At Hold Fast Tattoo, we take pride in going above and beyond industry standards when it comes to cleanliness, technique, and client safety. Once you leave our studio, the rest is up to you. Please read the following aftercare instructions carefully to ensure your tattoo heals clean, clear, and as beautifully as the day you got it.
 
 
✦ Before We Get Into Cleaning…
There are a few very important things to keep in mind:
 Leave it alone!
Your tattoo is a fresh wound. Picking, scratching, or over-handling it can cause irritation, ink loss, and even infection.
Don’t sleep directly on it.
Try to avoid putting pressure or friction on your tattoo while you sleep—especially the first few nights. Fresh tattoos can weep ink and plasma, and sleeping on them can cause sticking, irritation, and damage to the healing skin.
 Don’t soak it.
Showers are fine. Baths are not. Pools, lakes, hot tubs, and long soaks in the tub can all lead to infection and ink fading. Keep your tattoo clean and dry.
 
 
✦ What to Expect
Some redness, swelling, and light oozing (clear fluid or small traces of ink) are normal for the first 1–3 days.
 
Your tattoo may start to feel tight and itchy as it heals. This is a normal part of the process.
 
Light scabbing or flaking is common. Do not pick or scratch it. Let it fall off naturally.
 
 
 
✦ Cleaning & Moisturizing Instructions
✹ Day 1: Right After Your Tattoo
Your artist will bandage or wrap your tattoo after the session.
Leave the bandage on for 2–4 hours (or as instructed by your artist).
 
Wash your hands thoroughly.
 
Gently remove the bandage and wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free, mild soap (like Dial Gold, Dr. Bronner’s Unscented, or Dove Sensitive).
 
Pat dry with a clean, disposable paper towel. Do not rub.
 
✹ Days 2–14: Wash & Moisturize
Very gently wash your tattoo when you shower using mild, fragrance-free soap.
 
Always pat dry gently with a clean paper towel.
Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, dye-free moisturizer or tattoo aftercare product (like Aquaphor, Hustle Butter, or a lotion recommended by your artist).
A little goes a long way—do not over-moisturize. The skin needs to breathe to heal properly.
 
 
⛔ Do Not Use:
Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or scented soaps – Too harsh and damaging.
 
Neosporin or Vaseline – Can clog pores and lead to excess scabbing.
 
Scented lotions or body sprays – Can irritate healing skin.
 Loofahs, washcloths, or sponges – Too abrasive during healing.
 Tight, sweaty clothing over fresh tattoos – Leads to irritation and bacteria buildup.
 
 
Clothing & Lifestyle Tips
Wear clean, soft, breathable clothing over your tattoo.
 
Avoid working out or anything that causes excessive sweating or rubbing on the area for the first few days.
 
Keep your sheets clean and avoid sleeping in anything that sticks to your skin.
 
If your tattoo sticks to clothing or bedding, soak the fabric with water before peeling it off to avoid damaging the tattoo.
 
 
 
 When to Reach Out
Contact us or a healthcare professional if you experience:
Unusual or increasing redness, swelling, or pain after 3–4 days
 
Yellow or green pus, foul odor, or hot skin around the tattoo
 
Any signs of allergic reaction to aftercare products
 
We’re here to support your healing every step of the way—never hesitate to reach out.
 
 
Thank You for Trusting Hold Fast
A tattoo is a lifelong piece of art, and proper aftercare is just as important as the tattooing itself. Treat it well, be patient with the process, and let us know if you have questions or need help with healing. We’re always happy to take a look or offer product advice.
— The Hold Fast Tattoo Team