How to Properly Wash a New Tattoo (And How Often)

You've just gotten a new tattoo, and you're embarking on the healing journey. Of all the aftercare steps you'll take over the next few weeks, there is one that is more critical than any other: washing it correctly.

Proper washing is your first and best line of defense against infection. It gently removes the weeping plasma that can form heavy, ink-pulling scabs and creates the perfect clean canvas for your healing products to work their magic.

But this isn't just about splashing some soap and water on it. There is a right way and a wrong way to do it. This is your definitive guide to the proper technique and timing for washing your new tattoo.

How Often Should You Wash Your New Tattoo?

The frequency of washing changes slightly as you move through the healing process.

• For the First 2-3 Days (The Weeping Stage): When your tattoo is brand new and weeping that clear, ink-tinted plasma, you should wash it 2 to 3 times per day (a good schedule is morning, afternoon/after-work, and right before bed). This frequency is important to gently clear away the plasma before it has a chance to harden into a thick crust.

• For the Following Weeks (The Peeling Stage): Once the weeping has stopped and your tattoo enters the main peeling and flaking phase, you can reduce the frequency to 1 to 2 times per day. The goal now is to keep it clean of daily grime and bacteria without excessively drying out the sensitive, peeling skin.

The Step-by-Step Washing Technique

Step 1: Wash Your Hands!

This is the non-negotiable first step that many people forget. Before you ever touch your new tattoo, thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds to remove any germs.

Step 2: Use the Right Soap

Do not grab your scented bar soap or harsh body wash. You need a cleanser that is gentle, fragrance-free, and antimicrobial. This is precisely why we created our No Pain Tattoo Cleansing Foam. It's perfectly pH-balanced for healing skin, and its foam formula means you don't need to rub the area to create a lather—ideal for a tender, fresh tattoo.

Step 3: Use Lukewarm Water

Prepare your water. It should be lukewarm—not hot. Hot water can increase swelling and will be painful on the sensitive skin, while cold water can close your pores and potentially trap dirt.

Step 4: The Gentle Wash

Wet the tattoo with your hand by gently splashing water on it. Dispense the cleansing foam into your fingertips (never apply soap directly to the tattoo). Using a gentle, circular motion with your fingertips only, lightly wash the entire tattoo to remove any shiny, slimy plasma. Do not use a washcloth, loofah, or sponge.

Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly

Cup water with your hands or use a very gentle stream from the faucet to rinse all the cleanser off the tattoo until the skin no longer feels slick or slippery.

Step 6: Pat Dry Correctly

This is another critical step. Do not use your regular, reusable bath towel, which can harbor bacteria and be too abrasive. Use a clean, disposable paper towel and gently pat the area dry. Do not rub. Once the excess water is removed, let the tattoo air dry for another 5-10 minutes.

What Comes After the Wash?

A proper wash creates the perfect clean slate. The final step is to apply the right moisturizer to protect the tattoo and support the healing process. After each wash, once the skin is completely dry, apply a thin layer of a high-quality aftercare product.

• For the first few days, our No Pain Tattoo Soothing Gel is perfect for calming the initial inflammation.

• As it moves into the peeling phase, our No Pain Tattoo Aftercare Balm provides the deep, breathable moisture needed to prevent scabbing and itching.

Our No Pain Tattoo Aftercare Bundle contains all three essential products to cover your entire healing process from start to finish.

Master this simple routine, and you'll dramatically reduce your risk of infection, minimize scabbing, and ensure your new tattoo heals as cleanly and vibrantly as your artist intended.