Post-Tattoo Care
How your tattoo heals is just as important as how it's done. Follow these steps and your new ink will look incredible for decades. Skip them and you risk ruining a piece you paid good money for.
⚠ If You're Concerned
If your tattoo shows signs of infection — excessive redness, swelling, pus, fever — contact your GP immediately. Don't wait. Tattoo infections are rare but serious when left untreated. You can also call us on 01543 898 766.
✓ Remember
These instructions were given to you at the studio. This page is here so you can refer back at any time. If you have any questions, call us — we'd rather you ask than guess.
Step by Step
Most tattoos take 2–4 weeks to fully heal on the surface and up to 3 months for the deeper layers to settle. Follow each phase carefully.
Your artist will cover the fresh tattoo before you leave. Depending on what was used, this may be cling film, a second-skin bandage, or a specialised medical wrap.
When the time comes to remove the covering, wash your new tattoo gently. This is a critical step — do it right.
The first week is the most important. Your tattoo is essentially an open wound healing from the outside in. Treat it accordingly.
Around the end of the first week, your tattoo will start to peel and flake. This looks alarming but is completely normal — it's just dead skin coming away.
By the third or fourth week, the outer layers of skin will be fully healed. The tattoo will look vibrant, sharp, and settled. Continue gentle aftercare.
The deeper layers of skin fully heal between 2–3 months. This is when the tattoo's final appearance is set. Proper long-term care from this point ensures it stays looking great for years.
The Rules
Follow these and your tattoo will heal perfectly
Wash gently with unscented soap and lukewarm water 2–3 times a day
Pat dry with a clean paper towel every time — never rub
Moisturise with a thin layer of unscented aftercare balm 3–4 times daily
Wear loose clothing — breathable cotton allows the tattoo to heal and breathe
Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water to help skin heal from the inside
Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen once healed, whenever the tattoo is in direct sunlight
Call us if you have any concerns — we'd rather you ask than Google
These will damage your tattoo or cause infection
Don't pick or scratch — no matter how much it itches. Tapping is fine. Scratching is not.
Don't submerge in baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, or the sea during healing
Don't use scented products — no fragrance, alcohol, or harsh chemicals near the tattoo
Don't expose to direct sun — UV will fade new ink fast. Keep it covered or sunscreened.
Don't over-moisturise — a thin layer is enough. Too much product clogs pores and slows healing.
Don't exercise heavily in the first week — sweat and friction are not your tattoo's friend
Don't use cling film repeatedly — only if your artist applied it initially. Skin needs to breathe.
Product Advice
We don't have a financial tie to any product brand. This is genuinely what works well for healing tattoos — based on our years of experience.
Carex Sensitive, Simple Kind to Skin, or any fragrance-free, alcohol-free liquid soap. Avoid bar soap — it harbours bacteria.
Lather in your clean hands first, then gently apply to the tattoo — never put product directly onto the skin.
Hustle Butter, Bepanthen Tattoo Healing Ointment, or a simple fragrance-free moisturiser like Lubriderm or Aquaphor (light layer only).
Apply sparingly — you should not see a thick white layer on the skin. A little goes a long way.
Any high-factor mineral or chemical SPF works. Apply every 2 hours in direct sun once the tattoo is fully healed (after 4+ weeks).
UV is the single biggest cause of tattoo fading over time. SPF is the cheapest long-term aftercare investment you can make.
Know the Difference
If you see any of the warning signs above, contact your GP straight away. Don't wait for it to clear up on its own. You can also call us on 01543 898 766 — we can advise whether you need to seek medical attention or whether what you're seeing is normal.
The Long Game
A well-placed, well-healed tattoo can look fantastic for decades. The difference between a tattoo that ages gracefully and one that fades and blurs comes down to one thing: ongoing care.
UV radiation breaks down ink over time, causing fading and blurring. Apply SPF 50+ every time the tattoo will be in direct sunlight. This single habit is the most impactful thing you can do.
Dry skin makes tattoos look faded and dull. A good unscented moisturiser applied daily — especially in winter — keeps the skin supple and the tattoo vibrant.
Well-hydrated skin heals better, holds ink better, and ages better. Drinking enough water sounds simple but makes a measurable difference to how your tattoo looks long term.
Over time, even the best tattoos can benefit from a touch-up — especially fine lines and light shading. Come back and see us for an assessment. If it's healing-related, we'll discuss what we can do.
Now you know how to look after it. Book a free consultation at either of our West Midlands studios — no pressure, no obligation.