Complete Tattoo Aftercare Kit Guide for Artists

Every tattoo artist wants their work to heal clean, vibrant, and true to what left the chair. But here’s the catch: once a client walks out the door, their aftercare routine takes over. That’s why building a professional aftercare kit is one of the easiest ways to protect your work, elevate your reputation, and make sure clients actually follow the right steps.

Here’s how to put together a kit your clients will actually use (instead of tossing aside).


1. Start with the Right Soap

Fresh tattoos need gentle, fragrance-free cleansing. The soap you include should:

  • Be individually packaged so it feels clean and intentional.

  • Be fragrance-free and made with natural oils to calm irritation.

  • Be sized for convenience, not a giant bar or messy foam pump.

💬 “Clients love these bars. Heals tattoos way faster with minimal peeling.”


2. Add a Healing Ointment or Lotion

The second most important product in any aftercare routine is a moisturizer. Include a small packet or travel-size tube of tattoo-safe ointment or lotion. Remind clients: thin layers are better than smothering the tattoo.


3. Provide Clear Instructions

Even if you explain aftercare at the shop, clients forget. A printed card or care sheet with simple steps helps them feel confident:

  1. Wash hands.

  2. Lather soap in hands, apply gently.

  3. Rinse with lukewarm water.

  4. Pat dry.

  5. Apply thin layer of moisturizer.

This shows professionalism and prevents confusion.


4. Include a Bandage (Optional)

For larger or delicate tattoos, a second sterile bandage can be helpful if clients need to cover the tattoo again for work, sleep, or travel.


5. Package It Professionally

Presentation matters. A clean bag, box, or envelope with your shop’s logo elevates the kit and makes it feel like part of the service — not an afterthought.

💬 “They are perfect for the aftercare kits that I make for my clients… they work perfectly for the first couple days.”


Why Professional Kits Matter

  • Better Healing: Clients use the right products instead of guessing.

  • Consistency: Everyone leaves with the same instructions and supplies.

  • Reputation: Clients credit smooth healing to you, not just the product.

  • Loyalty: Small touches like a kit show clients you care about their experience.


The Bottom Line

A well-built aftercare kit isn’t just a nice extra — it’s an investment in your art, your reputation, and your clients’ healing experience.

Start with the essentials: gentle soap, moisturizer, instructions, and professional packaging. Your clients will appreciate the guidance, and you’ll appreciate fewer touch-ups and better-healed tattoos.

👉 Stock Up on Banger Bars for Your Aftercare Kits