Tattoo Aftercare Instructions: Message Templates

The aftercare message is one of the most important things you send a client after a session. Most of the healing is in the client's hands, and much of what you say at the door is forgotten within a few hours. Sending written tattoo aftercare instructions helps the tattoo heal well and cuts down on "is this normal?" messages. This guide covers what aftercare instructions should include and gives you templates for different points in the healing process.

Aftercare methods differ from artist to artist and depend on the products used. Adjust the steps in these templates to your own method and the products you recommend. If there are signs of infection or anything unexpected, always point the client to a doctor.

Why send aftercare in writing?

After a session, clients are tired and excited and may not remember everything you said.
Written instructions are a reference against conflicting advice from friends and family.
If a problem comes up during healing, it is clear which instructions were given.
It looks professional and keeps the client in touch with you.

What good tattoo aftercare instructions include

When to remove the wrap or film: A clear time based on your method.
Cleaning: How often, with what and how to wash.
Moisturizing: Which product, how much and how often.
What to avoid: Scratching, picking scabs, pools, the sea, saunas, direct sun.
What is normal: Redness, mild swelling, flaking, itching.
When to get in touch: Contacting you or a doctor if something unexpected happens.
Touch-up info: Your touch-up policy and when they can come in for a check.

Template 1: Aftercare message as they leave the studio

This message should be on the client's phone the moment they walk out. Short, but complete.

Hi Chloe, great session today, thank you! Here's how to look after your new tattoo:

Remove the wrap after 3 hours.
Wash your hands, then gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and unscented soap and pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
Apply a thin layer of the cream I recommended and wipe off any excess.
Repeat washing and moisturizing 2 to 3 times a day.
Stay away from pools, the sea, saunas and direct sun for the first two weeks.
Even if it itches, don't scratch and don't pick at any scabs.

If anything worries you, message me here anytime.

Wrap time and cream depend on your method, so update the times and product names to match how you work. Putting each step on its own line makes the message easier to read in WhatsApp.

Template 2: Next-day check-in

Morning Chloe, how's the tattoo doing? Some redness, warmth and swelling on the first day is normal. Keep washing and moisturizing. I'm here if you have any questions.

Template 3: Peeling stage reminder

After a few days, itching and flaking start. This is when clients worry most.

Hi Chloe, around now your tattoo may start to flake and itch. That's a normal part of healing. Please don't pick at it; if it itches, gently pat it instead of scratching. Keep moisturizing, but don't overdo the cream.

Template 4: After healing and touch-up

Hi Chloe, your tattoo was done about a month ago, and I hope it has healed nicely. Send me a photo and I'll take a look. If any spot needs a touch-up, let's find a day that works. And remember to protect it from the sun.

Template 5: Replying to a worried client

When a client sends a worried message, a calm reply and, if needed, a referral to a doctor matter.

Thanks for sending the photo. From what I can see, the redness looks normal for the first days of healing. If you notice increasing pain, redness that spreads, discharge or a fever, please see a doctor without waiting. I'd appreciate it if you keep me posted.

How to share your aftercare guide

You can offer aftercare in several ways:

WhatsApp message: The fastest option, and the client can reach it anytime.
Printed card: To hand over as they leave.
Instagram highlights: A general guide every client can find.
Part of the info form: An aftercare section in the form you send before the session. For what the form should contain, see our guide to the tattoo consent form.

Using them together works best: a written message as they leave, and highlights to look back at later.

Sending aftercare in one tap

Typing the same long message after every session, or copying it from your notes, takes time and gets skipped on busy days. In Tattoo Artist Books you can send your aftercare guide to the client over WhatsApp in one tap; the message opens ready with the client's number. A follow-up notification that reminds you of healing and touch-up timing is coming soon. Until then, note the session date on the client card and track touch-up timing yourself; see the tips in our article on tattoo client management.

Get the tone right

The tone of the aftercare message matters as much as the content. A long text full of warnings can make clients anxious for no reason; a very short, casual one may not be taken seriously. A few tips:

Use short sentences: One sentence per step.
Number the steps: Ordered steps are easier to follow.
Lead with what to do, then what to avoid: The message should not open like a list of rules.
Say clearly what is normal: Knowing that redness, flaking and itching are part of healing reassures clients.
Show you are reachable: Clients should not feel shy about asking.

Aftercare for traveling clients

Tourists and clients on a trip need the sea and sun warnings stressed in particular, since they are often heading to the beach. Talking about the session date in relation to their travel plans beforehand also helps healing go smoothly. If the client does not speak your language well, send the aftercare in a language they understand; Tattoo Artist Books supports 8 languages.

Keep your aftercare guide up to date

When you change your product or wrapping method, update your aftercare message right away. If old instructions and your new method clash, clients will not know which to follow. Reviewing your templates a few times a year is a good habit.

Wrapping up

Tattoo aftercare instructions are a habit that keeps your work looking good long after the client leaves the studio. Send a clear, short guide as they walk out, check in briefly during the first days, leave the door open for a touch-up after healing and point the client to a doctor if anything unexpected happens. This routine protects the quality of your work and makes clients more likely to come back.