Tattoo Aftercare - A Guide by Aloha Tattoo

Tim Goodrich • May 1, 2024
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Aloha! Welcome to Aloha Tattoo in Waikiki, Oahu—your destination for vibrant and meaningful tattoos. Our studio is committed to delivering not only exceptional art but also ensuring your tattoo heals beautifully and retains its quality.


Tattoo Healing Stages

Most clients go through 5 stages of healing on their skin. Results may vary depending on the person.

  • Day 1 - Inflammation The first day after getting your tattoo, you might notice some redness and swelling. This is a normal part of the healing process as your body begins to heal the inked area.


  • Day 2 to 3 - Ink, Plasma, and Blood Discharge It's normal to see some discharge of ink, plasma, and even a little blood. This is your body clearing out excess fluids and beginning to mend the skin.


  • Day 4 to 6 - Dry, Tight, Skin. During this period, you should start to notice a dry, tight skin that is characteristic of the initial tattoo healing stages. You may also see some skin flaking, which is a good indication that the tattoo is already starting to heal. The redness and soreness should also start to diminish.


  • Day 7 to 14 - More Itching and Scabbing During this period, expect some itching and scabbing as the tattoo heals. It's important not to scratch or peel the scabs to avoid damaging the design and preventing proper healing.


  • Day 15 - Dull and Faded Tattoo Your tattoo may look a bit dull and the colors less vibrant at this stage. This is a normal part of the healing process and the skin recovering.



A tattoo of a snake wrapped around a skull and crossbones

Plan Ahead for Optimal Tattoo Aftercare in Hawaii

When getting tattooed during your Hawaiian vacation, strategic scheduling is key. We recommend booking your tattoo appointment towards the end of your trip to allow 2-4 weeks of proper healing before traveling home. This way, you can fully enjoy beach days, water sports, and sunny activities earlier on without any tattoo restrictions.

Our Recommendation:

• Get tattooed right before departing Hawaii

• Allows healing time before returning home

• No limits on fun in the sun pre-tattoo

If an early vacation tattoo is preferred, take precautions - keep it covered from UV rays, avoid tight clothing, and skip pools/ocean until fully scabbed over. Chat with your artist about ideal timing for your specific trip.

Ready to get Hawaiian ink during your island getaway? Text our booking manager at (808) 400-9943 to begin a consultation and craft the perfect tattoo timeline for your dream vacation.


What to Use for Tattoo Aftercare

Our Recommendation:

  • Lotions for Tattoo Aftercare: Opt for gentle, fragrance-free lotions to keep the area hydrated. Avoid products containing alcohol or perfumes that can irritate the skin.
  • Coconut Oil for Tattoo Aftercare: Coconut oil can be beneficial due to its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. A thin layer can help soothe the tattooed area and prevent dryness.


Keeping your new tattoo properly moisturized is key for healthy healing. When it comes to lotions, stick to gentle, fragrance-free varieties to avoid irritating the tender tattooed skin. Products containing alcohol or perfumes can cause excessive dryness and discomfort, so it's best to steer clear during the healing process. A great natural option is coconut oil - its moisturizing properties help keep the area hydrated while its antibacterial benefits can ward off infection. Just use a thin layer of coconut oil to soothe the tattoo and lock in moisture without oversaturating the skin. Be sure to ask your tattoo artist for their recommended aftercare routine and product suggestions, but these tips should help keep your new ink looking vibrant!


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Things to Avoid During the Healing Process

Our Recommendation:

• Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight to prevent fading from UV exposure

• Avoid submerging the tattoo in water like pools or ocean until fully healed

• Steer clear of tight clothing over tattooed area to minimize irritation

Proper aftercare doesn't stop at just keeping your new tattoo clean and moisturized. There are a few other crucial steps to ensure optimal healing and long-lasting vibrancy. Direct sunlight can cause premature fading, so keep that fresh ink covered or out of the sun's rays. You'll also want to avoid submerging the tattoo in water from pools, hot tubs, the ocean, and the like until it's completely healed over, usually after 2-4 weeks. The chemicals, salt, and bacteria in these waters can lead to infection. Finally, go easy on that new tattoo by steering clear of tight clothing that could rub against and irritate the area. Loose, breathable fabrics are best to allow the skin to properly heal without excessive friction and sweat buildup. Follow these recommendations, and your beautiful body art will stay looking its best for years!

Long-Term Tattoo Aftercare Tips

Our Recommendation:

  • Clean tattoo 2-3x daily with mild soap and lukewarm water
  • Moisturize regularly, especially in dry conditions/after sun
  • Use high-SPF sunscreen when outdoors to prevent fading

Proper tattoo aftercare is essential for allowing your new ink to heal beautifully and stay vibrant for years to come. First and foremost, keep that tattoo clean by gently washing it 2-3 times per day with a fragrance-free mild soap and lukewarm water. Be sure to pat it dry - don't rub.

Moisturizing is also key, so apply a thin, unscented moisturizer regularly, especially if it's dry out or you've had sun exposure that day. 

Speaking of sun, it's one of your fresh tattoo's biggest enemies! UV rays can cause premature fading and blurring of the design. Once your tattoo is fully healed (usually 2-4 weeks), never let it see the light of day without a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Reapply sunscreen faithfully anytime you'll be outdoors for extended periods. With proper cleaning, moisturizing, and sun protection, your tattoo will maintain those vibrant colors for years on end.

Conclusion

Remember, a tattoo is more than just a decoration—it's a lasting memory of your travels. This piece of art will accompany you for life, so it's essential to take good care of it to ensure it remains vibrant for years to come. If you're visiting Hawaii and considering getting your first or next tattoo, Aloha Tattoo is your go-to destination. With top-tier artists known for their exceptional skill, we welcome you at our five locations across Oahu. Whether you find yourself near our studios at the Waikiki Hilton, in Wahiawa, or in Kailua, make your Hawaiian vacation unforgettable. Schedule your free consultation at Aloha Tattoo today and take a piece of the islands home with you.

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Welcome to Aloha Tattoo Company, a celebrated tattoo parlor on Oahu since 1990. With locations in Waikiki, Kailua, and Wahiawa, we've been a part of the community for over 30 years, tattooing generations of locals and visitors alike. Our studios, equipped with modern, hygienic equipment, are staffed by some of Hawaii's most talented and experienced artists. Whether you're seeking a custom tattoo, a piercing, or simply some inspiration, our team is ready to create a unique piece just for you. Visit Aloha Tattoo for a truly memorable and professional tattoo experience.

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About the Author

A man with a lot of tattoos on his arms is wearing a hat and a vans shirt.

Tim Goodrich

Founder Aloha Tattoo

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I'm Tim Goodrich, owner of Aloha Tattoo. My tattooing journey began in the Marines, where I first trained as an artist and developed a deep connection to the craft. After my service, I pursued professional tattooing, drawing on a blend of military discipline and diverse artistic influences. Today, my studios, including our prominent location in the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, offer a wide range of styles from traditional to black and grey tattoos. Each piece we create is more than just ink—it's a reflection of a lifelong dedication to the art, designed to resonate with everyone from Navy personnel to island visitors.

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By Tim Goodrich August 14, 2025
You’ve worked hard, maybe treated yourself to a new car, new clothes, or even a dream trip to Hawaii. But here’s the thing—why roll around in style if you’re still walking around with an old, unwanted tattoo from years ago? At Aloha Tattoo Waikiki – Diamond Head Tower , located inside the iconic Hilton Hawaiian Village , we specialize in cover-up tattoos in Waikiki that erase bad ink and replace it with world-class designs. Whether you’re a visitor looking for the perfect souvenir from Hawaii, stationed on Oahu with the military, or a local ready for an upgrade, we’ll make sure your tattoo is something you can wear with pride. Why People in Waikiki Choose a Cover-Up Tattoo A great tattoo can boost your confidence, improve how you see yourself, and change the way others see you. A bad tattoo has the opposite effect—it can be a daily reminder of a mistake, a past you’ve outgrown, or simply bad workmanship. At Aloha Tattoo Waikiki , our artists have mastered the tattoo cover-up process . We take tattoos you don’t want and transform them into beautiful, custom designs you’ll be proud to show off on Waikiki Beach, at a luau, or anywhere else life takes you. Whether your old tattoo is: Faded and outdated Poorly executed by another artist A design you no longer connect with Something that never should have been there in the first place …we can make it disappear. What Makes Aloha Tattoo Waikiki – Diamond Head Tower Different? There’s no shortage of tattoo shops in Waikiki , but we’ve built our reputation as the best tattoo shop in Waikiki by delivering unmatched cover-up results. Here’s why we stand out: 1. Master Cover-Up Artists Our team includes some of the top cover-up tattoo artists in Hawaii , each with years of experience creating seamless, professional transformations. 2. Custom, Client-Focused Design We don’t just cover the old tattoo—we design something you’ll love for life, built around your personal style, skin tone, and placement. 3. Location, Location, Location We’re inside the Hilton Hawaiian Village , steps away from Waikiki Beach. Whether you’re staying at the resort or nearby, you can get your tattoo done in a clean, professional studio known worldwide. 4. Payment Plans That Make It Easy We offer tattoo payment plans in Waikiki through Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay. Start your tattoo today, pay later. No credit check, no stress. The Cover-Up Tattoo Process at Aloha Tattoo Waikiki Here’s how we take your old tattoo and turn it into something you’ll love: Step 1 – Free Consultation Bring your unwanted tattoo to us. We’ll examine the size, color, and placement, then talk about the styles and ideas you’d like for your new piece. Step 2 – Custom Design Our artist creates a custom design that completely hides your old tattoo while incorporating your vision. Step 3 – Precision Tattooing We apply your new tattoo using professional techniques, advanced shading, and expert color placement so the old ink disappears. Step 4 – Aftercare Support We guide you through healing to ensure your tattoo stays vibrant for years to come. Why Waikiki Tourists Love Our Tattoo Shop If you’re visiting Hawaii, getting a tattoo in Waikiki is a one-of-a-kind experience. Here’s why travelers book with us: Convenience – Located in the Hilton Hawaiian Village resort, we’re close to hotels, shopping, and restaurants. Memorable Souvenir – Forget the T-shirt—take home a tattoo that lasts forever. Trusted Quality – With 5-star reviews and decades of combined experience, we’re the shop vacationers trust. Payment Flexibility – Vacation budgets can be tight. Our payment plans let you get your dream tattoo now and spread out the cost. Military Clients – Why Service Members Choose Aloha Tattoo Stationed on Oahu? We’ve worked with thousands of service members from Schofield Barracks , Wheeler Army Airfield , Pearl Harbor , and Marine Corps Base Hawaii . Military clients choose us because: We understand military schedules and time constraints. We offer large-scale work and detailed custom designs. We make it affordable with military tattoo payment plans . Before & After – The Power of a Professional Cover-Up Before: Old, faded tattoo with uneven lines and poor color saturation. After: Vibrant, perfectly shaded design that matches your style today. Our before-and-after results speak for themselves. Every cover-up we do is built to last—and designed so no one will ever know what was underneath. Tattoo Payment Plans – No Excuse to Wait Why put off your cover-up when you could start today? At Aloha Tattoo Waikiki – Diamond Head Tower , we make it easy with: Klarna – Flexible installments Affirm – No hidden fees Afterpay – Pay over time with no credit check You get your new tattoo now, and pay for it later while enjoying it every day. Visit Aloha Tattoo Waikiki – Diamond Head Tower Today Whether you’re replacing old ink, upgrading your look, or getting your first tattoo, there’s no better place in Hawaii to do it. 📍 Location: Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki, Oahu 💡 Specialty: Tattoo Cover-Ups, Custom Tattoos, Polynesian, Japanese, Traditional, Fine Line 💳 Payment Options: Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay Why We’re #1 for Tattoo Cover-Ups in Waikiki Best location in Waikiki for convenience and visibility. Award-winning artists with decades of experience. High sanitation standards and professional atmosphere. SEO-proof online presence so clients find us first. Don’t let old ink hold you back. Visit Aloha Tattoo Waikiki – Diamond Head Tower today and see why we’re the top-rated destination for cover-up tattoos in Waikiki . Upgrade your tattoo. Upgrade your confidence. Upgrade your life.
Hawaii inspired tattoo by Aloha Tattoo of hula girl playing an ukulele.
By Tim Goodrich August 7, 2025
Whether you’re stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH Kaneohe) , sailing in from Pearl Harbor, or living right here in beautiful Kailua , there’s one place you can count on for authentic traditional tattoos — Aloha Tattoo Kailua . Known for our bold lines, classic flash, and real-deal island style, we’re proud to be the most trusted tattoo shop on the windward side of Oʻahu . 🪖 Marines & Sailors Love Us—for Good Reason Marines and Sailors stationed on Oʻahu know where to go when it’s time to get inked. Aloha Tattoo Kailua is just minutes from base and serves hundreds of active-duty service members every year. Whether you're getting your first piece or adding to your collection, our artists specialize in American traditional tattoos , pin-up girl tattoos , Hawaiian hula girl tattoos , and classic Sailor Jerry-style tattoos —the kind of artwork that has always been part of military culture. Searching for: traditional tattoo Kailua pin up hula girl tattoo Hawaii MCBH tattoo shop near me best traditional tattoo shop Oahu tattoo shop near marine base Hawaii You’ll find Aloha Tattoo Kailua ranking high because we deliver exactly what you’re looking for: timeless art, military respect, and professional service. 🏝 Local Kailua Residents Know: This Is Where You Go We’re not just a tattoo shop near the base—we’re part of the Kailua community . Locals love our welcoming vibe, skilled artists, and ability to turn any idea into a clean, bold, custom tattoo . Whether it’s a traditional flash tattoo , a Hawaiian pinup girl , or a Polynesian tribal piece , we take pride in creating tattoos that honor culture, history, and style. If you’ve searched: tattoo shop near me in Kailua best tattoo artists Kailua Hawaiian traditional tattoo windward side Kailua tattoo walk-ins fine line tattoo Kailua You’re already seeing us in the results—and when you walk in the door, you’ll see why. 💳 Tattoo Now. Pay Later. We understand tattoos are an investment—and we want to make sure you can get the tattoo you really want without financial stress. That’s why we now offer flexible tattoo financing through Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay . You can: Start your tattoo with just $300 down Get approved for up to $30,000 in financing Split your payments into 4 interest-free installments or choose low monthly plans Apply with no hard credit pull Whether you’re planning a full sleeve , a large back piece , or a walk-in traditional hula girl tattoo , our payment partners make it easy to get started today and pay over time. 🎯 Why Aloha Tattoo Kailua? Located in the heart of Kailua town Walk-ins welcome daily Experts in Sailor Jerry tattoos , pin-up girls , bold Americana , and Polynesian art Trusted by Marines, Sailors, and locals alike Now offering tattoo financing with Klarna, Affirm, and Afterpay. 🌊 Come Get a Tattoo That Means Something When you're looking for traditional tattoo shops near MCBH , or want a hula girl tattoo in Kailua that feels like a modern classic, come to the place that’s been keeping the windward side inked up for decades. Aloha Tattoo Kailua is where art, history, and local culture meet. Walk in or book now. Get your tattoo today. Pay later—with Aloha.
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Well… I was there. I ain’t one for tall tales or temple stories, but I saw it with my own two eyes—right out past the rice terraces where the bamboo grows thick, where the mountain wind howls like it’s got a score to settle. They said the Tiger was comin’ down from the hills. A real brute. Golden eyes, jaws like a vice. Called himself king of beasts. He was fast, proud, and mean. Meaner than a snake in a wheelbarrow. And the Ox? He wasn’t fast. He wasn’t flashy. Just stood there in the field, hooves sunk in the mud, eyes like stone. Carried the world on his back every day and never asked for applause. But that Tiger wanted something. Wanted the respect the Ox had… the kind you can’t steal — only earn. The sun was high. The villagers scattered. The earth trembled with every step the Tiger took. He roared loud enough to make the birds fall outta the trees. The Ox didn’t flinch. Tiger circled him, lips curled back. He lunged. Claws out. Fast as lightning. But the Ox… he didn’t even bother with speed. Just lowered his head, turned his body, and took the hit like a stone wall. Then he shifted… slow, steady… and drove his horns right into the Tiger’s ribs. The Tiger shrieked. Blood in his teeth. He went again, three more times, each time faster, slashing, biting. The Ox? Never blinked. He bled, sure. But he stood taller. Then came the finish. Ox planted one hoof square in the center of that striped chest and drove the Tiger to the dirt. Hard. Final. He didn’t gloat. He didn’t roar. He just stood over the broken beast, steam rising off his back, breath calm as a monk’s prayer. I lit a smoke, spat in the dust, and said: “That… is why strength without pride always wins.” You don’t mess with a creature that suffers every day and shows up anyway. That Tiger never came back. And the Ox? Still out there. Still plowin’. This tiger never actually showed up. It sent others to suffer its inevitable fate. The OX always shows up.
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