Tattoo Aftercare

Important

Your artist may give you specific aftercare instructions tailored to your tattoo. If their advice differs from the general guidance below, always follow your artist's instructions first. Every tattoo is different and your artist knows what's best for your particular piece.

• Leave the wrap on — Keep the protective wrap or second skin your artist applied for the duration they recommended (typically 2–4 hours for cling film, or up to 24–48 hours for second skin/Saniderm).
• Wash gently — Once you remove the wrap, wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a small amount of fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Use clean hands only — never a flannel or sponge.
• Pat dry — Gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel. Do not rub. Allow the tattoo to air dry for 10–15 minutes before applying any cream.
• Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream — Use a recommended tattoo aftercare balm or a fragrance-free moisturiser such as Hustle Butter, Bepanthen (fragrance-free), or coconut oil. Apply a very thin layer — less is more.
• Wear loose clothing — Avoid tight or abrasive fabrics over the tattooed area. Clean, loose-fitting clothing helps prevent irritation.

• Wash 2–3 times daily — Continue washing your tattoo gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Keep it clean but don't over-wash.
• Moisturise regularly — Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream after each wash and whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight. Keep the skin hydrated but not suffocated.
• Expect peeling and flaking — Around days 3–7, your tattoo will begin to peel and flake. This is completely normal and part of the healing process. The flakes may contain colour — this is surface ink and is expected.
• Do not pick, scratch, or peel — No matter how itchy it gets, do not pick at peeling skin or scratch the tattoo. This can pull ink out and cause patchy healing. If it itches, gently tap or slap the area instead.
• Avoid soaking — Short showers are fine, but do not soak the tattoo in baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, or the sea. Submerging a healing tattoo can cause infection and damage.

• Continue moisturising — The surface may look healed, but the deeper layers of skin are still recovering. Keep the area moisturised to support the healing process.
• Protect from the sun — UV exposure is the number one enemy of tattoo longevity. Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight during healing. Once fully healed, always apply a high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50) to your tattoo when exposed to the sun.
• The "cloudy" phase — Around weeks 2–3, your tattoo may look slightly dull or cloudy beneath a thin layer of new skin. This is normal. The full vibrancy and sharpness will return once the skin has completely regenerated.
• Full healing — Most tattoos are fully healed within 4–6 weeks. Larger and more complex pieces may take slightly longer. Be patient and continue caring for the area.

Some redness, swelling, and tenderness in the first few days is perfectly normal. However, please get in touch with your artist or contact us if you experience any of the following:

• »Excessive or increasing redness, swelling, or warmth after the first few days
• »Pus or discharge that is yellow, green, or foul-smelling
• »Red streaks spreading from the tattoo
• »Fever or feeling unwell
• »Severe or prolonged pain beyond the first couple of days
• »A raised, bumpy rash or allergic reaction

If you have any concerns at all, don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. We're always happy to help and would rather you ask than worry. If symptoms are severe, seek medical advice from your GP or NHS 111.