Aftercare
How to look after a new tattoo, day by day, until it has healed.
Aftercare, day by day
A new tattoo is a healing wound for about a month. This is what to expect and what to do.
Day 0
Wrapped
Keep the film on for the hours your artist tells you, then wash with warm water and plain soap.
Days 1 to 3
Tender
Wash twice a day, pat dry with kitchen paper and apply a thin layer of cream.
Days 4 to 14
Peeling
It flakes and itches. Do not pick or scratch; keep it out of baths, pools and the sun.
Days 15 to 30
Settling
It may look cloudy while the new skin settles. Keep it moisturised.
After 30 days
Healed
Book your free touch-up if you need one, and use sun cream from now on.
What to avoid while it heals
Swimming and baths
Showers are fine; keep them short
2 weeks
Sun and sunbeds
Cover it up, then use sun cream for life
4 weeks
Picking and scratching
Tap it gently if it itches
Never
Tight clothes on it
Loose cotton is best
1 week
Tell us your idea
Send a request with the placement and rough size. The artist replies within three working days with a consultation time.