Banger Tattoo Care

You just spent 4 hours and $800 getting that piece you've been planning for months. The artist wrapped it, gave you instructions, and sent you home. Now what? The next 48 hours will determine whether your tattoo heals vibrant and clean—or dull and patchy. Here's what actually matters (and what you can ignore) in those critical first two days.

Most tattoo aftercare advice stops at healing. But once your tattoo is healed, three things start actively working against it — UV exposure, the soap you use every day, and chlorine from swimming. Here is the science behind each threat and the exact protocol that addresses all three long term.