Congratulations on your new tattoo. To heal crisp and clean it needs looking after, especially in the first couple of weeks. A tattoo is an open wound and can get infected until it is fully healed, which usually takes about 10 to 14 days.
The first few hours
Your artist will cover the tattoo when it is finished. Leave the covering on for at least 2 hours, or until you get home. Resist the urge to take it off early to show people.
Clean it
Once home, remove the covering and wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild antibacterial handwash such as Simple or Carex, or H2Ocean foam soap. Use a clean hand, no cloths, to gently massage away any plasma, blood and ointment, then rinse so no soap is left and the skin is perfectly clean.
Dry it
Pat dry gently with a fresh, clean, lint free towel. Do not rub. Make sure it is completely dry, then apply your aftercare ointment straight away.
Cream it
Apply only a very thin layer and massage it in until the skin is no longer shiny. Too much ointment stops the skin breathing and can cause little red pimples, which can take the ink with them when they go. We do not recommend Bepanthen, which is a nappy cream not designed for open wounds and has been linked to irritation in sensitive skin.
Products we like:
- Hemp Company Tattoo Aftercare: all natural and nourishing, with natural antiseptic properties.
- Hustle Butter: vegan and smells lovely.
- H2Ocean Ocean Foam, Aquatat or Ocean Care: water based, fragrance free and antibacterial. The Ocean Foam stays sterile right to the last pump.
Through the healing
- Wash 2 to 3 times a day and reapply a thin layer of ointment after each wash, and between washes if it feels dry.
- Keep scabs as small as possible by staying lightly moisturised. Let them flake off on their own, never pick or scratch, as that pulls ink out and can scar.
- After scabs come away the skin beneath may look fuzzy or dull at first. This is normal and settles over a few days, with the ink continuing to settle for up to three months.
Things to avoid
- Do not soak the tattoo. Short showers are fine, but no baths, swimming pools or hot tubs while it heals.
- No saunas, steam rooms or fake tan for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
- Keep it out of direct sun while it is healing.
Once it has healed
Protect it from the sun for life. UV fades tattoos fast, especially fine and delicate work, so use a high factor sunblock of SPF 30 or more whenever it is sunny and your tattoo will stay rich and crisp for years. Any concerns at all, just get in touch.