Tattoo Aftercare Advice
I’ve done my best to give you the best tattoo possible — now it’s your turn. A big part of how your tattoo heals depends on aftercare, so look after it properly and be patient.
Domi · Tattooed Llama, Coventry
Remove the Dressing
When you get home, don’t leave the dressing on for too long. Remove it after around 2–3 hours max, unless I’ve told you otherwise. After removing it, gently wash the tattoo with mild tattoo-safe soap.
Wash Gently
For the first 3 days, gently wash your tattoo with suitable soap and lukewarm water. Pat it dry with clean kitchen towel — tap tap, don’t rub.
Apply Healing Cream
Once the tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of healing cream. Don’t overdo it — your tattoo should still be visible under the cream. It should not look thick, greasy, or fully covered.
Moisturise Regularly
Apply healing cream 2–3 times a day during the first week. Some areas may need it more often, especially if clothing rubs against the tattoo and removes the cream.
Clean Once a Day
After the first few days, you usually only need to gently clean the tattoo once a day, unless it gets sweaty, dirty, or irritated.
Be Careful in the Shower
Keep showers quick and gentle. Avoid soaking the tattoo, avoid direct water pressure, and don’t use hot water. Stick to lukewarm water.
Avoid the Gym
Avoid the gym for around 2 weeks. Sweat, bacteria, friction, and shared equipment can increase the risk of infection while your tattoo is healing.
Avoid Swimming and Baths
No swimming pools, baths, hot tubs, saunas, or soaking the tattoo for 2 weeks. Your tattoo needs to stay clean and dry while the skin is healing.
Avoid Sun and Sunbeds
Avoid sunbeds and direct sunlight for at least 1 month. Fresh tattoos are very sensitive, and sun exposure can make them heal much lighter or faded. SPF helps later, but it does not mean sunbeds are okay.
Wear Loose Clothing
Where possible, wear loose, clean clothing over the tattoo. This helps avoid rubbing, irritation, and pulling at the healing skin.
Don’t Worry If
It Looks Red
Some redness around the tattoo is normal for the first few days.
It Feels Swollen
Mild swelling can happen, especially depending on the placement and size of the tattoo.
It Seeps Plasma
Your tattoo may leak a little plasma or fluid during the first day or two. This is completely normal.
It Starts Peeling
Peeling and flaking are part of the healing process. Do not pick, scratch, or scrub it — even if it’s tempting.
It Gets Itchy
Itching is normal while the tattoo heals. Try not to touch it. Keep your hands off and let it heal naturally.
The Skin Feels Tight
The tattooed area may feel tight, dry, or slightly uncomfortable. A thin layer of healing cream should help.
You’re Unsure
If you’re not sure whether your tattoo is healing properly, just drop me a message. I’d rather you ask than stress about it.
Recommended Products: A Quick Note
I’m not affiliated with any of these products and I don’t receive any commission. These are simply products I know, trust, and regularly recommend to my clients.
EasyTattoo Aftercare Tattoo Healing Kit
This is what I usually recommend to my clients. The kit includes a small bottle of healing cream and a gentle cleansing gel that helps clean the tattoo without being harsh on the skin or affecting the healing process.
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EasyTattoo Healing Cream
If you bought the aftercare kit, you might find that the cleansing gel lasts longer than the cream. If you run out of cream while your tattoo is still healing, you may need to grab an extra bottle.
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