Tattoo Aftercare Instructions + Checklist: What to Do in the First 48 Hours

Getting a new tattoo? Whether it’s your very first piece or your fifteenth, how you treat your tattoo in the first 48 hours truly sets the course for your ink’s long-term vibrancy and skin health. At Mad Rabbit, we’ve seen it all at the studio—whether you’re navigating solo care at home or just left your session in LA, we know aftercare isn’t about memorizing generic instructions. It’s about building a routine that fits your lifestyle, is skin-focused, and addresses real questions that come up when the adrenaline fades and the reality of healing sets in. This is your go-to, comprehensive breakdown of everything you should do (and absolutely NOT do) to keep your tattoo fresh and infection-free from the very start.

Why the First 48 Hours Set the Stage for Lifetime Ink

A new tattoo is more than a work of art—it’s technically an open wound. The skin has just weathered a barrage of needles thousands of times, and your body’s first job is to defend, heal, and adapt. Science and decades of professional practice both confirm that missteps in the first two days can mean longer healing, color fading, or even permanent scarring. The payoff for following evidence-based aftercare? Smoother recovery, less irritation, and ink that looks just as bold in a year as it does today.

Mad Rabbit’s Hour-by-Hour Guide: What Actually Happens (and What You Should Do)

Hour 0–2: Leaving the Tattoo Studio

Your artist has applied a protective film or bandage as a microbial shield. This is your tattoo’s first defense against germs and debris. Keep it on for the full duration your artist recommends—usually 1–2 hours, but sometimes up to 6 depending on the method and your skin type.

Hour 2–4: Unwrapping, First Wash, First Win

Wash your hands first, always. Carefully remove the bandage, then use warm—not hot—water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. (Our New Tattoo Aftercare Intro Kit includes a tattoo-specific wash that’s pH balanced and won’t strip your natural moisture barrier.) Avoid scrubbing—just use your fingertips. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or allow to air dry.

Hour 4–6: Moisturize (But Don’t Smother)

Apply a thin layer of aftercare balm or tattoo-friendly lotion. Overdoing it creates a sticky environment that bacteria love. Let the tattoo breathe—think light hydration, not Vaseline-style “shellacking.”

Hours 6–12: Repeat—Consistency Counts

Every four hours, repeat your gentle cleanse and moisturize steps if the tattoo feels dry. Wear loose, breathable clothes and avoid touching or bumping the area (easier said than done for hands, but crucial).

Hours 12–24: Monitor, Reapply, Rest

Some oozing (plasma, a little ink) is completely normal. Repeat the cleanse and moisturize routine 3–4 more times as needed. Expect some redness or warmth—your body is recovering. Get a solid night’s sleep and avoid alcohol or heavy exercise to give your body the best start.

Hours 24–48: Swelling (Peak) and Transition

Swelling is often most noticeable on day two, especially for larger designs or those on areas with less padding (think knees or ribs). Keep your routine consistent: wash gently, pat dry, moisturize lightly. If you started with a heavier balm, transition to a simple, unscented lotion once the wound is no longer weeping.

Printable 48-Hour Tattoo Aftercare Checklist

Our Essential DOs and DON'Ts for the First 48 Hours

Common Missteps: Our Perspective from the Studio

• Over-Moisturizing: More isn’t better. A glossy, wet tattoo is an infection risk. If you apply too much, pat gently with a paper towel.
• Touching (Just to Check!): The urge is real, but every touch introduces bacteria, especially in public settings.
• Switching Products: Stick with one type of aftercare for the first 48 hours. Don’t hop from ointment to lotion to balm unless transitioning after day 2.
• Ignoring Red Flags: Excess swelling, new pain, or streaking redness can be signs to get a professional’s opinion.

What to Expect as Your Tattoo Recovers (Normal vs. Abnormal)

• Normal: Redness, low-level weeping, mild swelling, and some tenderness peak at about 48 hours, then ease off.
• Normal: Faint ink smudging on sheets or clothing is possible in the first day, as long as you’re keeping things clean.
• Abnormal: Increasing pain after day two, fever, yellow-green pus, “spreading” redness or red lines away from the tattoo—all demand a doctor or immediate contact with your tattoo studio.

Why Product Choice Matters (and What Makes a Difference)

We’re obsessed with clean, science-backed aftercare because we’ve seen firsthand how better formulations minimize irritation and amp up recovery speed. Products designed for tattoo recovery, like the ones in the Mad Rabbit kit, focus on ingredients like:

• Clean hydrators (aloe, glycerin) help lock in moisture without clogging pores
• Sensitive-skin safe oils (argan, sesame seed) rich in antioxidants for comfort and restoration
• Zero parabens, petrolatum, artificial fragrances, or heavy waxes

You can read more about the science behind tattoo recovery timelines and protocols in our internal guide: Tattoo Aftercare (2025): Exact Day-by-Day Timeline, Photos, and Dermatologist Tips.

What Happens After 48 Hours? Preparing for the Long Haul

After the two-day milestone, your approach should adapt. You’ll likely switch from heavier ointments or balms to lighter, unscented tattoo lotions. Peeling and mild itchiness indicate healing beneath the surface—never pick or scratch. Protect your tattoo with loose clothing and, once fully recovered, start applying SPF. The journey doesn’t end at 48 hours—it’s just beginning. Check out our full guide for choosing the right tattoo cream for recovery and maintenance.

Quick FAQ: Personal Touches for Your First 48 Hours

• Should I re-wrap my tattoo before sleeping? Most of the time, no. Only if your artist specifically recommends it for your situation or if you have pets or sleep on dirty sheets.
• Is flaking normal after a day or two? Yes! Avoid peeling it further. Peeling means progress.
• Can I use any moisturizer? Unscented and simple is always best. For ultimate results, stick with products formulated for tattoos, avoiding anything with artificial color or fragrance.
• What if I mess up? Stay calm, clean the area gently, and get back on track. Minor hiccups are rarely catastrophic if addressed quickly and gently.

Pro Advice from Our Team

• "Small changes make big impacts. If you’re unsure, less is more and gentle is better than aggressive cleaning and heavy coverage."
• "Invest in aftercare—the cost of a lotion or balm is nothing compared to the price of a touch-up."
• "If you ever feel lost, reach out to your artist or pop by our studio in LA. We love helping people get this right."

Ready to Recover Like a Pro? Next Steps on Your Tattoo Journey

The first 48 hours of aftercare are crucial for the vibrant, healthy tattoo you’ll love showing off for years. Give your skin the same attention your artist gave your design, and you’ll be thankful every time someone compliments your ink. If you want a kit with everything you need—cleanser, soothing gel, and balm in one bundle—check out the New Tattoo Aftercare Intro Kit or browse all our science-backed, dermatologist-tested tattoo care essentials.

Want to keep learning? Explore our full range of tattoo recovery and skincare resources on Mad Rabbit.