A new tattoo is an open wound for the first few days. Look after it well and it will stay sharp for years. Always follow the specific instructions your artist gives you — they know your skin and the work that was done.
The first day
- Keep the dressing on for as long as your artist advises.
- Wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
- Remove the dressing gently, then wash the area with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel — don’t rub, and don’t use a shared cloth towel.
The next two to four weeks
- Wash gently two or three times a day and apply a thin layer of the aftercare cream your artist recommends. A thin layer is enough — the skin needs to breathe.
- Some peeling, flaking and itching is normal. Don’t pick, scratch or peel — let it come away on its own.
- Avoid swimming pools, the sea, bathtubs, saunas and steam rooms until the skin has fully healed.
- Keep the tattoo out of direct sun, and wear loose, clean clothing over it.
- Go easy on workouts that stretch or rub the area for the first few days.
Long term
Once healed, protect your tattoo from the sun with a high-SPF sunscreen. Sun is the main reason tattoos fade.
When to get help
Redness and tenderness are normal for a few days. If you notice spreading redness, increasing swelling or heat, pus, a fever, or anything that worries you, see a doctor and let us know.
Questions about your healing? Message us any time — we’re happy to take a look.