Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but the work doesn’t stop once you leave the studio. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure your tattoo heals beautifully and lasts a lifetime. Unfortunately, there are plenty of myths and misinformation about tattoo aftercare that can lead to confusion—or worse, harm your new ink. At GRIM Studios, we want you to have the facts so you can give your tattoo the care it deserves. Here are some common tattoo aftercare myths and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: “Let Your Tattoo Air Dry—It Heals Faster”
The Truth: While it’s important to let your tattoo breathe, leaving it completely exposed for long periods can increase the risk of bacteria entering the wound. Tattoos are essentially open wounds, and proper protection is key during the initial healing stages.
What to Do Instead:
Follow your artist’s advice for bandaging your tattoo, whether that’s with traditional wraps or modern tattoo films like Dermor or Second Skin.
Keep your tattoo clean and moisturized according to the instructions provided, however OVER moisturizing is just as bad. You dont want to smother the tattoo in product, we recommend moisturizing as needed but not more than twice a day and never leave a layer on top of the tattoo, make sure its absorbed.
Myth 2: “Coconut Oil is the Best Aftercare Product”
The Truth: While coconut oil has gained popularity as a natural remedy for many things, it’s not ideal for tattoo aftercare. Coconut oil can clog pores, potentially leading to irritation or infection.
What to Do Instead:
Use tattoo-specific aftercare products recommended by your artist. These are formulated to promote healing without clogging pores or causing adverse reactions.
Products like Vaseline, coconut/almond/natural oils, essential oils, scented moisturizers, goats milk, Dettol, Betadine, Hydrogen Peroxide, baby oil, sea salts, epsom salts etc should NEVER be used on a fresh tattoo
Myth 3: “Scabbing Means Something is Wrong”
The Truth: Scabbing is a normal part of the healing process for many tattoos. It’s your body’s natural way of protecting the area as it heals. The key is to avoid picking at the scabs, which can damage the tattoo or cause uneven healing.
What to Do Instead:
Keep the area clean and moisturized to prevent excessive dryness.
Resist the urge to pick or scratch at scabs—let them fall off naturally.
Myth 4: “Swimming or Hot Tubs are Fine as Long as You Rinse After”
The Truth:Submerging your fresh tattoo in water—whether it’s a pool, hot tub, or ocean—can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Chlorine and saltwater can also irritate the healing skin.
What to Do Instead:
Avoid swimming or soaking your tattoo for at least two weeks (or until it’s fully healed).
Stick to quick showers and gently pat your tattoo dry afterward.
Do not soak your tattoo or leave the tattoo soggy/damp
Myth 5: “The Sun Won’t Harm a Fresh Tattoo”
The Truth: UV rays are one of the biggest enemies of tattoos, fresh or healed. Sun exposure can fade your ink and irritate the healing skin, leading to complications.
What to Do Instead:
Keep your tattoo covered when spending time outdoors during the healing process.
Once healed, always use a high-SPF sunscreen to protect your tattoo from fading.
We recommend using sunscreen after the scabs/peeling is done and continue to use sunscreen forever.
Myth 6: “The More You Wash Your Tattoo, the Better”
The Truth: While keeping your tattoo clean is important, over-washing can strip the skin of natural oils and slow down the healing process.
What to Do Instead:
Wash your tattoo gently twice a day with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water.
Pat it dry with a clean, soft towel—never rub.
Myth 7: “You Don’t Need to Moisturize if It’s Not Itchy”
The Truth: Moisturizing isn’t just about itch relief; it’s crucial for preventing excessive dryness, which can lead to cracking or scabbing.
What to Do Instead:
Apply a thin layer of tattoo-friendly moisturizer as recommended by your artist.
Avoid over-moisturizing, as this can suffocate the healing skin and prolong the process.
Myth 8: “Once It Stops Peeling, It’s Fully Healed”
The Truth:Peeling is just one stage of healing. Even if your tattoo looks healed on the surface, the deeper layers of skin can take up to six weeks (or more) to fully recover.
What to Do Instead:
Continue caring for your tattoo according to your artist’s instructions, even after peeling stops.
Avoid harsh scrubbing or sun exposure until the skin feels completely normal.
Usually when the tattoo is no longer "shiny" which is usually about 4-6 weeks is when the tattoo is "healed" enough.
Myth 9: “All Artists Give the Same Aftercare Instructions”
The Truth: Every artist has their own preferred aftercare routine, based on their experience, technique, and the type of tattoo. Following generic advice from the internet might not align with your artist’s recommendations.
What to Do Instead:
Always listen to your artist—they know best how to care for the specific tattoo they created for you.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about any part of the aftercare process.
At GRIM Studios, we’re committed to ensuring that your tattoo heals beautifully and stays vibrant for years to come. Following proper aftercare is just as important as the tattooing process itself. If you ever have questions about caring for your new tattoo, don’t hesitate to reach out to your artist—we’re here to help!
Ready to book your next piece of art? Contact us today and let’s make your tattoo dreams a reality.
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