Tattoo Aftercare Guide: Healing Tips From a Sioux Falls Tattoo Shop

You just walked out of the tattoo studio with a fresh piece of art on your skin. It looks great — but the work isn't over yet. How you care for your new tattoo over the next few weeks will determine whether it stays vibrant and sharp or fades before its time. At Red Arbor Tattoo in Tea, SD, we've helped over 7,000 clients walk away with ink they're proud of, and aftercare is always a big part of that conversation. This guide comes from Cory Claussen — owner of Red Arbor Tattoo and a working tattoo artist with years of hands-on experience helping clients heal their ink right. Here's everything you need to know.

How Do You Care for a Tattoo in the First 24 Hours?

In the first 24 hours after getting a tattoo, you should leave the wrap on as directed, then gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap, and pat it dry with a clean paper towel.

Right after your session, your artist will clean the area and wrap it with a bandage or plastic wrap. Leave that wrap on for the amount of time your artist recommends — usually 2 to 4 hours. When you remove it, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel (never use a cloth towel — the fibers can stick to your fresh ink). You may notice some plasma, excess ink, or light bleeding during the first day. That's completely normal.

What Should You Do During the First Two Weeks of Tattoo Healing?

The first two weeks of tattoo healing are the most important — keep the tattoo clean, apply a thin layer of moisturizer 2-3 times a day, avoid picking or scratching, stay out of the sun, and don't submerge it in water.

This is the most critical window for your tattoo's long-term appearance. Your tattoo is essentially an open wound, and treating it right now makes all the difference. Here's what to focus on:

Apply a thin layer of recommended moisturizer 2-3 times daily. Your artist will suggest a product — common choices include Aquaphor for the first few days, then switching to a fragrance-free lotion like Lubriderm or Hustle Butter. Less is more. A thin layer keeps the skin hydrated without suffocating it.

Avoid picking, scratching, or peeling. Your tattoo will start to flake and peel around days 3-7. It might itch like crazy — resist the urge. Picking at scabs or flaking skin can pull ink out and leave patchy spots. If it itches, try gently slapping the area or applying a light layer of moisturizer.

Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. UV rays are one of the biggest enemies of fresh ink. Sun exposure can cause fading, blistering, and irritation before your skin has had a chance to fully heal. If you absolutely have to go outside, keep it covered with loose clothing.

Stay out of pools, hot tubs, lakes, and baths. Submerging your tattoo in water can introduce bacteria and cause infection. Stick to quick showers during the healing period — and avoid aiming the showerhead directly at your tattoo.

Planning your next piece while this one heals? Check out our Japanese Traditional Tattoo Guide or our American Traditional Tattoo Guide for inspiration.

Questions about how your tattoo is healing? Our artists are always happy to help. Reach out to Red Arbor Tattoo anytime.

What Does Tattoo Healing Look Like at 3-4 Weeks?

By weeks three and four, the surface of your tattoo should be mostly healed, but the deeper layers of skin are still repairing — keep moisturizing daily and start applying sunscreen.

By now, the surface of your skin should be mostly healed. The peeling has likely stopped, and the tattoo may look a little dull or cloudy — don't panic. That's just the top layers of skin settling in. The deeper layers are still repairing themselves underneath. Continue moisturizing daily, and start applying sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) anytime the tattoo is exposed to sunlight. This habit will keep your ink looking bold and crisp for years to come.

How Do You Keep a Tattoo Looking Good Long-Term?

Long-term tattoo care means wearing sunscreen over your tattoo whenever you're outside, keeping your skin hydrated, and scheduling a touch-up if any areas have faded.

Even after your tattoo is fully healed, there are a few things you can do to keep it looking its best:

Always wear sunscreen over your tattoo when spending time outdoors. Sun damage is the number one reason tattoos fade prematurely. Keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a quality moisturizer. Healthy skin holds ink better. If you notice any areas that have faded or healed unevenly, talk to your artist about a touch-up. Most studios, including Red Arbor Tattoo, offer touch-ups to make sure your piece looks exactly how you envisioned it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tattoo Aftercare

How long does it take for a tattoo to fully heal?

The outer layers of skin typically heal within 2-3 weeks, but the deeper layers can take up to 4-6 months to fully recover. During this time, continue to protect your tattoo from the sun and keep it moisturized.

Can I work out after getting a tattoo?

It's best to wait at least 48 hours before any strenuous exercise, and even then, avoid activities that cause excessive sweating, friction, or stretching in the tattooed area. Sweat can irritate the healing skin and introduce bacteria. If your tattoo is in a high-movement area like a joint or your ribs, you may want to wait a full week.

What if my tattoo looks faded after it heals?

A slight dullness after healing is normal — it's sometimes called the "milky phase." Give it a few more weeks and the colors should settle in. If something still looks off after a couple of months, reach out to your artist. Touch-ups are a normal part of the process and nothing to worry about.

How do I know if my tattoo is infected?

Some redness and swelling in the first couple of days is normal. However, if you experience increasing pain, spreading redness, warm skin, pus or unusual discharge, or fever, contact a healthcare provider. Infections are rare when proper aftercare is followed, but it's always better to be safe.

When can I shower after getting a tattoo?

You can shower the same day, just keep it quick, use lukewarm water, avoid aiming the showerhead directly at the tattoo, and don't submerge it.

How long should I keep Saniderm on my tattoo?

If your artist uses Saniderm, leave it on for 24 to 48 hours unless they say otherwise. It creates a breathable barrier that protects the tattoo during the first stage of healing.

Should I use Aquaphor on my new tattoo?

Aquaphor is one of the most commonly recommended products for the first few days of healing. Apply a thin layer — too much can suffocate the skin. After the first 3-5 days, switch to a fragrance-free lotion.

Why is my new tattoo peeling?

Peeling is totally normal and usually starts around days 3-7. It means your skin is healing. Don't pick at it — let the flakes fall off on their own.

Can I go in the sun after getting a tattoo?

Avoid direct sun on your tattoo for at least 2-3 weeks while it heals. After that, always use SPF 30 or higher. Sun damage is the number one reason tattoos fade early.

We're Here to Help

At Red Arbor Tattoo, aftercare doesn't end when you leave the studio. Whether it's your first piece or your fiftieth, our team is always available to answer questions about your healing process. We're located at 315 N Heritage Pkwy in Tea, SD — just minutes from Sioux Falls — and we're open Tuesday through Saturday, 10AM to 8PM. Have a question about your tattoo? Reach out anytime at [email protected] or call us at 1 (855) 512-7267. We're here to make sure your ink heals beautifully and lasts a lifetime. We serve clients from across the Sioux Falls metro area, including Harrisburg, Brandon, Vermillion, Yankton, and Hartford.