Aftercare
Simple, general guidance for looking after your work while it heals. Always follow the specific instructions your artist gives you — they know your treatment best.
Tattoo aftercare
A new tattoo is an open wound, so gentle, consistent care over the first few weeks helps it heal cleanly. These are general guidelines — always follow the specific instructions your artist gave you.
The first 24 hours
- Leave the covering your artist applied in place for as long as they advise — often a few hours, or longer for an adhesive healing wrap.
- Wash your hands, then gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel — do not rub.
- Apply only a thin layer of a fragrance-free healing ointment or moisturiser, and only if your artist recommends it. More is not better — the skin needs to breathe.
- Do not soak, scrub, or re-cover the tattoo unless your artist told you to.
While it heals (about 2 to 4 weeks)
- Wash the tattoo gently once or twice a day and keep it lightly moisturised with a fragrance-free product.
- Let any scabs or flaking fall away on their own. Never pick, scratch, or peel them — this can pull out ink and cause scarring.
- Wear loose, clean clothing over the area and change your bedding regularly.
- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, saunas, and soaking the tattoo until it is fully healed. Showers are fine.
- Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight and do not use tanning beds while it heals.
Long-term care
- Once healed, protect the tattoo from the sun with clothing or a broad-spectrum sunscreen to keep the colours from fading.
- Keep your skin moisturised — well-hydrated skin keeps a tattoo looking its best for years.
When to seek professional advice
- Spreading redness, swelling, warmth, or pain that gets worse rather than better after the first few days.
- Pus, a bad smell, or fluid draining from the tattoo.
- A fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell.
- A rash, hives, or intense itching that could signal an allergic reaction.
If you are worried about how your tattoo is healing, contact your artist and speak to a doctor or other licensed healthcare professional. This page is not a substitute for medical care.
This information is general guidance only and is not medical advice. Healing varies from person to person. If you have any health concerns, please consult your artist or a licensed healthcare professional.