Tattoo aftercare

Look after the work. Simple steps to keep your new tattoo clean, comfortable and protected while it heals.

Follow the dressing and product instructions your artist gives you. Different coverings need different care.

Start with your dressing

Before you leave: make sure you know which covering you have, when to remove it and which aftercare product to use. If you’re unsure, contact us.

Second skin / adhesive film: follow your artist’s instructions and the product’s directions. A little blood, plasma and excess ink can collect underneath. If it leaks, exposes the tattoo or causes irritation, ask the studio promptly for advice. Do not patch a broken seal or put the same film back on.

Cling film or another covering: remove it when your artist advises. Do not use second-skin timings for cling film, or rewrap unless your artist has specifically told you to.

Your daily care

Clean hands first. Wash your hands before touching the tattoo or applying aftercare.
Wash gently once the covering is off. Use warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Rinse carefully; avoid scrubbing.
Pat dry. Use your own clean towel or clean disposable paper towel. Do not rub.
Keep products light. Once dry, apply a thin layer of the aftercare your artist recommends. Do not leave a thick coating or mix several products.

Keep up gentle cleaning during healing, following your artist’s advice. Keep bedding and clothing clean and avoid contact with dirt or pets.

Give it room to heal

Let flakes and scabs come away naturally. Don’t pick, scratch or shave over healing skin.
Choose loose, clean clothing that does not rub the area.
Take short showers. Avoid soaking, swimming, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms until healed.
Keep the tattoo out of direct sun and avoid sunbeds while it heals.
Ease off activity that causes heavy sweating, stretching or rubbing over the tattoo. Ask your artist about your placement and routine.
Do not use Bepanthen on your healing tattoo. Use the aftercare product recommended by your artist. Avoid perfumed products and do not add antiseptics or medicated creams unless a healthcare professional advises them.

What can be normal?

Some tenderness, mild redness and a little fluid can happen early on. Flaking, itching and light scabbing can follow. Healing varies with the person, size and placement.

Symptoms should settle rather than keep getting worse. A tattoo looking dry on the surface does not necessarily mean it is fully healed.

When to get medical help

Seek prompt advice from your GP or NHS 111 if redness is spreading or increasing, swelling or pain gets worse, the area becomes very hot, there is pus, or you feel feverish or unwell.

If your tattoo does not look or feel right, do not wait for a studio reply before seeking medical advice. We can help with routine aftercare questions, but cannot diagnose or treat an infection.

A few common questions

Can I shower?

Yes — keep it brief, avoid soaking or scrubbing, and follow the instructions for your dressing.

What if the film comes off early?

Do not stick it back down or apply a new covering yourself. Contact us for advice on cleaning and caring for the exposed tattoo. Seek medical help if there are warning signs.

Which cream should I use?

Use the product your artist recommends, sparingly. Tell us about any known sensitivities. If a product causes a reaction, stop using it and ask for advice.

How long does healing take?

There is no single timetable for every tattoo. Keep protecting the skin until it has healed, and check with your artist if you are unsure.