Why Budget for Aftercare?

After investing in new ink, it's important to care for the tattoo properly to avoid infection and promote vibrant healing. Ointments keep the skin moisturized, while sterile bandages or wraps protect the area during the first few days. These supplies may seem inexpensive individually, but costs add up over several weeks. Our calculator adds up ointment tubes and daily bandage changes so you know what to expect before leaving the tattoo shop.

Cost Formula

The total aftercare cost is expressed as $C=O\times T+B\times c\times d$, where $O$ is the ointment cost per tube, $T$ is the number of tubes, $B$ is the bandage cost each time, $c$ is the number of changes per day, and $d$ is the healing days. Dividing the total by the number of days gives an average daily expense.

Sample Aftercare Plan

If ointment costs $8 a tube and you use two tubes while changing bandages twice daily for 14 days at fifty cents each, the cost is $8\times 2+0.5\times 2\times 14=36$ dollars. The table shows how altering days or changes affects spending:

Days	Changes/Day	Total Cost
7	2	$22
14	2	$36
21	3	$63

Maintaining Tattoo Vibrancy

Proper aftercare ensures the ink heals evenly and remains bright for years. Artists often suggest fragrance-free products, gentle washing, and avoiding sun exposure. While the calculator focuses on immediate supply costs, factor in sunscreen and touch-up sessions for long-term maintenance. Budgeting early prevents skimping on essentials that could compromise your new art.

Reusable vs Disposable Materials

Some people prefer reusable wraps or silicone sheets instead of disposable bandages. While the upfront price may be higher, reusable materials reduce waste and might save money over multiple tattoos. Experiment with the form inputs to compare total costs under different scenarios before committing to a routine.

Planning Future Tattoos

If you're planning more tattoos, tracking aftercare spending helps you estimate future expenses. Multiply the final total by the number of sessions you expect to book in the coming year. Set aside funds in a dedicated account or envelope to make those appointments stress-free.