So, you’ve done the tattoo, and now it’s time to give your client the lowdown on tattoo aftercare. You know getting the right tattoo aftercare routine down is crucial. But getting your clients to listen can be a problem. Make sure you’re sending them off with the right instructions to keep your work clean, vibrant, and looking sharp.
Let’s Say a Client Asks, “Why Is Tattoo Aftercare Important?”
You did the work. But the client just wants to show it off. Tell them they need to treat that tattoo like the investment it is—no skipping steps, or it could be ruined. Proper aftercare is what keeps the ink locked in and the tattoo looking as great as the day it was done. Forget the basics, and they could end up with infections, faded colors, and a whole lotta regret.
BOTTOM LINE: Nothing good can come from poor aftercare. Best-case scenario is a tattoo that didn’t heal as nicely as it could have. Worst-case scenario is a hospital visit for an infection.
Tattoo Aftercare Products You’ll Want to Stock
The right aftercare supplies make all the difference. Not every lotion and cream is created equal. Make sure you’re giving clients the best of the best. They’ll thank you and your work will thank you.
Best Tattoo Aftercare Creams & Lotions
Tell your clients to take a hard pass on petroleum-based creams. They’ll suffocate the tattoo, trap bacteria, and cause more harm than good. Don’t let them head over to CVS and reach for a tub of Vaseline.
The best way to make sure this doesn’t happen? Upsell aftercare creams right out of your own shop. Stock up on top-quality creams and lotions from brands like Recovery, Tattoo Goo, and Redemption: all are light, artist-approved, and a favorite among clients. Upselling these creams after every tattoo appointment not only makes you more cash—it makes it likelier your client will take care of your work.
Best Tattoo Bandages
If you’re not already stocking up on Recovery Derm Shield, now’s the time. This has been the #1 go-to aftercare bandage for years now. Artists and clients agree it’s a game-changer. It’s flexible, comfortable, and works like armor over your tattoos.
As with creams and lotions, you’ll want to have bandages on hand to upsell after an appointment. Some clients will still opt for a cream, but introducing them to a Recovery bandage could change their whole perspective. It could even speed up the healing process.
A NOTE ON GREEN SOAP
You can also check out bandages from Saniderm. That’s another artist- and client-favorite. Just be sure to wipe the tattoo site clean before putting Derm Shield or Saniderm on your client. The adhesive can react with green soap and cause a rash. But as long as the tattoo’s wiped completely clean, these bandages work better than a charm.
What Soap Should You Use for Tattoo Aftercare?
Clients can and will make the wrong soap choices. Bath and Body Works. Old Spice body wash. You name it. So, send them off with more than an advisory. Give them the real deal by upselling tattoo-specific soaps. Tattoo aftercare cleansers like Recovery Soap or Antimicrobial Soap by Tattoo Goo are simple, mild, and formulated to be anti-inflammatory on new tattoos.
Dial Gold Hand Soap for Tattoos – Good or Bad?
Even unscented, mild “drug store soaps” contain harsh ingredients that can dry out your ink. For example, artists commonly recommend Dial Gold Hand Soap for tattoos. But common or not, that soap has some antibacterial ingredients that can dehydrate new tattoos and lead to poorly healed results. So, again, it’s always good to point your client toward tattoo-specific aftercare. Send them out the door with samples.
Tattoo Aftercare: Laying Out The Do’s and Don’ts for Clients
Don’t make your client guess. Lay it out straight so there’s no room for mistakes. Here’s your rundown:
DON’T Use Vaseline or Petroleum-Based Products
We said it above, and we’ll say it again. Tell your clients to hydrate the tattoo, not drown it in moisture-trapping creams/jellies.
DON’T Work Out Right Away
If you’ve tattooed your share of gym rats, you probably get the “Can I exercise?” question a bunch. Make sure your clients know that hitting the gym right after getting inked isn’t a smart move. It stresses their healing body and introduces the tattoo site to a ton of bacteria.
DON’T Go Swimming
As with gyms, pools, oceans, hot tubs, and the like aren’t a friend to new tattoos. A wealth of bacteria. Enough said.
DON’T Over-Moisturize
A little lotion goes a long way. The idea is to keep the tattoo hydrated, but don’t drown it in product, even tattoo-specific lotions. Tell your clients if they’re slapping on cream every hour, they’re doing it wrong. Apply it 2-3 times a day, usually a pea-sized amount.
DO Use What Works for You
You might have your favorite aftercare but clients have theirs too. If your client is using a pro-grade aftercare product like Recovery Derm Shield or Tattoo Goo, no need to advise against what works for them. You can recommend another tattoo aftercare product to try and upsell, but some seasoned clients know what works for them.
Different story when it comes to uneducated clients. Any client planning to hit up their local drug store for Dial Gold Hand Soap to use on their new tattoo needs your guidance.
DO Stay Out of the Sun
Sunburns destroy tattoos. You don’t want to have to redo that ink or have your client come back complaining that their tattoo is fading. So if you’re doing a spring/summer tattoo, tell clients to stay shaded during the healing process. Also, advise them to load up on SPF after the tattoo heals.
DO Stay Hydrated + Eat Well
Your job isn’t giving clients nutritional advice. Leave that to the dietitians. But generally speaking, telling clients to eat a well-rounded diet and drink plenty of water is fine. Bodies heal faster when they’re fueled and hydrated.
What to Do if a Client’s Tattoo Gets Infected
If a tattoo gets infected, the best advice you can give is to see a doctor. There’s no magic fix—just a medical professional who can prescribe the right treatment. You can touch it up later, but they need to handle the infection first.
Final Thoughts
Keep tattoo aftercare simple, clear, and understandable for your clients. Make sure you’re stocked up on all the right aftercare supplies so they can get what they need directly from you after their appointment. That way, it’s harder for clients to screw it up. The better they care for the tattoo, the longer it’ll last—and the more respect you’ll earn for your work.
