A lot like piercings, your tattoo requires its own aftercare routine. But if you're a total amateur at tattoos — or you've just been winging it — you need to know exactly what products to buy to help it heal. Normally, if you've done your due diligence and found a trusted artist, they'll give you a list of instructions to make sure all that hard work and money don't go to waste. It's not complicated; it just requires things like fragrance-free cleansers (this is important), gentle lotions, and thick salves for fresh ink to avoid fading and infection.
No clue where to start? We asked four of our favorite New York-based tattoo artists — Sasha Woland and Jack Poohvis from Fleur Noire Tattoo, Mira Mariah (a.k.a. @girlknewyork), and Megan Massacre from Grit N' Glory — for the aftercare products they always recommend to clients post-tattoo. Click ahead for their picks.
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Nexcare Tegaderm Waterproof Transparent Dressing
"I personally use Tegaderm, a transparent film dressing, on tattoos," explains Woland. "It stays on a finished tattoo for three days. During that time that it's on, no aftercare is required." Typically, this wouldn't be something you'd buy — but if you're looking for a more low-maintenance healing process, check with your artist about their preferred bandage method if this is something you want a say in.
Nexcare Tegaderm Waterproof Transparent Dressing, $, available at Amazon
Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
Since Woland is a Tegaderm fan, that means most of his clients don't have to do much until they remove the translucent bandage. After you gently pull it off, he recommends using a fragrance-free soap on the tattoo. His go-to is this cleanser from Target — which also happens to be a great option for cleaning piercings, too.
Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Baby Unscented, 8 Ounce), $, available at Amazon
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
If your tattoo artist didn't use something like a Tegaderm patch, Poohvis advises gently removing the bandage after a minimum of two hours. (Pro tip: Peel it off under a gentle stream of warm water, which helps it to ease off.) Once it's removed, he says to use an unscented soap to gently wash the tattoo with clean hands. Rinse, then delicately pat down with a clean towel and allow the tattoo to air-dry for at least five to 10 minutes. Cetaphil is a great cleansing option, and is available at most drugstores.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar, 4.5 Ounce, $, available at Amazon
SheaMoisture SheaMoisture Fragrance-Free Sensitive Skin Body Lotion, $, available at Walmart
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant
Both Poohvis and Mariah agree that Aquaphor is the way to go if you're looking for a balm instead of milky lotion. Poohvis advises applying it four to six times a day for up to two weeks.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment Advanced Therapy Skin Protectant, $, available at Amazon
Mad Rabbit x Atelier Eva Soothing Tattoo Aftercare Gel
This special-edition version of Mad Rabbit's signature Soothing Gel was made in partnership with Brooklyn-based tattoo studio Atelier Eva (who recently inked Sam Smith, NBD), so you know it's legit. The water-gel has a soothing, cooling feel and allows for proper airflow while your fresh ink heals.
Mad Rabbit x Atelier Eva Soothing Tattoo Aftercare Gel, $, available at Mad Rabbit
Avène Cicalfate+ Hydrating Skin Recovery Emulsion
This French pharmacy favorite is ideal for us 72 hours post-tattoo, and can also be used after various skin procedures like peels and lasers.
Avène Cicalfate+ Hydrating Skin Recovery Emulsion, $, available at Ulta
Redemption Tattoo Care Aftercare
"If the artist you're getting tattooed by doesn't use a second-skin product like Tegaderm or Seniderm, the best ointment I can recommend for the first three days is Redemption Tattoo Care," says Woland. "It's organic, doesn't contain petroleum — a tattoo no-no — and it also smells amazing."
Redemption Tattoo Care Aftercare, $, available at Amazon
Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream
Another artist go-to includes this recommendation from Mariah: Hustle Butter. She tells us that it's great for the first few days. Woland adds that, no matter how much product you use, it's important to remember to treat your ink with care (never scratch, scrub, or pick!) and keep it clean.
Hustle Butter Deluxe Luxury Tattoo Care & Maintenance Cream, $, available at Ulta
Glossier Balm Dotcom
You might be surprised to learn that some aftercare products may already be in your medicine cabinet. Case in point: This fragrance-free, multipurpose balm from Glossier, which Mariah recommends. A small tube like this is perfect for keeping at work to moisturize your ink during the day.
Glossier Balm Dotcom, $, available at Glossier
Skinfix inked+ Tattoo Aftercare Balm
Massacre swears by this SkinFix balm, which she recommends clients use once the tattoo bandage comes off. "It's really great for keeping the skin hydrated and your ink looking brand new," she says. The formula is loaded with orange peel extract, shea butter, and jojoba oil to soothe and protect skin — and it smells delicious.
Skinfix Tattoo Aftercare Balm, $, available at SkinFix
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