How to Look After Your New Tattoo
AFTERCARE
The hardest part’s over. Now it’s about giving your tattoo the best possible start.
What you do in the first few weeks makes a real difference to how it heals and how it looks long-term. Follow these steps and you’ll be in great shape.
The first 24 hours
Your artist will cover the tattoo before you leave. Keep it covered for at least two to four hours, or through the night if you’ve been given a specialist wrap such as Dermalize or second skin.
When you remove it, wash your hands first, then gently take off the covering and clean the area with warm water and a fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Days 2 to 14
- Wash gently two to three times a day with warm water and fragrance-free soap
- Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturiser after each wash. A little goes a long way
- Keep it uncovered and let it breathe where you can. Loose clothing helps
- Some peeling and flaking is completely normal. Leave it alone and let it do its thing
- No baths, swimming, or prolonged soaking until it is fully healed Keep it away from direct sunlight while it heals
What to avoid
- Picking, scratching, or peeling the skin
- Soaking in baths, pools, or open water
- Sun exposure without SPF once fully healed
- Tight clothing rubbing directly on the area
- Heavy exercise that causes excessive sweating over the tattooed skin in the early days
Keeping it looking good long-term
Moisturised skin and sun protection. That’s genuinely all it takes. A good SPF applied over your tattoo before going out in the sun will keep the colours and lines looking crisp for years.
Something feels off?
A little redness and tenderness in the first day or two is normal. But if you notice unexpected swelling, discharge, or anything that doesn’t seem right, get in touch with us or speak to a medical professional straight away. Always better to check.