Basic Aftercare

1. Keep it CLEAN — this is the #1 priority.

Wash your hands before touching your tattoo every single time. Gently cleanse the tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never rub.

2. Use Mad Rabbit if you have it.

We recommend Mad Rabbit Tattoo Balm because it’s lightweight, heals fast, and won’t clog pores.If you don’t have Mad Rabbit, Aquaphor is perfectly fine — but use a very thin layer.

A good rule: if the tattoo looks shiny, you’ve used too much.

3. Moisturize lightly, but don’t smother it.

Apply a thin layer of balm 2–3 times a day. Too much product = trapped moisture = irritation. A little goes a long way.

4. Keep it away from animals, kids, and chaos.

This is a fresh wound — no pets licking it, no fur rubbing on it, no tiny hands smacking it. Avoid the couch cuddle-pile for a few days.

5. No soaking.

No baths, pools, hot tubs, ocean, or long steamy showers over the tattoo. Quick wash? Fine. Submersion? Absolutely not.

6. No sun.

Keep it out of direct sunlight. Fresh ink + UV = instant fading. Once healed, always use SPF.

7. Expect some normal healing signs.

Redness, tenderness, light scabbing, and peeling are all normal. Do not pick. Do not scratch. Let it flake on its own.

8. Clothing matters.

Wear loose, clean clothing over the tattoo. Tight clothes, sweaty gym gear, or rough fabrics can irritate it.

9. Listen to your body.

If you see excessive redness, spreading heat, pus, or anything that looks “not right,” reach out immediately.

You can find the items we recommend below!