Aftercare
Looking after your tattoo properly helps it heal cleanly and keeps the lines crisp. If anything here
conflicts with what your artist told you on the day, follow your artist’s instructions.
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Initial Care (First Few Days)
- Remove bandage: Take off the cling film after a few hours (2–3) or as advised by your artist to let skin breathe. If you have a modern breathable film (e.g., Saniderm), follow the specific instructions for that product.
- Wash gently: Wash hands thoroughly, then gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap using clean hands (no washcloths) to remove plasma/ink.
- Pat dry: Pat dry with clean paper towels or let air dry. Avoid rubbing.
- Moisturize lightly: Apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free lotion or tattoo ointment. Avoid petroleum-based products.
Less is more: over-moisturising can keep the skin too wet and slow healing.
Ongoing Care (Weeks 2–4+)
- Wash & moisturize: Continue washing and moisturizing 2–3 times a day. Once scabbing subsides, switch to a gentle, unscented lotion.
- Avoid sun: Keep the tattoo completely out of direct sunlight while healing. Once healed, use high SPF sunscreen or keep it covered.
- No soaking: Avoid baths, pools, hot tubs, and the ocean until fully healed.
- No scrubbing/picking: Don’t use exfoliants, scratch, or pick at scabs. This can cause ink loss and scarring.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support healthy skin healing.
- Listen to your artist: Always follow your specific aftercare guidance as it may be tailored to your tattoo and placement.
What’s normal?
Mild redness, warmth, tenderness, light swelling, flaking, and itching can be part of normal healing.
Keep it clean, don’t pick, and moisturize lightly.
When to get advice
If you notice increasing redness spreading outward, worsening swelling, thick pus/discharge, fever,
severe pain, or a hot area that keeps getting worse, contact your artist and seek medical advice.
Quick reminders
- Clean hands before touching your tattoo.
- Fresh bedding and clean clothing help avoid irritation.
- Loose clothing is your friend. Tight fabrics can rub and trap moisture.
