Aftercare
Taking care of your tattoo
Tattoos are 60% artist, 40% client effort. That 40% is yours — here's how to protect your investment and keep the work beautiful for life.
Your tattoo is a permanent body modification. Treat it with care, love, and respect.
Jing's work is designed to age beautifully — and proper aftercare is what keeps it that way. Follow these guidelines carefully, especially in the first two weeks.
Keep It Clean
- Wear the post-tattoo wrap for 1–3 hours only (unless Jing indicates otherwise). Keeping it on too long increases bacterial risk. Remove, then wash gently.
- Wash with warm water and unscented soap — preferably non-exfoliating, non-whitening formula. Use only clean hands — no cloths or towels on the tattoo area.
- Do not re-wrap your tattoo. Re-wrapping cuts off oxygen, damages ink, and can cause pus formation or infection. Let it breathe.
- Showering is fine — rinse the tattoo gently with warm water. Avoid soaking (baths, pools, ocean, hot tubs, saunas) for at least 2 weeks.
- No hot water on the tattoo. Use lukewarm to warm water only.
- No dirty hands. Never touch your tattoo without washing hands first.
Don't Stress It
- No swimming — oceans, lakes, ponds, pools, public baths, hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms for at least 2 weeks.
- No working out for the first two weeks. Sweat and gym equipment can introduce bacteria and cause infection.
- Moderate alcohol during the healing period. Alcohol thins the blood and may delay wound healing.
- No shaving over the tattoo while it heals.
- Never scratch your tattoo — even if it itches during peeling. This is normal. Let it be.
- No tight clothing over the tattoo during healing. Let air reach the skin.
- Never pick the peeling skin. Scabs indicate deep ink work and picking can cause keloid formation and damage the tattoo.
Relax & Moisturise
- Open healing for days 1–3. Keep the tattoo uncovered and let it breathe. No moisturiser yet.
- Once peeling begins, moisturise as needed. Use tattoo ointments, baby lotion, or mild unscented lotion without whitening chemicals. Apply only a thin layer and rub in gently.
- Moisturising is for life. Taking care of your skin is taking care of your tattoo — the better your skin, the better the ink looks long term.
Sun Protection
- For the first month, avoid or minimise direct sunlight on your fresh tattoo. UV rays can damage the ink while it's still settling.
- Once healed, always apply — and reapply — sunblock when your tattoo will be exposed to the sun. This is not optional if you want the ink to stay sharp and vibrant over time.
- Think of your tattoo like good skincare: consistent SPF application is the single best thing you can do for its longevity.
When to Contact Jing
Normal healing signs:
- Redness around the tattoo for 2–3 days
- Light peeling or flaking (like a sunburn)
- Itching during the peeling phase
- Slight cloudiness during healing — this clears up
Reach out if you notice:
- Excessive swelling or redness beyond 3–4 days
- Pus or unusual discharge
- Fever or warmth spreading beyond the tattoo
- Raised scabs (possible keloid — stop picking)
If you have any concerns about your healing tattoo, always feel comfortable reaching out to Jing — via Instagram or email — before consulting a clinic. Most healing questions can be addressed quickly.