Tattoo Aftercare and Healing Advice | Steel City Tattoo Bethlehem, PA

At Steel City Tattoo, we believe that a great tattoo experience doesn’t stop when you leave our shop—it continues with proper aftercare. Ensuring your tattoo heals beautifully is key to keeping the artwork vibrant and protecting your skin. In this guide, we’ll walk you through both traditional and modern methods of tattoo aftercare, so you can choose what works best for you.

Traditional Tattoo Aftercare

Traditional tattoo healing is tried and true, with a focus on keeping the area clean, hydrated, and protected. Here are the essential steps:

1. Leave the Bandage On

Your artist will cover your fresh tattoo with a sterile bandage. Leave it on for 2–4 hours. This prevents bacteria from entering the wound and protects the tattoo from friction.

2. Gently Clean Your Tattoo

Once you remove the bandage, clean the tattoo with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Use your hands to gently wash the tattooed area; do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Rinse off all the soap and pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towel—never rub it. Allow the tattoo to air dry shortly before the next step.

3. Apply Ointment

After cleaning, rub in a small amount of ointment(we recommend Aquaphor) or something tattoo-specific like Redemption or Hustle Butter. Use just enough to rub into the tattoo without leaving a shiny layer on top of the skin. If you have excess after applying you can use a clean paper towel to blot the extra off the surface. Please avoid using a thick layer as it can trap moisture and suffocate the skin, leading to poor healing. Repeat this twice a day for the first three days then switch to a fragrance-free lotion like Eucerin or Intensive Care.

4. Keep It Clean and Moisturized

Throughout the healing process you should continue to wash and dry your tattoo gently then reapply the ointment (first three days) or moisturizer twice a day. Repeat this routine until your tattoo is fully healed. It can take up to 2-3 weeks for your tattoo to fully heal. Avoid over-moisturizing, as this can clog pores and soften the skin similar to soaking it. Let your skin breathe while keeping it hydrated.

5. Your Tattoo will peel

Flaking and peeling is a normal part of the healing process. It usually starts towards the end of the first week, typically lasting for a few days. It is normal for the flakes to contain some pigment as the skin is stained from the tattooing process. DO NOT pick at the tattoo while it is flaking!

6. Avoid Soaking, Scratching, and Sun Exposure

During the healing process, it’s crucial to avoid soaking your tattoo in water. This means no swimming, hot tubs, or baths. Showers are fine; just try not to take long ones until the tattoo has finished flaking. Do not scratch or pick at the skin while it is flaking! Allow the peeling skin to come off on its own. Removing flakes that are still attached can pull pigment out, causing blank areas when healed. Limit sun exposure and avoid tanning beds until the tattoo is fully healed. Sunburn can fade the ink and cause more damage to the already perforated skin leading to longer healing times.

Modern Tattoo Aftercare Using Adhesive Bandages

The latest method of tattoo healing involves adhesive bandages designed to protect your tattoo while allowing it to heal in a moist environment. This method is popular for its convenience and faster healing times.

1. Apply the Adhesive Bandage

At Steel City Tattoo, we may use a special adhesive bandage (such as Derm Shield) to cover your fresh tattoo. This bandage acts as a breathable second skin, allowing air in but keeping dirt and bacteria out.

2. Leave the Bandage On for 24–72 Hours

Unlike traditional methods, you don’t need to remove the adhesive bandage within a few hours. You can leave it on up to 72 hours. During this time, it’s normal for the bandage to fill with plasma, ink, and fluid—this is part of the healing process.

3. Replace or Remove the Bandage

After 24 hours, if there is a moderate amount of fluid you can keep the shield on for another 2 days. If the bandage seems overly filled, remove it gently. Remove it by pulling the edges outward away from the tattoo, not upward off of the skin. You can either replace it with a new one, or switch to the traditional aftercare method. If you choose to reapply a new bandage, keep it on for another 2-3 days. This method minimizes the scabbing process and reduces itching.

4. After Removing the Adhesive Bandage

Once the bandage is off for good, clean your tattoo as you would in the traditional method, using mild soap and warm water. From there, keep your tattoo moisturized with a fragrance-free lotion and avoid picking at it while it’s flaking.

Key Points for Tattoo Healing

Whether you opt for traditional or modern aftercare methods, these tips will help ensure your tattoo heals properly:

  • Hands off: Avoid touching your tattoo with unclean hands to prevent infection.

  • Patience: Healing can take anywhere from 2–4 weeks. Trust the process and avoid rushing it.

  • Consult Us: If you notice unusual redness, swelling, or signs of infection, reach out to Steel City Tattoo for advice.

  • Avoid Pet Contact: Keep pet hair and dander away from tattoo during healing process.

Visit Steel City Tattoo for Expert Tattooing in Bethlehem, PA

At Steel City Tattoo, our experienced artists are committed to providing not only exceptional tattoos but also expert aftercare guidance. Whether you’re getting your first tattoo or adding to a collection, we ensure your experience is smooth from start to finish. For walk-ins, custom designs, and more, visit us in Bethlehem, PA, and let us create the tattoo of your dreams.