Giving clients only verbal instructions right after their tattoo session isn’t enough. Chances are, they will forget half of what you said by the time they walk out.
That’s why it’s important to send clear, written tattoo aftercare instructions to help ensure that clients care for their tattoos properly.
Fortunately, you don’t need to write a new message from scratch each time. All you need are a few easy-to-customize templates to save time and keep communication consistent. Keep reading to find out how.
What Is Tattoo Aftercare?
Tattoo aftercare is the simple routine clients follow so the tattooed area heals the way it should and the artwork stays vibrant. When done correctly, it reduces infection risk, keeps color from dulling, and helps the flaking and itching go away faster.
Typically, the tattoo studio is responsible for making a list of tattoo aftercare instructions. The tattoo artist then explains these instructions to the client at checkout, sometimes backed up by a printed card and/or automated messages.
Details in the instructions give to a client may vary by placement, style, and whether a second-skin wrap was used, but the goal is the same: clear steps clients can easily understand and follow at home.
Tattoo Aftercare Instructions Message Templates
Check out these message templates you can use after you wrap up a tattoo sesh, so your clients always know how to care for their new ink.
Note: These tattoo aftercare instructions templates are ready to use — just make sure to adjust the name, details, and any healing instructions specific to your tattoo shop.
Message #1: Send right after the session (within 1 hour)
The message templates below are for Day 1, and should be sent to clients one hour (or less) after their tattoo session.
For text:
Thanks for coming in, [Client’s Name]! Keep the wrap on for [timeframe recommended by tattoo artist,such as 2–4 hours]. Wash your hands first before washing the tattoo with lukewarm water + mild unscented soap. Pat dry with a clean washcloth/towel. Very thin layer of plain, unscented ointment. No soaking, scrubbing, or sun today.
Questions? Reply here.
For email:
Hi [Client’s Name],Here’s how to take care of your new tattoo today:
Wrap: Keep it on for [timeframe recommended by tattoo artist, such as 2–4 hours].
Wash (at the time artist has advised): Clean hands first with lukewarm water + mild, fragrance-free soap → Rinse → Pat dry (don’t rub) with a clean washcloth or towel. Don’t re‑bandage unless told to.
Moisturize lightly: Apply a pea-size of plain, unscented ointment in a very thin layer. A&D ointment, Bacitracin, or Betadine Plus ointment.
Avoid today: Long showers, baths, pools, hot tubs, sauna, tanning, heavy sweating (e.g., intense workouts), direct sun on the area. Showering is fine.
Clothes: Clean, breathable layers; avoid friction.If something looks off, reply with a photo so we can take a look. However, for symptoms like fever, streaks, think discharge, and spreading redness, seek medical care.
Thank you, and once again, we appreciate your business!
Message #2: Send on Day 2 (cleaning & moisturizing)
This message will cover instructions for Days 2 to 7.
For text:
Hi, [Client’s Name]! From today until [date for Day 7]: Wash 2–3x a day with gentle, fragrance-free soap. Pat dry. Use a light, fragrance-free ointment/lotion 2–3x a day (thin layers). Itching/peeling is normal. No picking. No pools, ocean, or sun until completely healed. Clean sheets, loose clothes.
For any questions/concerns, just text us here.
For email:
Hi [Client’s Name],
From today through [date for Day 7]:
Wash 2–3x daily with fragrance-free soap. Rinse well, pat dry.
Moisturize with a light (not greasy), fragrance-free ointment or lotion 2–3x daily.
Normal stuff: Mild redness, light oozing early on, flaking, and itch. Don’t scratch or peel.
Skip until completely healed: Baths, pools, ocean, hot tubs, tanning, sunscreen, and intense workouts. Quick showers are fine.
Sleep & clothing: Clean sheets; soft, loose fabrics to reduce rubbingWatch out for these red flags: growing redness, heat, thick yellow/green discharge, red streaks, fever, or severe swelling. At the first sign of any of these, contact a health care practitioner immediately.
Message #3: Send on Day 8 (long-term care & touch-up)
The tattoo aftercare instructions below are for the second to fourth weeks after the appointment (Days 8 to 28).
For text:
Hi, [Client’s Name]! Keep gentle washing and moisturizing 2x daily. Avoid direct sun, long baths, and pools until fully healed. Once fully healed (no scabs/peel or tenderness), use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on the tattoo.
Seeing light spots after 4–8 weeks? Message us to book a touch-up.
For email:
Hi [Client’s Name],
You’re almost done healing! Just a few notes:
Keep gentle washing and moisturizing 2x daily until skin looks and feels normal.
Expect light flaking/itching. That’s normal (althought most of it should be gone). Do not pick or scratch.
Avoid direct sun exposure. Don’t put sunscreen on the area until healed; cover with clothing if you’re outdoors.
Pools, hot tubs, long baths also remain off‑limits until healing is complete (i.e., no scabs/peel or tenderness).
After it’s fully healed, protect your tattoo with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ any time you’re outside.Noticing light or patchy spots after 4–8 weeks? Reply here so we can set up a quick touch-up or pick a schedule here: [link to your booking page]
Extra tip: With Bookedin, you get a 24/7 online booking page to make scheduling easier for tattoo artists like you. Plus, automate follow-up messages via text and/or email that your clients will receive after their appointment.
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Tips for Sending Tattoo Aftercare Instructions
Here are some ways to help ensure that clients can easily remember and follow your tattoo aftercare instructions:
Use texts and emails accordingly. Texts or DMs are better kept shorter, as people typically expect these to be read faster. Meanwhile, emails can be a bit more detailed with items like reference links, images, or diagrams.
Ensure messages are sent to clients on time. It’s best to use your online booking system to auto-send texts and emails, so your messages surely go out even when you’re swamped with other work.
Invite photo replies in every message. It can be something as simply as “If you’re unsure, text us a picture.” That way, clients won’t have to drop by again just for clarifications that can easily be resolved via text or email.
Keep messages as simple as possible. Usimple words and short sentences, no jargon whatsoever. When in doubt, ask yourself: “Do these instructions sound like something I’d say to a friend? If so, would they understand it right away?”
Add a disclaimer that your tattoo aftercare instructions aren’t medical advice. Medications, allergies, and immune conditions may affect how long a client’s tattoo heals. Having such a disclaimer flags sets the right expectation and directs clients to professional medical care when needed.
Also read: Can You Ask a Tattoo Artist To Design a Custom Tattoo for You?
Final Word
Beyond just giving them the tattoo design of their dreams, you also need to guide them through the aftercare so their skin heals safely — and your work keeps looking its best.
Fortunately, you can easily auto-send those tattoo aftercare instructions with Bookedin! Start your 14-day free trial now, set up automated messages (including your templates!), and let Bookedin handle the follow-through.
