Don't F*ck up Your Tattoo

A Beginners Guide to Tattoo Aftercare

You just left Coastal Tattoo with fresh art on your skin. It’s glowing. It’s sharp. It’s everything you hoped for.

Now it’s your job to protect it.

Tattoo aftercare isn’t complicated — but it is important. Treat your tattoo right and it’ll stay bold for years. Neglect it, and you’ll be back asking why your lines look tired.

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

First Things First: The First 24 Hours

Your tattoo is essentially an open wound (a really cool one).

Leave the bandage on for the amount of time your artist recommends (usually 2-4 hours). We wrap for a reason — protection from bacteria and friction.

When it’s time to remove it:

• Wash your hands (seriously).

• Gently remove the wrap.

• Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Antibacterial fregrance free soap is even better.)

• Pat dry with a clean towel. Don’t rub it like you’re drying off after a surf session.

  
  

  Let it breathe.

The Healing Phase (Days 2–14)

This is where discipline matters.

Your tattoo will:

• Feel warm

• Possibly swell slightly

• Flake

• Peel

• Itch like crazy

Do not scratch it. Not with your fingers. Not with your shirt. Not with “just a little rub.”

Instead:

• Wash 1–2 times daily with fragrance free soap.

• Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion (light, not greasy).

• Wear loose clothing.

• Sleep on clean sheets.

If it’s shiny, sticky, or drowning in lotion — you used too much. Your tattoo needs moisture, not suffocation.

Things You Absolutely Shouldn’t Do

Let’s be clear:

• ❌ No swimming (ocean, pool, hot tub, lake — all of it).

• ❌ No soaking in baths.

• ❌ No tanning beds.

• ❌ No direct sun.

• ❌ No picking scabs.

Saltwater might feel poetic for Coastal vibes, but fresh tattoos and the ocean are not friends. Give it at least 2–3 weeks before you dive in.

Sun = Faded Tattoos

Once healed, your biggest enemy isn’t time — it’s the sun.

UV rays break down ink over time. If you want your blacks to stay bold and your colors to stay punchy:

• Use high SPF sunscreen once fully healed.

• Keep it covered when you can.

• Respect the rays.

You live at the beach? Even more reason to take care of your tattoos!

What’s Normal vs. What’s Not

Normal:

• Light scabbing

• Peeling

• Itching

• Slight redness in the first few days

Not Normal:

• Thick yellow or green discharge

• Severe swelling after day 3–4

• Fever

• Extreme pain

If something feels off, reach out to us or consult a medical professional.

The Key Takeaways

Good tattoos heal great when you treat them right.

This isn’t just skin — it’s art. It’s memory. It’s identity. It’s your story.

Take care of it like you care about the things that matter.

And if you ever have questions? DM us. Call us. Stop by the shop. We’d rather answer a “dumb” question than see a tattoo heal poorly.