Key Takeaways
- Same questions, every time: Clients forget aftercare instructions the moment they leave. Written instructions get followed.
- Confidence matters: When you recommend products and give clear instructions with certainty, clients trust you and follow through.
- Normal aftercare signs: Itching, peeling, light scabbing are all part of the process. Give clients clear guidance on what’s normal vs. when to see a doctor.
- Downloadable template: Use our aftercare card template to save yourself from midnight text messages.
You’ve done beautiful work. The client is thrilled. They’re admiring their fresh ink in the mirror. And then:
“So… can I shower tonight?”
Every artist gets the same questions. Every single time. No matter how clearly you explained aftercare during the session, clients forget. They get nervous. They want reassurance.
Here’s a guide to the questions that come up most often, with clear answers you can give confidently.
The Top 10 Client Aftercare Questions
1. “Can I shower?”
Short answer: Yes, but carefully.
What to tell them: “You can shower tonight. Use lukewarm water, not hot. Let the water run over the tattoo gently, don’t blast it directly. Don’t scrub it. Pat dry with a clean towel, don’t rub. Keep showers short for the first week or so.”
Why they ask: Most people assume water is bad for fresh tattoos. They need permission to shower so they don’t avoid it for days (which creates its own problems).
2. “It’s itching. Is that bad?”
Short answer: Itching is normal and actually a good sign.
What to tell them: “Itching is completely normal during aftercare. That’s a good sign! Whatever you do, don’t scratch it. You can gently tap or slap the area if it’s driving you crazy, but no scratching. It should calm down in a few days.”
Why they ask: They’re nervous that something is wrong. Reassurance goes a long way.
3. “When can I go swimming?”
Short answer: 2-4 weeks minimum, depending on how the tattoo is settling.
What to tell them: “No pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans for at least 2-3 weeks. Pools have chlorine, natural water has bacteria, and both can cause problems. Baths are out too. Quick showers only until aftercare is complete.”
Why they ask: People often have vacations or summer plans. Give them a realistic timeline.
4. “Can I work out?”
Short answer: Light activity is usually fine, but listen to your body.
What to tell them: “Light activity is okay after a day or two. Avoid anything that creates friction on the tattooed area or makes you sweat heavily. If it’s on a joint or somewhere that moves a lot, take it easier. If something feels wrong, stop.”
Why they ask: Gym-goers are worried about missing workouts. Help them make smart choices.
5. “When can I go in the sun?”
Short answer: Keep it covered and protected during aftercare, then always use sunscreen.
What to tell them: “Keep it out of direct sun during aftercare, at least 2-3 weeks. After that, sunscreen every time. UV damages ink over time. The better you protect it, the longer it stays vibrant.”
Why they ask: Especially relevant now with spring and summer approaching.
6. “It’s peeling. Is that normal?”
Short answer: Yes, peeling is a normal part of the aftercare process.
What to tell them: “Peeling usually starts around day 3-7. Let it peel naturally. Don’t pick at it, don’t pull the skin off, even if it’s tempting. Picking can pull out ink and cause patchiness.”
Why they ask: Peeling skin looks alarming if you’re not expecting it.
7. “Should I rewrap it?”
Short answer: Depends on the initial wrap, but usually no.
What to tell them: “Leave the initial wrap on for [your recommended time]. After that, you don’t need to rewrap it. It needs air to recover properly. Keep it clean and moisturized, but let it breathe.”
Why they ask: They want to protect it and think covering it helps.
8. “How often should I moisturize?”
Short answer: Several times a day, but don’t overdo it.
What to tell them: “Apply a thin layer of aftercare product 2-3 times a day, more if it feels tight or dry. Thin layer means a little goes a long way. You don’t want it goopy, just moisturized. Too much can actually cause problems.”
Why they ask: They want specific numbers. Give them a range.
9. “What should I use on it?”
Short answer: Whatever you recommend confidently.
What to tell them: “I recommend [your aftercare product]. It’s what I trust and what works well for my clients. Follow the instructions and you’ll be fine.”
Why this matters: If you hem and haw about recommendations, they’ll Google it and use something random. Confident recommendation = better outcomes = better looking work.
“I use Tattoo Luv during sessions and recommend it for aftercare. Same product, simple instructions. My clients get great results.”
— Mike Mavretic, Skin Deep Tattoo LLC
10. “How do I know if something’s wrong?”
Short answer: Give them specific warning signs.
What to tell them: “Normal: slight redness, swelling, warmth for the first day or two. Normal: itching, peeling, some scabbing. NOT normal: increasing redness spreading outward, pus (not clear plasma, actual pus), fever, extreme pain after the first day. If you see those, call your doctor.”
Why they ask: They want to know when to actually worry. Clear signs help them not panic over normal aftercare while taking real problems seriously.
Creating Your Aftercare Card
Verbal instructions get forgotten. Written instructions get followed.
Here’s a simple template you can adapt for your studio:
[STUDIO NAME] AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
Day 1:
- Leave wrap on for [X hours]
- After removing wrap, wash gently with lukewarm water and clean hands
- Pat dry with clean towel
- Apply thin layer of [aftercare product]
Days 2-14:
- Wash gently 2-3x daily
- Apply thin layer of aftercare product 2-3x daily
- Don’t scratch, pick, or peel
- No swimming, baths, or soaking
- Keep out of direct sunlight
- Wear loose, clean clothing over the area
Normal aftercare signs:
- Redness and swelling (first 1-2 days)
- Itching
- Peeling
- Light scabbing
Contact your doctor if you see:
- Spreading redness
- Pus or discharge
- Fever
- Extreme pain
Questions? Contact us at [phone/email]
Touch-up appointment: [date/time or “call to schedule”]
Print these on card stock. Hand one to every client. Your future self will thank you when you’re not fielding the same questions via text at midnight.
The Confidence Factor
Here’s what separates artists clients trust from artists clients second-guess:
Confident aftercare guidance.
When you say “Use this product, follow these instructions, your tattoo will look great” with certainty, clients believe you. They follow your instructions. They get good results.
When you say “Um, maybe try this? Or that? I don’t know, whatever works for you,” clients start Googling. They try random advice. Results vary.
Pick products you actually trust. Learn what works. Give clear instructions. Your clients get better results, your work looks better, everyone wins.
Your Aftercare Setup
Having a reliable aftercare recommendation matters. Things to look for:
- Works during and after: Same product for session and aftercare simplifies everything
- Natural ingredients: Clients increasingly ask about what’s in products
- Professional performance: Won’t interfere with your work (stencil-safe, tube-friendly)
- Clear instructions: Easy for clients to understand and follow
Tattoo Luv was developed with working artists to check all these boxes. Professional-grade, 100% natural, simple instructions.
Resources for Artists
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Questions? Reach out at [email protected]
Tattoo Luv is made by Momma Bears Creations in Enola, PA. Professional-grade, 100% natural, trusted by Central PA artists.