Guides & GuidelinesTattoo care and after care
A new tattoo is simultaneously an open wound and a work of art, and it should be cared for as both. The guidance below reflects widely accepted practice and the experience of the artists we work with. It is general information, not medical advice.
Your tattooist has the final wordYour tattooist’s instructions always take precedence over ours. They assessed your skin, chose the needles, inks and depth, and know exactly how your piece was applied; we did not. Where their aftercare differs from anything on this page, follow theirs without hesitation. Aftercare practice also varies legitimately between artists, studios and countries. If you have a skin condition, take medication affecting healing or immunity, or are unsure about anything, consult your tattooist or a physician.
1
Before the session
Arrive rested, fed and well hydrated. Stable blood sugar and a full night’s sleep make the session considerably easier to tolerate. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand, and do not stop or start any blood-thinning medication without your doctor’s direction.
Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the placement, and bring water and a snack. Allow yourself an unhurried morning: this is the culmination of a long process and deserves a calm arrival.
If you are travelling for your session, arrive the night before. A flight or a long drive on the same morning leaves you tired, dehydrated and pressed for time, exactly the state you do not want to be in. Sleep in the city, wake without a clock, and come to the studio rested.
2
The first few hours
Your tattooist will cover the fresh work, either with cling film or with one of the breathable adhesive films now in common use. The covering protects the wound while it begins to close. Leave it in place for exactly as long as your tattooist specifies. This ranges from a few hours to several days depending on the film used and their preference; adhesive films in particular are often left considerably longer than cling film.
Remove it slowly, with freshly washed hands. Some weeping of plasma, blood and excess ink is entirely normal and not a cause for concern.
3
Washing
Wash the tattoo gently with freshly washed hands, lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Do not scrub, and do not use a cloth, sponge or loofah, which harbour bacteria.
Pat dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air-dry; avoid shared bath towels. Repeat two or three times a day for the first week.
4
Keeping it moisturised
Once the skin is fully dry, apply the thinnest possible film of a gentle, unscented moisturiser or an aftercare product recommended by your tattooist. The skin should feel supple, never look shiny, greasy or occluded.
Restraint matters. Over-application traps moisture, can encourage bacterial growth and may compromise healing; a light hand keeps the linework crisp.
5
Light, water and time
For the first two to three weeks, keep the healing tattoo out of direct sunlight and do not submerge it. No baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes or sea. Showers are fine; soaking is not. Avoid saunas, and postpone heavy exercise that stretches or abrades the area.
Do not apply sunscreen to a tattoo that has not finished healing. Once healed, ultraviolet light is the principal long-term threat to a tattoo: shade, clothing and a high-SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen will preserve density and colour for decades.
6
Let it heal itself
Towards the end of the first week the surface will tighten, flake and itch, much as a graze does. This is normal epidermal renewal. Do not scratch, pick or peel the flakes away, and do not shave over the area until it has fully healed.
Picking removes ink that has not yet settled and can leave permanent gaps in the linework. Relieve the itch by tapping the area or applying a little moisturiser, and allow every flake to shed on its own.
7
The longer view
The surface typically appears healed within two to three weeks, while the deeper layers continue to settle for two to three months. During this period the piece may look faintly cloudy or matte before it clarifies. This is expected.
Thereafter a tattoo requires very little: healthy, hydrated skin and protection from strong sun. Should you wish to discuss a touch-up, speak to the tattooist who applied the piece once it has fully healed.
Seek medical attention promptly if you notice spreading redness, swelling or heat, pus or foul-smelling discharge, red streaking from the site, fever, or pain that increases rather than subsides after the first few days. These may indicate infection or an allergic reaction, and should be assessed by a doctor rather than researched online.