Jamie Rivera
June 29, 2025
Getting a tattoo is just the start - proper aftercare is critical to ensure your tattoo heals well and looks its best. Clear, consistent instructions help clients avoid issues like infections or poor healing. However, busy tattoo artists often struggle to provide detailed guidance for every client. Pre-designed aftercare message templates solve this by offering ready-to-use instructions for texts, emails, or social media, ensuring every client gets the same reliable care advice.
Key points covered in this guide:
These templates and tips make aftercare communication simple and stress-free, letting you focus on your art while clients get the guidance they need.
Aftercare messages should give clients clear, easy-to-follow instructions for cleaning and maintaining their tattoos. Here’s what to include for both immediate and ongoing care.
The first day is crucial for proper healing. Advise clients to gently wash their tattoo using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap. They should use clean hands to massage the area gently - no washcloths or scrubbing allowed. After washing, they should pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel, let it air dry for about 10 minutes, and then apply a thin layer of a tattoo-friendly moisturizer. Recommend products with ingredients like cocoa butter, shea butter, jojoba oil, or aloe vera, and caution against using petroleum-based products.
Ongoing care is essential to keep the tattoo looking great and avoid infections. Remind clients to always wash their hands before touching their tattoo. Cleaning the area 1–2 times a day is enough; over-washing can irritate the skin. After cleaning, they should pat the area dry, wait 10 minutes, and reapply moisturizer. Let them know that healing times vary - smaller tattoos may take two to three weeks, while larger or more detailed designs could take up to three months to fully heal. These instructions provide a solid framework for consistent aftercare advice in every client interaction.
These pre-made templates are designed to save you time while ensuring every client gets clear, professional aftercare instructions. Just copy, tweak as needed, and send them off. You can also pair these templates with Studioflo's AI to simplify your post-tattoo communication process.
Text messages are perfect for quick reminders and essential care tips. Keep them short and to the point so clients are more likely to read and follow them.
Basic Aftercare Text Template:
"Hi [Client Name]! Your new tattoo looks amazing. Wash it gently with antibacterial soap 1-2 times a day, pat dry, wait 10 minutes, and then apply a thin layer of [recommended moisturizer]. Avoid soaking, direct sunlight, and tight clothing. Got questions? Text us anytime! - [Studio Name]"
24-Hour Follow-Up Text:
"Hey [Client Name]! How's your tattoo feeling today? Remember to keep it clean and moisturized. If you haven't already, remove the bandage after 2-4 hours. A bit of redness and swelling is normal. If you're worried, call us at [phone]. - [Studio Name]"
Week 1 Check-In Text:
"Hi [Client Name]! By now, your tattoo might be starting to peel - this is totally normal! Avoid picking at it. Keep moisturizing and stay out of the sun. It's looking great! Questions? Let us know. - [Studio Name]"
Emails are great for providing more detailed aftercare instructions. They can include additional resources like links or attachments, making them ideal for clients to refer back to during the healing process.
Complete Aftercare Email Template:
Subject: Your Tattoo Aftercare Instructions - [Studio Name]
"Dear [Client Name],
Thank you for choosing [Studio Name]! Follow these steps to help your tattoo heal beautifully:
First 24 Hours:
Daily Care (Weeks 1-3):
Avoid During Healing:
When to Contact Us:
Your tattoo should heal completely in 2-4 weeks, depending on its size and placement. We're here to assist you throughout the process!
Questions? Reply to this email or call us at [phone number].
Best regards,
[Artist Name]
[Studio Name]
[Contact Information]"
Follow-Up Email Template (Week 2):
Subject: How's Your Tattoo Healing? - [Studio Name]
"Hi [Client Name],
We’re checking in to see how your tattoo is coming along! By now, you may notice some peeling and itching - both are normal parts of the healing process.
Week 2 Tips:
If everything looks good, you’re on the right track! Your tattoo should be feeling less tender and settling nicely.
Still have questions? We’re always here to help.
Thanks again for trusting us with your tattoo!
[Artist Name]
[Studio Name]"
Social media messages should be friendly, concise, and easy to understand. These templates are great for platforms like Instagram or Facebook, where quick communication is key.
Instagram DM Aftercare Template:
"Hey [Client Name]! Thanks for getting tattooed with us today - your new ink looks fantastic! Here’s what you need to know:
Healing takes 2-4 weeks. Some peeling is normal - don’t pick at it!
Questions? DM us anytime or call [phone]. We can’t wait to see how it heals!
#TattooAftercare #[StudioName] #FreshInk"
Facebook Message Template:
"Hi [Client Name]! Thank you for choosing [Studio Name].
Here’s a quick aftercare recap:
A bit of redness, swelling, and peeling over the next few weeks is normal.
Need help? We’re just a message away!"
Social Media Story Follow-Up Template:
"Aftercare reminder for our clients!
For detailed instructions and product recommendations, check the link in our bio or DM us directly!
#TattooAftercare #TattooHealing #[StudioName]"
These templates are a great starting point for creating personalized aftercare messages that align with your studio’s approach. Next, we’ll dive into how to adjust these templates for specific tattoo types and studio policies, using Studioflo’s AI-driven tools to make it all even easier.
Basic templates are a great starting point, but adding a personal touch can significantly improve client care while showcasing your studio's professional branding. Customizing aftercare templates ensures clients get the right guidance for their tattoos and highlights your studio's dedication to quality.
Not all tattoos heal the same way, so your follow-up instructions should reflect these differences. For instance, smaller tattoos, like a wrist piece, typically heal faster than larger works, such as a full sleeve. Adjust your follow-up timeline accordingly and remind clients with larger tattoos to be patient as their piece heals.
Color tattoos often need more attention than black and gray designs. Make sure your templates include tips for preserving color, such as: "Avoid direct sunlight for the first 4–6 weeks to minimize fading."
Placement matters, too. Tattoos on hands and feet require special care compared to back or arm pieces. For hand tattoos, include reminders about frequent hand washing and regular moisturizing. For foot tattoos, advise clients to avoid tight shoes and walking on dirty surfaces to prevent irritation or infection.
Fine line and delicate tattoos demand even gentler care. Update your templates to stress mild cleaning methods and warn against over-moisturizing, which can blur the finer details during healing.
Once you’ve tailored the instructions to the specific tattoo, don’t forget to incorporate your studio’s policies for a fully branded and professional communication.
Clearly outlining your studio’s policies in aftercare messages can reinforce trust and professionalism. Mention perks like complimentary touch-ups or provide clear hours for client inquiries. If your studio offers specific aftercare products, highlight them in your instructions. For example: "Apply a thin layer of our recommended aftercare product" or "Use the protective bandage system provided by our studio as directed."
You can also include details about pricing, appointment policies, or referral programs to encourage long-term client relationships. For studios with emergency protocols, such as partnerships with local urgent care facilities or an on-call artist, include those specifics to provide clients with peace of mind.
To make these customizations easier, consider using technology to personalize messages effortlessly.
Studioflo's AI can help you create highly personalized messages by using client appointment details and adapting the tone to match their preferences. The system auto-populates client-specific information, ensuring each message feels tailored and accurate.
With its automated scheduling and calendar integration, Studioflo can send timely follow-ups without you needing to track each client manually. For larger tattoos, the system can schedule more frequent updates over a longer period, while smaller tattoos might follow a shorter timeline.
Studioflo’s integration with your booking calendar also allows it to pull in details like the appointment date, the artist’s name, and notes from pre-session consultations. This makes every message feel personal and intentional, rather than automated.
Striking the right balance between efficiency and personalization is key. Start with basic templates and gradually add your studio’s unique elements to create a polished and customized experience for your clients.
Keeping thorough documentation is crucial for protecting your studio and ensuring the well-being of your clients. Detailed records of client interactions and aftercare instructions not only help resolve potential disputes but also support compliance during regulatory reviews. This aligns perfectly with a strategy that emphasizes clear and automated aftercare communication.
Using digital tools to document aftercare instructions ensures reliability and accessibility.
Storing these records in secure cloud-based systems with automatic backups ensures easy access and retrieval when needed. This approach complements automated systems, reinforcing consistency and reliability in client care.
The method you choose for delivering aftercare instructions directly impacts both documentation and the client experience. Here's a comparison:
| Aspect | Manual Delivery | Automated Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Varies depending on staff workload | Delivers uniform instructions every time |
| Documentation | Requires manual logging | Automatically logs with timestamps |
| Timing | Depends on staff availability | Scheduled for consistent intervals |
| Legal Safety | Prone to inconsistencies | Provides a complete audit trail |
| Client Experience | May feel rushed during busy periods | Ensures professional, timely communication |
| Staff Workload | Adds administrative tasks | Reduces manual follow-ups |
| Compliance Risk | Higher due to human error | Lower risk with systematic automation |
| Cost Over Time | Ongoing labor costs | Initial setup cost with long-term savings |
Manual delivery often leaves room for errors, such as missed follow-ups or misplaced records. Automated systems address these challenges by creating a comprehensive log of every interaction, including delivery confirmations, read receipts, and client responses.
Studioflo's automated aftercare system simplifies this process by maintaining a permanent record of every client interaction. It tracks when instructions are sent, monitors client engagement, and organizes searchable records. Digital consent forms are seamlessly integrated, creating a complete client history. This ensures consistency while allowing for personalized adjustments based on tattoo type or client needs, with all changes automatically documented.
For studios handling a large client base, automated systems are invaluable. They streamline record-keeping, reduce compliance risks, and free up time for what matters most - your artistry.
How you communicate aftercare instructions plays a big role in your clients’ healing process and your studio's reputation. Clear and consistent guidance helps avoid complications, reduces follow-up questions, and builds trust - trust that can lead to glowing referrals and loyal, repeat clients.
The templates in this article are designed to make communication effortless across all platforms. Whether it’s a quick text reminder or a detailed email, these pre-written messages save you time while ensuring your clients get the information they need without starting from scratch.
Automation takes aftercare communication to the next level. Tools like Studioflo handle personalized instructions and offer immediate Athena AI support, making sure every client gets timely, accurate guidance. This not only improves the client experience but also reinforces your studio’s professional image.
Don’t wait to implement these templates, even if you're currently managing aftercare manually. Tailor the language to reflect your studio's personality, include your specific policies, and adjust timing to meet client needs. As your business expands, automated systems like Studioflo can ensure every client consistently receives top-notch care without adding extra work to your plate.
When giving aftercare instructions for tattoos, it's important to consider the design, size, and placement. Tattoos in sensitive spots like the ribs or inner arms often need gentler cleaning and moisturizing. On the other hand, larger or highly detailed tattoos might take longer to heal and may require more consistent care.
Pay special attention to tattoos in areas with a lot of movement, such as elbows or knees. These spots are more prone to irritation or damage during the healing process, so extra care is essential. By tailoring your advice to the specific needs of each tattoo, you can help ensure proper healing and a satisfied client.
Using Studioflo to send tattoo aftercare instructions comes with some clear advantages. First, it saves you time by automating the process of delivering messages. This ensures that every client gets the same consistent, accurate instructions, eliminating the chance of human error. Your clients will always have reliable aftercare guidance at their fingertips.
On top of that, tools like Studioflo can help boost client adherence to aftercare routines, which often leads to better healing and happier clients. By simplifying communication, Studioflo not only helps improve results but also strengthens your studio's reputation and builds trust with clients. It's a smart addition to any tattoo business.
If you experience severe swelling, pus, red streaks, or a fever, these may indicate an infection that requires immediate medical attention. Contact a healthcare professional promptly to receive the appropriate care and prevent further issues.
For less urgent concerns or questions, your tattoo artist can often provide helpful advice. However, don’t hesitate to seek medical assistance if the symptoms appear serious.
Studioflo has everything you need to find more quality clients, deliver a great experience, and build a successful tattoo business - all on autopilot.
