thin layer of the ointment Red recommends. If it looks shiny and greasy, that's too much — blot the extra off. Your skin needs to breathe.

4. 4. No soaking, no sun.

   Showers are fine, but skip baths, pools, hot tubs, and the ocean until it's fully healed, and keep it out of direct sun. Sunscreen goes on only after it has healed.

5. 5. Don't pick at it.

   It will itch and flake as it heals — that's normal. Don't pick, scratch, or peel it. Let the flakes come off on their own so you don't pull ink out with them.

6. 6. Moisturize.

   Once it starts drying out, switch to a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer once or twice a day until the skin feels like skin again.

Healing questions? Message Red on Instagram @_blaxart.