Fine Line Tattoo Aftercare: What I Recommend
Worried about aftercare, fading, or the longevity of your new fine line tattoo?
So, you just got a new fine line tattoo and now you’re worried about doing something wrong and having your new tattoo turn non existent. Don’t worry. Tattoo aftercare really doesn’t need to be complicated.
Here’s what I recommend.
Do you have a second skin bandage? (Y/N)
YES, I have second skin
Leave your second skin bandage on for the amount of time recommended by your artist and the specific bandage being used. For many of my clients, this may be around 3-5 days
When it’s time to remove it, I recommend doing so in the shower under warm water. Peel it off slowly and gently rather than ripping it off starting at the corners and pull flush with the skin kind of like a command strip (this technique hurts less)
Note : It’s completely normal to see ink and fluid collecting underneath your bandage during the first few days. Be careful when removing it because that fluid most likely will stain any cloth surface.
Once your bandage is removed:
1.) Wash. Gently wash your tattoo with a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Simple is better.
2.) Pat dry. Use a clean paper towel or allow your tattoo to air dry. Don’t scrub it.
3.) Hydrate. Apply a small amount of plain, fragrance-free moisturizer. You don’t need anything fancy. Products like Lubriderm or CeraVe body lotion can work well. Do not coat your tattoo in a thick layer of product.
Continue gently washing and moisturizing your tattoo while it heals, usually for around 2 weeks or until the skin has finished healing.
NO, I don’t have second skin
That’s totally fine! You can still heal your tattoo just fine, no worries!
Gently wash your tattoo with mild, fragrance-free soap 1–2 times per day.
Apply a small amount of fragrance-free lotion 1–2 times per day or whenever your tattoo feels dry.
The biggest thing is don’t over-moisturize it. Your tattoo doesn’t need to be constantly wet or covered in lotion. Give your skin a chance to absorb what it needs and breathe.
Continue this routine for about 2 weeks or until your tattoo is fully healed.
A few things to avoid while your tattoo heals
For the first couple of weeks, avoid
• swimming
• soaking your tattoo in baths or hot tubs
• direct sun exposure.
And please don’t pick at peeling or flaky skin! Let your body do its thing.
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You really don’t need expensive tattoo aftercare products to heal a tattoo well. You just need to be consistent.
Keep it clean, don’t smother it in lotion, protect it while it’s healing, and give your skin time to recover.
Is it normal for a fine line tattoo to fade?
Some softening during the healing process can be completely normal.
Fine line tattoos use very delicate lines, which means they also settle more delicately into the skin. Your tattoo will also look different (expect some lightening) once the initial redness, swelling, peeling, and healing have passed.
⭐️ Give your tattoo time to fully settle into the skin before judging the final result.
Sometimes a small touch-up is needed, and that’s not necessarily a sign that something went wrong. Bodies heal differently!
If an area heals lighter than expected, reach out to your artist once your tattoo is completely healed so they can take a look and let you know whether a touch up would be helpful.
Reminders:
Take care of your tattoo, be patient with your skin, and don’t panic over every little change you see while it’s healing.
Your tattoo is healing not disappearing.
