5 Texts Your Client Will Send After a Tattoo (and What to Reply)
Quick answer
Most aftercare texts artists get in the first month are about normal healing: weeping in the first couple of days, an ink sack under the film, the peel, and the cloudy milk scab in weeks two to four. Reassure, give one clear instruction, and ask for a photo. The exception is redness that spreads, pus, increasing pain or a fever, which can mean infection. For that one, tell the client to see a doctor. A written aftercare sheet, a day-one text and a week-six check-in head off most of these questions.
Every artist knows the 2 a.m. text. A client who loved their tattoo at the shop is now staring at it in the bathroom mirror, sure something has gone wrong.
In our experience, almost all of those texts come down to the same five questions. Here's what the client is actually seeing, and a reply you can send in ten seconds. Change the wording to match your own aftercare instructions, and send your shop's written sheet with it.
1. "Is it supposed to be leaking?" (days 0–2)
What they're seeing: clear, sticky plasma and a little excess ink weeping from fresh skin. That's normal in the first day or two2.
Reply: "Totally normal for the first couple of days. Keep it clean and follow your sheet. Send me a pic if it's cloudy, yellow or smells."
2. "There's a bubble under my bandage." (days 1–3)
What they're seeing: fluid and ink collecting under a film into a dark pocket, often called an ink sack. It's normal as long as the seal holds3.
Reply: "That's plasma and ink, and it's normal. If it's sealed, leave it. If it leaks, take it off under warm water and put on a fresh piece."
3. "It's peeling. Did I ruin it?" (days 4–14)
What they're seeing: the peel. The surface flakes like a sunburn and itches, and the flakes can be tinted with ink2.
Reply: "You didn't ruin it, that's the peel. Don't pick or scratch, keep lotion thin, and let the flakes fall off on their own."
4. "It looks faded. Is it gone?" (weeks 2–4)
What they're seeing: the milk scab, a cloudy layer of new skin over the ink that clears as it settles2.
Reply: "That's the milk scab, and it clears up. Give it until about week six, then send me a pic and we'll talk touch-ups if it needs one."
5. "It's red, hot and getting worse." (any time)
What they're seeing: possibly an infection. Some redness and warmth in the first few days is normal, but redness that spreads, pus, increasing pain or a fever is not1. This is the one not to talk them through.
Reply: "That's not part of normal healing. Please see a doctor today, and send me a pic so I know how you're doing."
The five texts at a glance
| When | They text | What it is | Your reply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 0–2 | "Is it supposed to be leaking?" | Weeping plasma and ink | Normal. Watch for cloudy, yellow or smelly |
| Days 1–3 | "There's a bubble under my bandage" | The ink sack | Sealed? Leave it. Leaking? Fresh piece |
| Days 4–14 | "It's peeling. Did I ruin it?" | The peel | Normal. Don't pick, keep lotion thin |
| Weeks 2–4 | "It looks faded" | The milk scab | Clears up. Judge at week six |
| Any time | "It's red, hot and getting worse" | Possible infection | See a doctor today |
Send the aftercare sheet before they ask
Most of these texts are about normal healing, which means you can answer them before they're sent. Three habits head most of them off:
- A written aftercare sheet that goes home with every client, so they're not trying to remember your instructions at 2 a.m. See 5 Questions to Ask Before You Book a Tattoo.
- A day-one text that tells them what to expect.
- A week-six check-in for photos and touch-ups.
Day-one text: "Thanks for coming in! Here's what to expect: some leaking for a day or two, peeling around day four, and a cloudy look in weeks two to four. All normal. Text me a pic anytime, and see a doctor if redness spreads or you get a fever."
Week-six check-in: "Hey! It's been about six weeks. How's it looking? Send me a photo in daylight and we'll see if it needs a touch-up."
For your clients, 5 Things That Look Wrong While Your Tattoo Heals (But Aren't) covers the same stages from their side.
FAQ
What should I tell a client whose new tattoo is leaking?
That clear, sticky fluid and a little excess ink in the first day or two is normal. Tell them to keep it clean, follow the aftercare sheet, and send a photo if the fluid looks cloudy or yellow or smells.
What is an ink sack under a tattoo bandage?
A pocket of plasma and ink that collects under a film in the first few days. If the seal holds, leave it. If it leaks, the film should come off under warm running water and be replaced with a fresh piece.
Is it normal for a new tattoo to look faded?
In weeks two to four, yes. That cloudy look is the milk scab, a layer of new skin over the ink. Judge the tattoo after about six weeks.
When should a tattoo client see a doctor?
If redness spreads, there's pus, the pain is increasing instead of easing, or they have a fever. Those can be signs of infection and need a doctor, not a text-message fix.
How can tattoo artists cut down on aftercare texts?
Send every client home with a written aftercare sheet, text them on day one with what to expect, and check in around week six for photos and touch-ups.