So, you’ve just had your fresh ink done at The Viper Pit Tattoo & Piercing Studio in Irlam, Manchester – now what? Getting tattooed is only half the journey. The other half is how you look after it. Good aftercare means your tattoo heals properly, keeps its detail, and looks sharp for years to come.
Here’s our 2025 step-by-step tattoo aftercare guide:
Step 1: The First 24 Hours
Your artist will cover your tattoo with either cling film or a specialist protective wrap. This is your tattoo’s shield against bacteria in those first crucial hours. Don’t peel it off early just to show your mates – patience is key.
- Keep the wrap on for the time your artist recommends.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
- Once the wrap is off, gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, mild soap.
Step 2: Washing & Moisturising
Consistency is everything.
- Wash your tattoo 2–3 times daily with unscented soap.
- Pat dry with a clean towel (never rub).
- Apply a thin layer of your recommended aftercare cream – too much and you’ll suffocate the skin.
At The Viper Pit, we’ll advise on which aftercare products to use (and which ones to avoid).
Step 3: What Not to Do
If you want your tattoo to heal perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- ❌ No swimming pools, saunas, or hot tubs for at least 2 weeks.
- ❌ Don’t scratch or pick at scabs – let your skin do the work.
- ❌ Avoid heavy sun exposure; UV light can fade fresh tattoos fast.
- ❌ Don’t smother your tattoo in thick layers of cream or Vaseline.
Step 4: Healing Timeline
Everyone heals differently, but here’s a rough idea of what to expect:
- Days 1–3: Slight redness, swelling, and tenderness.
- Days 4–10: Your tattoo may scab or peel like sunburn – this is normal.
- Days 10–30: The tattoo looks healed but the deeper layers of skin are still repairing. Keep moisturising and protecting it.
Step 5: Long-Term Care
Looking after your tattoo doesn’t stop after the first month. To keep it looking fresh:
- Always use suncream (SPF 30+) when your tattoo is exposed.
- Moisturise regularly – hydrated skin = healthier tattoos.
- Book in touch-ups if needed. At The Viper Pit, we offer one free touch-up within 4 weeks (on eligible tattoos).
Why Aftercare Matters
We’ve seen amazing tattoos ruined by poor healing. At The Viper Pit Tattoo Studio, near the Trafford Centre, we don’t just send you out the door – we make sure you know exactly how to care for your ink. Whether it’s a fine-line tattoo, a black and grey realism piece, or a full sleeve, proper aftercare makes all the difference.
👉 Thinking about your next tattoo?
Visit us at The Viper Pit Tattoo & Piercing Studio, Irlam, Manchester – trusted by clients across Salford, Trafford, and Warrington.
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