HOW TO USE
Ultimate Tattoo Aftercare Guide
1. First 24 Hours: The Critical Phase
Leave the bandage/wrap on for 2–6 hours after getting tattooed (or as your artist instructs).
Wash your hands first before touching your tattoo, always!
Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap (think baby soap or tattoo-specific cleansers).
Pat dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry, do not rub.
Apply a thin layer of HARDLINES Tattoo Aftercare
➔ Thin layer only! you don't want to suffocate it.
2. Days 2–4: Healing Starts
Clean 2–3 times a day: quick gentle wash, pat dry, moisturize.
Peeling and scabbing will start — that's normal!
➔ Do NOT pick, scratch, or peel. Let your body do its thing.
3. Days 5–14: Flake City
Your tattoo would normally itch like crazy, but Hardlines takes the edge off when your skin feels itchy
Keep moisturizing as needed. Dryness = more itchiness.
Still no soaking: No baths, pools, oceans, hot tubs yet!
Showers are fine but keep it short and avoid blasting the tattoo directly with water.
4. Weeks 2–4: Almost There
Most tattoos look fully healed by the 3rd or 4th week but keep moisturizing.
Sun is your enemy during this phase — NO sunbathing or tanning.
If you must be outside, cover the tattoo or use a high-SPF sunscreen (50+), but only after it’s fully healed.
5. Long-Term Care: Forever Fresh
Sunscreen forever: UV rays fade tattoos fast. SPF 50+ when outdoors, even on cloudy days.
Stay moisturized: Hydrated skin = vibrant ink.
Touch-ups: It’s normal to need a touch-up. Most artists offer them free within a set time.
🚫 Biggest Tattoo Aftercare Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Over-moisturizing (can suffocate and cause infection).
❌ Using Vaseline/petroleum jelly (traps bacteria unless artist specifically says otherwise).
❌ Scratching or picking (you can scar or pull out ink).
❌ Wearing tight clothes over a fresh tattoo (friction irritates).
❌ Heavy workouts (sweat + friction can mess up healing).
❌ Ignoring signs of infection (extreme redness, swelling, pus, fever → see a doctor!).
🛠️ Extra Pro Tips
Sleep carefully: Fresh tattoo? Try not to sleep directly on it.
Stay hydrated: Your skin heals better when you’re drinking enough water.
Boost healing: Good diet = better recovery. Think vitamin C, protein, and leafy greens.