Tattoo Aftercare 101: Don’t Be That Person

So, you just got a killer piece at Ink Union Tattoo Co., one of the best tattoo shops in Omaha. The lines are clean, the color’s poppin’, and you're feelin’ like a badass. But hold up—your new tattoo isn’t just art, it’s an open wound. And how you treat it over the next few weeks will decide whether it heals like a masterpiece… or a sad story in scabs and regrets.
We’re not just here to make art—we’re here to make sure that your tattoo heals like it should. Whether you’re a first-timer or you’ve got a full sleeve and are already planning your next session, proper aftercare is how the best tattoo artists in Omaha help their work look amazing for years to come.
First Things First: Germs Are the Enemy
No matter what kind of bandage you’ve got going on, the golden rule is: hands off unless your hands are clean. We’re talking fresh-washed, scrubbed-like-you're-about-to-do-surgery kind of clean. Don’t let your friends touch it, don’t let your dog rub against it, and definitely don’t go showing it off at the lake just yet. Trust us—it’ll still look awesome in a month.
Got Second Skin? Here’s the Drill:
If your artist applied a second skin adhesive bandage (that high-tech clear wrap that makes you look like part cyborg), don’t panic when it gets gooey under there. That’s just your body doing its healing thing.
•    After 24 hours, peel it off in the shower like you’re unwrapping a very expensive present. Go slow, in the direction of your hair growth. Clean it gently with soap and your hand—no washcloths, no loofahs, no nonsense.
•    Pat it with a clean towel, then  air dry for 5 minutes. Hit it with a thin layer of Tattoo Goo. Thin is key—this isn’t a moisturizer commercial.
•    Apply a new piece of second skin, press out air bubbles, and wear it like a champ for five days. Keep it clean, don’t mess with it, and avoid anything that involves soaking.
•    After you remove the second skin (again, in the shower is best), go bandage-free. Clean twice a day, use Tattoo Goo up to three times daily if your skin feels dry, and if your skin flakes? Let it. That’s called peeling, and it’s totally normal.
•    If it itches, slap, don’t scratch. Words to live by.
•    If redness creeps in like it’s trying to start drama, ditch the aftercare product and wash with antibacterial soap three times a day. If it keeps acting up, give us a call—or if it goes full drama, call your doc.
Got a Traditional Bandage? Read On:
If you’re rockin’ the OG gauze bandage, you’ve got a slightly different routine:
•    Leave the bandage on for 8 to 12 hours. If it sticks, wet it down and ease it off. Don’t go full Hulk on it.
•    Gently wash with soap and water using your hand (you’re seeing a trend here, right?), and pat or air dry.
•    For the next week to 10 days, keep the area clean and apply a tiny bit of Tattoo Goo up to three times a day—again, only if your skin feels dry. Too much goo = starves the tattoo of oxygen = not cute.
•    No rebandaging. Your tattoo needs to breathe, not suffocate.
•    Wash it twice a day, and any time it gets dirty. Again—germs, gross.
•    Peeling is expected. Picking is forbidden. Let your skin do its thing.
•    If it itches, slap, don’t scratch. Words to live by.
•    If you see redness spreading or getting worse, stop using the aftercare product and switch to antibacterial soap three times a day. Still worried? Call us. If it looks infected, get to a doctor.
Final Word: Don’t Screw It Up
You just invested your time, money, and trust in a piece of forever-art at one of the best tattoo shops Omaha, NE has to offer. Respect the process. Healing takes about three to four weeks, even if it looks healed earlier. Be patient. Be clean. Be smart. You only get one shot at healing it right.
Ink Union has built its reputation by doing top-tier work and giving clients the tools to keep their tattoos looking sharp. That’s why when people are looking for the best tattoo artist in Omaha, or searching for tattoo shops in Omaha that really give a damn, they find their way to us.
Got questions? Hit us up. Ink Union is more than just one of the top Omaha tattoo shops—we’re your go-to for real advice, real ink, and real results.