Getting the tattoo is the fun part. Healing it right is what makes it look good for the next 40 years.
At Enigma, aftercare isn’t an afterthought. It’s part of the service. Every tattoo comes with real, personalized healing guidance from the artist who did the work, plus access to the pro-grade products that actually help skin heal clean.
- Mon – Thurs: 12pm – 9pm
- Friday – Sat: 12pm – 10pm
- Sunday: 12pm – 8pm
What’s Included With Every Tattoo
Personalized aftercare instructions from your artist, based on the size, placement, and style of your specific piece
Access to our in-house aftercare products: soothing balms, gentle cleansers, and healing sprays, available right here in the shop
Real answers, not guesswork. Questions during healing? Call or stop by. We’d rather you ask than guess.
Free or discounted touch-ups for eligible returning clients if anything needs a refresh once you’ve healed
The Short Version
Every piece heals a little differently, but the basics hold for almost everyone:
- Keep it clean and moisturized. Don’t let it dry out, don’t drown it either
- Avoid direct sun, pools, and soaking (showers are fine, baths aren’t) until fully healed
- Don’t pick at peeling or scabbing skin, no matter how tempting
- Loose, breathable clothing over new work, especially in the first week
For the full step-by-step healing timeline, what to expect week by week, and how to spot a real problem versus normal healing, read our complete Tattoo Aftercare Guide.
Piercing Aftercare Too
Just got pierced instead? The same standard applies. We’ll walk you through healing before you leave, every time. See our piercing services
Tattoo Aftercare FAQs
How long should I keep the wrap on a new tattoo?
If your artist uses a clear film wrap, keep it on for at least 24 hours, and up to two or three days depending on their instructions. Blood plasma and excess ink pooling under the film is normal. If the wrap peels up early and exposes the tattoo, take it off and wash it. Don’t tape it back down.
How often should I wash and moisturize a new tattoo?
Wash it two to three times a day with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap, using clean hands. Once the skin feels tight, usually within a day or two, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion two to three times a day.
What should I avoid while my tattoo heals?
Avoid picking, scratching, or peeling it, soaking in baths, pools, or hot tubs for at least two weeks, direct sun for the first two to four weeks, and tight clothing or heavy sweating over the area in the first week. Don’t put sunscreen on a healing tattoo. That step comes after it’s fully healed.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
The surface usually looks healed within two to four weeks. Complete healing at the deeper layers can take up to three months, especially for larger pieces or heavily saturated areas.
How do I know if my tattoo is infected?
Itching and peeling are normal. Signs to watch for are redness spreading beyond the tattoo, swelling that worsens after the first few days, yellow or green discharge, skin that feels hot, or a fever. If something feels wrong rather than just uncomfortable, contact your artist or come in. This is general information, not medical advice.
Do you offer free touch-ups?
Yes. We offer complimentary one-time touch-ups for tattoos. After that, there’s a small fee at the artist’s discretion.
Got a fresh tattoo and a question that can’t wait?
Call or stop by the shop. We’re here to help you heal it right.