808.261.8287

Tattoo Aftercare

Proper aftercare is what keeps your tattoo looking CLEAN, VIBRANT,
AND HEALTHY for years to come. Your artist just created a permanent
piece of art on your skin, and now it’s up to you to TAKE CARE OF IT.

Tattoo aftercare

How to Take Care of Your New Tattoo –

Straight from the Team at Loyalty Tattoo Kailua

Getting a new tattoo is exciting—but proper aftercare is what keeps it looking bold and beautiful for years to come. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your fiftieth, following the right steps ensures a smooth, clean heal.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, whether we wrapped your tattoo in Saniderm or sent you home with plastic wrap.

Immediate Tattoo Aftercare: First 24–48 Hours

If your tattoo was wrapped with Saniderm (or similar):

Keep it on for 24–48 hours. It protects from bacteria and helps your skin start healing with your body’s natural fluids.

If the wrap gets too full or starts leaking, gently remove it in the shower under warm water.

If we used plastic wrap:

Remove it after 1–2 hours. Then wash your tattoo gently with warm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap.

Cleaning & Moisturizing

  1. Wash your tattoo gently
    Use clean hands, not a washcloth. Wash 2–3 times daily during the first few days.
  2. Dry it carefully
    Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. No rubbing.
  3. Apply ointment to your tattoo
    Use a thin layer of Aquaphor or a tattoo-safe balm — not too much, just enough to keep the skin from drying out. If you’re using Saniderm again, skip this step and apply a new wrap instead.
  4. (Optional) Apply a second Saniderm wrap
    This can stay on for another 3–5 days and helps lock in moisture, minimize scabbing, and boost color retention.

Switch to lotion
 After the wrap comes off (or around day 3), use a fragrance-free lotion like Aveeno or Lubriderm. Moisturize daily, but don’t overdo it.

What to Avoid

  • No scratching or peeling – Let flakes fall off naturally.
  • No soaking – Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and baths for at least 2–3 weeks.
  • No sun – Hawaii UV rays can damage healing tattoos. Cover up or stay in the shade.
  • No tight/dirty clothes – Stick to clean, breathable fabrics.

Tatoo Healing Timeline

  • Days 1–3: Slight redness, swelling, and oozing are normal.
  • Days 4–14: Flaking and itching. Do not scratch.
  • Days 15–30: Outer skin looks healed, but the deeper layers are still recovering. Keep moisturizing and avoid sun exposure.


Download the Tattoo Aftercare Guide

Click here to download the PDF version so you always have it on hand.

When to Call Us

If you see any signs of infection — redness that spreads, swelling, heat, pus, or fever — contact your artist or see a doctor right away. We’re here to help if anything feels off.

Questions? Just Ask.

Heal Faster. Stay Cleaner. Look Better.

Call us at 808.261.8287, stop by the shop, or shoot us a message. Our team at Loyalty Tattoo Kailua is always happy to make sure your tattoo heals right — because we care about it as much as you do.

Loyalty Tattoo Shop window sign photo