Tattoo Aftercare 101: How to Heal Your New Tattoo from Lucky Neko Tattoo

When you get a tattoo at Luck Neko Tattoo Louisville's home for anime and manga tattoos, your artwork doesn't end when you leave the chair. Proper tattoo aftercare is what keeps your new piece crisp, vibrant, and healthy for year to come. Whether nit's a bold One Piece panel, a soft Ghibli scene, or a fierce Dragon Ball design, taking care of your new tattoo is essential.

Step 1: First Wash

Once you remove the bandage (or when your artist says it's time), wash your tattoo gently a fragrance free soaps. I recommend using:

• Dial Gold (unscented bar or liquid)

• Castile Soap

• Cetaphil Gentle Cleaner

• Unscented Antibacterial Foaming Wash

How to Wash Properly:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly

2. Wet your tattoo with lukewarm water

3. Gently lather a small amount of soap using your fingertips only

4. Rinse thoroughly

Do Not Use Washcloths, Sponges, Towels, or Anything Abrasive!!!

Step 2: Ointment & Moisturizing (Days 1-3)

After washing, apply a very thin layer of ointment. Your goal is not to suffocate the tattoo. It needs to breath. Some ointments I recommend is:

1. Aquaphor

2. Tattoo Goo Healing Balm

3. Hustle Butter

Apply ointment 2-3 times a day, only when the tattoo feels dry.

Do Not Use Neosporin, Bacitracin, Vaseline or Petroleum-Based Products!!!

They can clog pores, fade ink, or cause irritation.

Step 3: Lotion Phase (Days 3-14)

As your tattoo starts to peel (like a sunburn), switch from ointment to a fragrance free lotion. I recommend using:

• Lubriderm Daily Moisture (Fragrance-Free)

• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

• Eucerin Advanced Repair Lotion

• CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

Apply lotion 2-4 times a day, depending on your climate and skin type

Do not scratch, peel, or pick at flaking skin!!!

Do not over-lotion, it can cause prolong healing!!!

Step 4: Protect Your Tattoo (Weeks 2-6)

Your tattoo may look healed before it actually is. Continue protecting it!

Things You Should Do:

• Keep your tattoo clean and lightly moisturized

• Wear loose, breathable clothing

• Protect it from dirt, gym equipment, and pets

Things to Avoid:

• Direct sunlight

• Tanning beds

• Soaking (no pools, hot tubs, lakes, baths)

• Sweating heavily on it during early healing

Once fully healed, always use SPF 30-50 on your tattoo. Sun destroys ink faster than anything.

When To Seek Medical Advice:

Most tattoos heal normally with mild redness, light swelling, and slight itchiness. However, contact a medical professional immediately if you notice:

Signs of Infection:

• Persistent redness spreading outward

• Hot, throbbing, or intensifying pain

• Thick, yellow, green, or foul-smelling discharge

• Fever or chills

• Red streaks moving away from the tattoo

• Swollen lymph nodes

Allergic Reaction Signs:

• Hives or widespread itching

• Puffy, raised rash around the tattoo

• Blistering

Your health comes first. Never wait if something feels "off".

At Lucky Neko Tattoo we want to make sure that your tattoo heals properly and you get the best results. Keep us in mind for you next tattoo!