How to heal a tattoo (traditional healing method)

By “traditional healing method,” I mean the method we used before the clear protective bandage (commonly called “second skin”) was created. This method is also a solution for those who have an allergy to adhesive materials. It’s ideal for large-scale projects as well, like a full thigh piece, back piece, or sleeve.

I personally think this method is a pain in the ass — but tattoos do heal better this way.

I heal all my tattoos using this method, and the result is always amazing (I’m also allergic, so I have no choice 🤭).

OK, let’s go!

First, here’s what you absolutely MUST NOT DO in the first 3 days after your session:

1. Scratch! Or touch with dirty hands!

2. Allow contact between your fresh tattoo and animals, dirt, sofas, carpet, car, etc.

3. NO SUN! You’re a vampire now.

4. No steam, sauna, hot showers, baths, or pools.

5. Don’t drink alcohol right after the session. No celebration just yet!

Follow these steps to start and complete your healing journey:

DAY 1

After the session, keep the bandage I applied until the next morning. Then remove it and wash the tattoo with warm water and antibacterial soap. When showering, watch the water temperature to avoid steaming the skin.

DO NOT apply any ointment, butter, etc., today. Keep it dry and clean. No bandage is needed during the day.

The tattoo should only be covered if you’re going to bed or heading outside — apply some ointment, place a dry pad on it, and secure it with tape.

If you have animals at home, avoid any direct contact with the tattoo! Wear loose clothing, for example.

KEEP AN EYE on the tattoo! If everything looks good — no lymph, no ink leaking, no pain or burning — just keep it clean and dry (wash it every 2–3 hours in the sink or shower).

DAY 2

Wash the tattoo in the morning after removing the bandage. Let it air dry. Rinse during the day and keep it dry. No bandage is needed during the day.

Rinse before bed — but don’t apply a bandage this time.

‼️ If you still see lymph or feel pain/burning, CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY.

By now, the skin should be ready for normal life, and the pores should be fully closed to prevent infection or bacteria.

DAY 3

By this day, the tattoo should begin to peel.

Now it’s time to start applying ointment or butter during the day. Which one? I always recommend something with natural, clean ingredients — no alcohol, perfume, chemicals, or ingredients you can’t pronounce. Or use the healing tattoo butter I’ll give you after the session.

Wash and moisturize it every 2–3 hours. No bandages — your tattoo needs to breathe.

DAY 4–6

Same routine as DAY 3. Wash and moisturize. Wear loose clothing if you go out.

It’s still not time for sunscreen — even in summer. It’s better to protect the tattoo with clothes. Or be a vampire and avoid sunlight.

DAY 7–13

Now gym, pool, camping, and sweaty activities are allowed :)

Keep following the routine from DAY 3, even if it looks healed already.

Still no sunscreen — protect it with clothes only!

DAY 14

Congrats! Your tattoo is completely healed — you don’t need to do anything anymore :)

Just enjoy your new ink!

No more need to cover it with clothes, just apply sunscreen every time you’re outside during the day from May to October.

Cheers! 🥂

#howtohealatattoo #tattoohealing #healinginstruction