Tattoo Aftercare Guide
How to Look After Your New Tattoo
Looking after your tattoo properly is an important part of the tattoo process. Good aftercare helps your skin heal comfortably and gives your tattoo the best chance of settling and healing as intended.
Every tattoo and every person’s skin is different, so after your appointment we’ll talk you through any aftercare advice specific to your tattoo. You’ll also receive our aftercare guide by email so you have something to refer back to once you’re home.
This guide covers the general aftercare we recommend, from the first few hours after your appointment through to washing, moisturising, peeling and longer-term care.
We’ll also cover what to avoid while your tattoo is healing, including swimming, sun exposure and certain skincare products, as well as when you should get in touch if you’re concerned about your tattoo.
What should I do immediately after getting a tattoo?
Once your tattoo is finished, we’ll clean the area and cover it with clingfilm to protect the fresh tattoo during the initial stage after your appointment.
Leave the clingfilm on for a minimum of two hours. During this time, your tattoo may release a small amount of plasma, excess pigment and fluid as your skin begins its natural healing response.
After the first two hours, remove the clingfilm when you’re somewhere clean and able to wash the tattoo properly. Wash it gently using warm water and a plain, unscented soap, using only your clean hand.
Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel rather than rubbing it, then leave it uncovered. This allows the skin to continue its normal healing process without fluid remaining trapped beneath the clingfilm.
How should I wash my tattoo while it’s healing?
Keeping your tattoo clean is one of the most important parts of aftercare. For the first week, gently wash the tattoo every morning and evening using warm water and a plain, unscented soap.
Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo and use your hand to gently clean the area. Avoid flannels, sponges or anything that could irritate the skin or introduce bacteria.
Rinse away all of the soap and gently pat the tattoo dry using a clean paper towel. Don’t rub the area and avoid using a shared bath towel to dry a fresh tattoo.
Keeping the tattoo clean also prevents old moisturiser, sweat and other residue from building up on the skin while it heals.
When should I start using cream on my tattoo?
For the first few days, we recommend leaving the tattoo alone rather than immediately applying creams or balms. Your tattoo may feel tender and the skin can initially appear red or slightly swollen.
Once the tattoo begins to feel dry, usually around the second or third day, you can start applying a suitable moisturiser or tattoo balm.
We recommend Butterluxe tattoo balm or Aveeno. Apply only a very small amount around twice a day. You don’t need to completely cover the tattoo in a thick layer, a little goes a long way.
Continue washing the tattoo regularly so that layers of old product aren’t allowed to build up on the skin.
Is peeling and itching normal?
Yes. As your tattoo heals, the skin will usually begin to dry, peel or flake. It can look similar to peeling after mild sunburn and is a completely normal part of the healing process.
Your tattoo may also become itchy during this stage. As tempting as it can be, don’t scratch, pick or pull at any peeling skin.
Allow everything to come away naturally. Picking at the tattoo before the skin is ready can damage the healing skin and potentially affect areas of the tattoo underneath.
Continue following your normal washing and moisturising routine while the tattoo works through this stage.
What should I avoid while my tattoo is healing?
While your tattoo is healing, avoid soaking it in water. This means no baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas or similar activities until the tattoo has fully healed. Normal showers are absolutely fine.
Avoid sunbeds and direct sun exposure on the tattoo while it heals. A fresh tattoo is already healing from controlled trauma to the skin, so additional irritation or damage can interfere with that process.
Try to avoid anything that repeatedly rubs or irritates the area as well. Depending on the placement, tight clothing or footwear may need to be avoided while the tattoo is particularly fresh.
Most importantly, keep the tattoo clean and avoid unnecessary touching while your skin is recovering.
What products shouldn't I use on a new tattoo?
Avoid applying products such as Vaseline, Savlon, Germolene or heavily fragranced skincare products to your fresh tattoo.
Unless we’ve specifically advised otherwise, stick to a simple aftercare routine rather than experimenting with lots of different creams and products.
We recommend using a suitable tattoo balm such as Butterluxe or a gentle moisturiser such as Aveeno once the tattoo reaches the stage where moisturising is needed.
If you’re unsure whether a particular product is suitable, ask us before applying it to your tattoo.
Can I go swimming or on holiday after getting a tattoo?
If you’re planning a holiday involving sun, sea, beaches or swimming pools, we recommend allowing at least four weeks for your tattoo to heal beforehand.
A fresh tattoo shouldn’t be submerged in swimming pools, the sea, hot tubs or baths while it’s healing. These environments can expose healing skin to bacteria and unnecessary irritation.
Fresh tattoos also need to be protected from strong sunlight. This is why it’s worth considering upcoming holidays when choosing the date of your tattoo appointment rather than trying to fit a fresh tattoo in immediately before you travel.
Even once the surface looks healed, remember that the skin underneath may still be recovering.
How should I protect my tattoo from the sun long-term?
Once your tattoo has completely healed, protecting it from excessive sun exposure can help keep it looking its best over the years.
UV exposure can contribute to tattoo pigment fading over time, so using a high-SPF sunscreen on healed tattoos when they’re exposed to strong sunlight is a good habit.
Never apply sunscreen to a fresh or still-healing tattoo. During the initial healing period, keep it out of direct sunlight instead and wait until the skin has completely healed before introducing sunscreen.
Looking after your skin long-term is part of looking after your tattoo too.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
The visible surface of a tattoo will usually go through the main stages of healing over the first few weeks, but everyone’s skin and every tattoo is different.
The size and placement of the tattoo, how much work has been carried out and your individual healing can all affect the process. A tattoo may also appear healed on the surface while deeper layers of the skin are still recovering.
If we’re continuing work on the same area as part of a larger tattoo, we generally allow around 4–6 weeks between sessions so the skin has enough time to recover properly.
Don’t rush the healing process. Following your aftercare and giving your skin the time it needs is one of the best things you can do for the finished tattoo.
What should I do if I'm worried about my tattoo?
Some redness, tenderness, peeling and itching can all be normal at different stages of tattoo healing. However, you know your body, and if something doesn’t seem right or you’re concerned about how your tattoo is healing, please get in touch with us.
Sending us a clear photograph can often help us see what’s happening and advise you from a tattoo aftercare perspective.
If you feel significantly unwell, the area becomes increasingly painful, hot or swollen, redness is spreading, or you have other symptoms that make you concerned about an infection, seek medical advice promptly rather than waiting for your tattoo artist to diagnose the problem.
We’d always rather you ask if you’re unsure than sit at home worrying about it.
Still Have Questions?
Hopefully this guide has answered the most common questions about looking after your new tattoo and what to expect while it heals.
Remember that every tattoo and everyone’s skin can heal slightly differently. Follow the aftercare advice we’ve given you for your individual tattoo and don’t worry if your healing doesn’t look exactly the same as someone else’s.
If you’re unsure about anything during the healing process, get in touch. We’re always happy to take a look and offer advice about your tattoo.
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Contact Us
Last Horizon Tattoo
85 High Street
Polegate
BN26 6AE
Phone 01323 301411
Email lasthorizontattoo@gmail.com
Studio Hours
Tuesday – Saturday
9:00am – 4:00pm