Aftercare

Your artist will have covered the tattoo before you leave. Leave the dressing on for the time they recommended.

When you remove it, wash gently with lukewarm water and an unscented, mild soap. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Skip the gym, the pub, swimming, and direct sun while the tattoo is fresh.

Wash the tattoo two to three times a day for the first week.

Use only your hand, never a flannel or sponge. Cool to lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap.

Pat dry, never rub.

Once clean and dry, apply a thin layer of an unscented, dermatology-grade moisturiser.

Don't drown it. A thin film is enough.

Aftercare balms sold at the studio are formulated for fresh tattoos. Off-the-shelf alternatives are fine as long as they're unscented and gentle.

Wear loose, clean clothing over the tattoo for the first two weeks.

Avoid anything that rubs against it — tight straps, waistbands, watches.

Use fresh bedding for the first few nights.

Keep the tattoo out of direct sun for at least two weeks. After it's healed, sunscreen on every exposure.

No swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, or baths for two to three weeks. Showers are fine — keep them short and not too hot.

Skip the gym while the skin is open. Sweat and gym surfaces are not friends with a fresh tattoo.

Days 1–4: tender and a bit raised. Light weeping is normal.

Days 5–14: scabbing and flaking. Don't pick at it — let it come off on its own.

Weeks 2–4: the surface looks healed; deeper layers are still settling.

Full healing takes around six to eight weeks for most people.

Picking, scratching, or peeling scabs.

Direct sun, sunbeds, tanning of any kind.

Petroleum-based ointments long-term.

Letting other people touch the fresh tattoo.

Most healing is uneventful. Get in touch if you see anything unusual — significant swelling that doesn't settle, increasing redness or heat after the first few days, or anything that looks infected.

We'd rather hear from you and reassure you than have you worry.