Your Guide to Tattoo Aftercare in Brooklyn

In a city like Brooklyn, tattoos are a core part of our culture and self-expression. You see incredible art walking down every street in Greenpoint. As a new or seasoned collector, you’re now part of that vibrant community. And part of being in that community is knowing how to care for your work. A well-healed tattoo is a badge of honor. To help you achieve that, we’ve put together our team’s best advice from years of experience. This isn’t just generic information; this is a guide for our neighbors and clients, filled with tips that work. Think of it as our contribution to keeping the city’s ink looking its best, with the most trusted tattoo aftercare Brooklyn has to offer.

Key Takeaways

Commit to a Gentle Daily Routine: Your most important job is to wash your tattoo twice a day with mild soap and apply a very thin layer of moisturizer. This simple habit is the best way to prevent infection and ensure your art heals smoothly.
Protect Your Ink from Its Biggest Threats: For the first few weeks, you must avoid scratching, direct sun exposure, and soaking your tattoo in water like baths or pools. Patience during this stage is crucial for preventing damage, fading, and infection.
Follow Your Artist’s Lead on Products: Aftercare isn’t one-size-fits-all, so always start with your artist’s specific recommendations. Choose products with simple, nourishing ingredients and steer clear of heavy, petroleum-based ointments that can clog pores.

How to Care for Your New Tattoo

Congratulations on your new ink! The session in the chair is over, and now you have a beautiful piece of art that’s officially part of you. The artist’s work is only half the equation—the other half is your aftercare. Taking proper care of your tattoo in the first few weeks is the most important thing you can do to ensure it heals correctly and stays vibrant for a lifetime. Your artist at Wild Heart has already given you the initial rundown, and this guide is here to walk you through the rest of the process.

Think of your new tattoo as a healing wound. Your main goals are simple: keep it clean, keep it moisturized, and protect it from irritation. The healing journey involves a few key steps that will quickly become a part of your daily routine. You’ll need to gently wash the area, apply a quality moisturizer, and shield your new ink from the sun and excess water. It’s also essential to understand what to avoid, like scratching or wearing tight clothing over the area. Following these tattoo aftercare tips is non-negotiable for a great result.

While it might feel like a lot to remember, it’s pretty straightforward. For the first few weeks, you’ll want to avoid submerging your tattoo in water, so skip the pool and hot tub. You’ll also need to protect it from direct sunlight, which can damage the healing skin and fade the ink. During this time, your skin will likely scab and itch, but it’s crucial to let it heal naturally. Resisting the urge to pick or scratch is key to preventing scarring and preserving the clean lines of your design. By following a consistent routine, you’re not just healing skin—you’re protecting your investment and the beautiful artwork you chose.

Your Daily Aftercare Routine

You’ve left the shop with a beautiful piece from one of our artists, and now it’s your turn to take the lead. A solid aftercare routine is the key to ensuring your new tattoo heals perfectly and stays vibrant for years to come. For the next few weeks, think of this daily practice as a commitment to your new art. Following these simple steps will protect your investment and help your skin recover smoothly. It might seem like a lot at first, but building these habits early on makes all the difference.

Clean Your New Tattoo

First, always follow the specific instructions your artist gave you about how long to keep the initial bandage on. Once it’s time to remove it, you’ll need to gently wash your new tattoo. Using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap, carefully clean the area with your fingertips to remove any plasma, blood, and excess ink. Don’t scrub or use a washcloth, as this can be too abrasive for the sensitive, healing skin and can introduce bacteria. After a thorough but gentle rinse, pat the area dry with a clean paper towel—avoiding bath towels which can harbor germs—and let it air dry for a few minutes before you apply any lotion. This step is crucial for preventing infection.

Moisturize and Soothe

After each wash, moisturizing is essential. A healing tattoo needs hydration to prevent the skin from becoming too dry, which can cause uncomfortable tightness, cracking, or heavy scabbing that can pull out ink. Apply a very thin layer of a fragrance-free, dye-free lotion or a dedicated tattoo ointment. You don’t need to overdo it; a light coat is all it takes to keep the skin supple without clogging your pores. Many of the best tattoo aftercare products contain nourishing ingredients like shea butter or mango butter that help soothe irritation and promote healing. Do this twice daily, and remember to resist the urge to pick or scratch at any flakes that appear.

Protect Your Ink

Protecting your tattoo from the environment is just as critical as keeping it clean. For the first few weeks, your main focus should be shielding it from sun and friction. Keep your new ink out of direct sunlight entirely, as UV rays can damage the healing skin and fade the tattoo before it’s even settled. The easiest way to do this is by wearing loose-fitting, clean clothing over the area. Once your tattoo is fully healed, make sunscreen your new best friend to keep the lines crisp and colors bright for years. It’s also wise to follow other key tattoo aftercare tips, like avoiding products with petroleum jelly, which can clog pores and hinder the healing process by trapping moisture and bacteria.

Brooklyn’s Best Tattoo Aftercare Products

Once the needle stops, the real work of caring for your new art begins. Choosing the right aftercare product is just as important as choosing the right artist, and it’s a step you definitely don’t want to skip. The right lotion, balm, or soap will help your tattoo heal beautifully, keeping the lines sharp and the colors bright for years to come. Using the wrong product—or nothing at all—can lead to irritation, heavy scabbing, infection, and a faded final result. After investing your time and money into a piece of art, you want to give it the best possible start.

Luckily, you’re in a city that takes its ink seriously. Brooklyn is home to some fantastic brands and shops that specialize in tattoo aftercare. From all-natural balms made right here in the borough to artist-developed product lines, you have plenty of great options to sort through. To make it easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best local and specialty products to help you find the perfect fit for your skin and your new tattoo. Your artist will always give you their specific recommendations, but it’s great to know what’s out there so you can make an informed choice for your healing journey.

Our Top Picks at Wild Heart

Here at Wild Heart, we’ve seen it all when it comes to healing tattoos, so we know what works. That’s why we’ve put together our own list of the best tattoo aftercare products that we trust for our clients and our own ink. Our recommendations are based on years of experience, focusing on gentle, effective ingredients that support the healing process without causing irritation. We look for products that work well for different skin types and tattoo styles, from fine-line work to full-color pieces. We want your tattoo to look incredible, and that starts with a smooth, healthy heal. Ask your artist what they recommend from our shop during your next visit!

Brooklyn Grooming’s All-Natural Tattoo Balm

If you love supporting local and prefer clean, natural ingredients, look no further than Brooklyn Grooming. Their Tattoo Balm is a fantastic choice for soothing fresh ink. It’s packed with organic ingredients like shea butter, hemp seed oil, and sesame seed oil that are known for their healing properties. This balm is specifically designed to calm irritation and reduce the swelling that can happen in the first few days. Because it’s made with all-natural ingredients, it’s a gentle option for sensitive skin. It’s a true Brooklyn-born product that helps your skin’s natural healing process do its job effectively.

Lowlife NYC’s Artisanal Aftercare Solutions

For those who want to see all their options in one place, Lowlife NYC is a must-visit. This Brooklyn-based shop is a hub for professional tattoo artists and clients alike, offering a wide range of tattoo supplies and art materials. Their aftercare offerings include trusted industry standards like Hustle Butter and A&D ointment, giving you access to what the pros use. Beyond ointments, you can also find essentials like sterile bandages and even numbing cream for future sessions. It’s a great local resource where you can stock up on everything you need to care for your tattoo from start to finish.

Mr. Inkwells’ Premium Aftercare Line

When tattoo artists team up with skincare experts, you know the result is going to be good. That’s the story behind Mr. Inkwells’ Premium Tattoo Aftercare Products. This brand was created with the specific goal of developing the best possible aftercare system. Their line includes specialized lotions and soaps designed to work together to clean, moisturize, and protect your healing tattoo. This approach is perfect for anyone who wants a simple, all-in-one routine without the guesswork. The collaboration ensures the products are both effective for preserving ink and gentle on your healing skin.

Live By The Sword Tattoo’s Aftercare Essentials

Getting a tattoo should be a straightforward and safe experience, and the team at Live By The Sword applies that same philosophy to aftercare. They focus on providing a convenient and affordable healing process for their clients. You can count on them for clear, easy-to-follow aftercare instructions and products that take the anxiety out of healing, especially if it’s your first tattoo. Their goal is to ensure proper healing by making the right products and information accessible. It’s another excellent example of a local shop dedicated to helping you care for your ink properly.

Where to Find Aftercare Products in Brooklyn

Once you know what to look for, finding the right aftercare products is simple. Brooklyn is full of great options, from your local tattoo studio to specialty shops and online stores. Here’s a quick guide to help you find exactly what your new tattoo needs to heal beautifully.

Local Tattoo Studios

Your first and best stop is often the studio where you got your tattoo. Artists know which products work best with their techniques and your skin. Here at Wild Heart, we always guide our clients on the best aftercare practices and can point you toward our favorite products. We’ve even put together a guide to the best tattoo aftercare products to help you choose. Buying directly from a studio is convenient and ensures you’re getting an artist-approved product that will keep your new ink healthy and vibrant.

Specialty Beauty Shops

Brooklyn is home to some amazing small businesses that stock high-quality, natural skincare. Shops like Owl & Thistle General Store in Crown Heights and By Brooklyn in Carroll Gardens are great places to find locally made balms and salves. These boutiques often carry local beauty products with clean, simple ingredients that are perfect for sensitive, healing skin. It’s a fantastic way to support another local business while caring for your tattoo.

Online Retailers

For the widest selection, online retailers are a great resource. You can find brands that specialize exclusively in tattoo aftercare, offering everything from healing ointments to protective films. Companies like Recovery Aftercare provide a full range of tattoo products trusted by professionals for their quality and transparency. Shopping online lets you easily compare ingredients and read reviews from other tattoo collectors to find the perfect match for your skin and healing process.

Find Deals and Discounts

A little planning can save you some money on aftercare essentials. Many brands offer a discount for signing up for their email or text message lists. For example, some companies give you 10% off your first purchase, which can be a nice little savings. Before you buy, check the brand’s website for any pop-ups or banners advertising a deal. It’s a simple step that can make premium aftercare products a bit more affordable.

Read the Label: What Your Aftercare Needs

Walking down the pharmacy aisle can feel overwhelming, with countless lotions and ointments all promising perfect results. But when it comes to a healing tattoo, the ingredient list is your best friend. Your new ink is an open wound, and what you put on it directly impacts how well it heals, how vibrant it looks, and whether you avoid irritation or infection. Choosing the right product isn’t about fancy packaging or a high price tag; it’s about giving your skin the specific nutrients it needs to repair itself while keeping out ingredients that can do more harm than good. Let’s break down what to look for and what to leave on the shelf.

Healing Ingredients to Look For

When you’re scanning labels, you want to see ingredients that are known for their moisturizing and protective qualities. Think of natural butters and oils that nourish the skin without being overly heavy. Some of the best are shea butter, mango butter, and coconut oil. These ingredients are packed with fatty acids and vitamins that help create a protective barrier over your tattoo, locking in moisture while still allowing the skin to breathe. You’ll find these in many high-quality tattoo aftercare products because they are gentle, effective, and excellent at keeping your healing skin soft and hydrated.

Soothing Butters and Vitamins

Beyond basic moisturizing, some ingredients offer extra soothing and healing benefits that are perfect for tender, freshly tattooed skin. Natural oils like jojoba and grapeseed oil are fantastic because they closely mimic the oils your skin produces on its own, meaning they absorb well without feeling greasy. Another great find is lavender oil, which is known for its calming properties and can help support the healing process. According to experts, these types of ingredients are key for the best lotions for tattoo healing, as they help reduce redness and keep the area comfortable while it recovers.

Ingredients to Skip

Just as important as what you put on your tattoo is what you don’t. The number one ingredient to avoid is petroleum jelly (also listed as petrolatum). While it’s found in common ointments like Aquaphor, it creates a seal that doesn’t let your skin breathe. This can trap moisture and bacteria, potentially clogging your pores and leading to inflammation or infection. Instead of a petroleum-based product, dermatologists recommend choosing a noncomedogenic moisturizer, which means it won’t clog your pores. Your tattoo needs air to heal properly, so it’s best to skip heavy, occlusive products and stick to lighter, more breathable formulas.

Tips for a Smooth Healing Process

Once you leave the shop, the life of your tattoo is in your hands. Proper aftercare is the most important thing you can do to ensure your new art heals perfectly and looks vibrant for years to come. Think of it as a partnership; our artists create the design, and you protect the investment. Following a few simple steps will prevent infection, reduce scabbing, and help the ink settle beautifully into your skin. It might seem like a lot to remember, but it quickly becomes a simple routine. Stick with it, and you’ll give your tattoo the best possible start.

How to Clean Your Tattoo Correctly

Keeping your new tattoo clean is non-negotiable. For the first few weeks, gently wash the area twice a day with a fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Use your hands to lather the soap—a washcloth is too abrasive for healing skin. When you’re in the shower, try to keep the tattoo out of the direct stream of water. After washing, carefully pat the area dry with a clean paper towel. Don’t rub it, as this can cause irritation and pull at the delicate, healing skin. The goal is to be as gentle as possible while removing any surface bacteria.

Your Moisturizing Schedule

After cleaning and patting your tattoo dry, it’s time to moisturize. Apply a very thin layer of a fragrance-free and dye-free ointment or lotion. A little goes a long way; your skin should feel hydrated, not greasy or suffocated. Repeat this process twice a day, right after you wash it. As your tattoo heals, it will likely start to scab or flake. This is a normal part of the process, but you must resist the urge to scratch or pick at it. Let the scabs fall off naturally to avoid pulling out ink and causing scars.

Protect Your Ink from Sun and Water

For the first two to three weeks, you need to protect your healing tattoo from two major enemies: the sun and standing water. Submerging your tattoo in a bath, pool, hot tub, or the ocean can introduce bacteria and lead to a serious infection. Keep showers brief and avoid soaking the area. Sun exposure is just as harmful, as UV rays can cause your fresh ink to fade and damage the sensitive skin. Keep your tattoo covered with clothing when you’re outside. Once it’s fully healed, you should always apply a high-SPF sunscreen to protect the tattoo from sun damage.

What to Wear While You Heal

What you wear can make a big difference in your comfort and your tattoo’s healing process. For the first couple of weeks, choose loose-fitting clothing made from soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. Tight clothes can rub against your new tattoo, causing painful irritation, chafing, and potentially pulling off scabs before they’re ready. If you got a tattoo on your arm, opt for loose sleeves. If it’s on your leg, stick to relaxed-fit pants or shorts. Giving your tattoo room to breathe helps reduce friction and prevents moisture from getting trapped against your skin.

Tattoo Aftercare Mistakes to Avoid

Getting a beautiful tattoo from one of our artists is just the first step. The aftercare that follows is what truly makes or breaks your new ink. While following a proper cleaning and moisturizing routine is essential, knowing what not to do is equally important. It’s easy to fall into a few common traps that can compromise the healing process, leading to a tattoo that doesn’t look as crisp or vibrant as it did when you left the shop.

Think of your new tattoo as a delicate, open wound that needs the right environment to heal perfectly. Simple missteps can invite irritation, infection, or color loss. By sidestepping these common mistakes, you’re not just protecting your skin—you’re preserving the artistry and investment you’ve made. Let’s walk through the biggest aftercare blunders so you can ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and stays sharp for years to come.

Scratching and Picking

As your tattoo starts to heal, it will likely scab and itch. This is a completely normal part of the process, but you have to resist the urge to scratch or pick at it. Messing with the scabs can pull ink out of your skin, leading to patchy spots and faded lines. Even worse, your fingernails can introduce bacteria that may cause an infection and lead to scarring. If the itching becomes unbearable, try gently tapping or patting the area with a clean hand. Keeping it properly moisturized will also help minimize the itchiness. Patience is key here—let the scabs fall off naturally.

Overusing Products

When it comes to aftercare ointment or lotion, more is not better. It’s tempting to slather on a thick layer of product, thinking you’re giving your tattoo extra moisture, but this can actually do more harm than good. Using too much ointment can clog your pores and trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and increasing inflammation. You only need a very thin layer—just enough to make the tattoo shine slightly. If it looks greasy or goopy, you’ve used too much. Gently dab any excess off with a clean paper towel.

Neglecting Long-Term Care

Tattoo aftercare doesn’t stop once the scabs have fallen off. To keep your ink looking bold and defined for a lifetime, you need to practice long-term care. The sun is your tattoo’s number one enemy. UV rays break down the ink pigments in your skin, causing your tattoo to fade and lose its clarity over time. Once your tattoo is fully healed, make it a habit to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every time it’s exposed to the sun. Keeping your skin moisturized in general will also help your tattoo look its best.

Submerging in Water Too Soon

While keeping your tattoo clean is crucial, soaking it in water is a major mistake during the healing phase. You should avoid submerging your new tattoo in any body of water—this includes baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans. These places can introduce bacteria into your healing skin, which can easily lead to a serious infection. Quick showers are perfectly fine (and necessary!), but don’t let the water spray directly on your new tattoo for too long. Wait until your tattoo is completely healed—no scabs, no shiny skin—before you go for a swim.

Pro Tips from the Wild Heart Team

After years of tattooing, our team has seen what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to healing. Think of aftercare as the final, crucial step of getting your tattoo. The right routine protects your investment and ensures your new art looks its best for years to come. We’ve put together our top tips to help you get the best results, straight from our chairs to you.

Match Your Aftercare to Your Skin

Just like skincare, tattoo aftercare isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best product for you depends on your skin type and the style of your tattoo. If you have sensitive or very dry skin, you might need a richer, more gentle balm than someone with oily skin. The key is to find aftercare products that are tailored to your individual needs to ensure the best healing and color retention. Your artist is your best resource here. Don’t hesitate to ask them for a recommendation after your session—each of our artists can point you toward the perfect product for your specific piece.

Look for Nature’s Best Healers

When you read ingredient labels, look for things that sound like they came from a garden, not a lab. The best balms are often packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, mango butter, and coconut oil that soothe and moisturize without clogging your pores. We’re also big fans of products that include natural healers. For example, lavender oil is fantastic for promoting healing and can even help reduce the appearance of scars. Another powerhouse ingredient is anything rich in vitamin E, which is essential for skin repair and protection.

Listen to Your Body (and Your Artist)

Above all, pay attention to how your skin feels. A little redness and tenderness are normal, but if a product causes irritation or excessive itching, stop using it. Your body knows what it needs. And remember, the aftercare instructions we provide are designed to give your tattoo the best possible start. Following your artist’s specific advice is the most important thing you can do. If you ever have a question or concern during the healing process, please don’t guess—just reach out to us. We’re here to help you through every step.

Adjust Your Aftercare for Tattoo Placement

Where you get your tattoo matters just as much for healing as it does for aesthetics. A piece on your forearm won’t face the same daily challenges as one on your foot or ribs, so adjusting your routine for the location is key to a smooth healing process. While the fundamentals of tattoo aftercare are universal, some spots just need a little extra attention to heal beautifully.

Think about areas that move and bend a lot or rub against fabric, like your inner bicep, behind your knee, or along your waistband. These high-friction spots can get irritated easily. Your best defense is wearing loose, soft clothing to give your tattoo room to breathe. This simple step helps you avoid some of the most common potential irritations that can disrupt healing.

Tattoos on your hands and feet are constantly exposed to the elements and come into contact with more surfaces. You’ll need to be extra diligent about cleaning them, but always be gentle—never scrub. Similarly, bony areas like your ankles, elbows, or collarbone can be more sensitive and may swell a bit more than fleshier spots.

No matter where your new ink is, the core rules of keeping it clean and lightly moisturized still stand. The goal is simply to adapt those rules to your body and lifestyle. If you’re ever unsure about what your new tattoo needs, just ask. Our artists at Wild Heart are always happy to give you specific advice for your piece based on its placement. We’ve seen it all and can help you get through the healing process without a hitch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it actually take for a tattoo to heal? While your tattoo might look and feel healed on the surface within two to four weeks, the deeper layers of your skin are still repairing themselves. Full healing can take a few months. During the initial weeks, you’ll see the most noticeable changes, like scabbing and peeling. After that, it’s all about protecting the new skin, especially from the sun, to ensure the ink stays sharp for the long haul.

My tattoo is itchy and scabbing. Is this normal? Yes, completely normal! Itching and light scabbing are signs that your body is healing itself. It’s tempting to scratch, but you must resist the urge. Picking at scabs can pull ink out and lead to scarring. If the itch is driving you crazy, try gently patting the area with a clean hand. Keeping it lightly moisturized with a quality aftercare product will also help soothe the skin and minimize the itchiness.

Can I shower with my new tattoo? Of course! You absolutely should keep your tattoo clean, and showering is a key part of that. The important thing is to avoid soaking it. Keep your showers relatively brief and try not to let the water spray directly onto the new tattoo for too long. Use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap, then pat the area dry with a clean paper towel as soon as you get out.

When is it safe to go back to the gym or work out? It’s best to give your body a few days off to start the healing process without interruption. Sweat and friction from workout clothes can irritate a fresh tattoo. When you do return to the gym, try to wear loose clothing over the area and be sure to clean your tattoo thoroughly as soon as you’re finished to wash away any sweat and bacteria.

What should I do if my tattoo looks red or feels extra sore after a few days? Some redness, swelling, and tenderness are expected for the first couple of days. However, if the redness spreads, the pain gets worse, or you notice any unusual discharge, it could be a sign of a problem. Your first step should be to contact your artist. We can assess the situation and guide you. Don’t hesitate to reach out; we’re here to ensure your tattoo heals perfectly.

Brooklyn Tattoo Aftercare: Your Guide to Healthy Healing