How Do You Take Care of a Tattoo

How Do You Take Care of a Tattoo?

Getting a new tattoo is a special moment whether it’s your very first piece or one of many, there’s always a sense of excitement mixed with a bit of nervous anticipation. But once the ink is in your skin and you’ve left the studio, your role shifts from client to carer. How you look after your tattoo in the days, weeks and months that follow will play a huge part in how well it heals, how long it lasts and how vibrant it looks over time. Tattoo aftercare is about far more than avoiding infection, it’s about preserving your artwork and giving your skin the best chance to recover beautifully.

Why Tattoo Aftercare Matters

A tattoo might look like a finished product the moment it’s done, but your skin is still healing from the process. Tattooing creates a wound in the dermis, and like any wound, it needs to be cleaned, protected and moisturised to heal properly. Good aftercare helps prevent scabbing, keeps the lines sharp, and maintains the depth and vibrancy of colour or shading. It also helps reduce the risk of infection, allergic reactions or longer-term damage like scarring.

Tattoo aftercare isn't one-size-fits-all, but there are core principles that apply to almost everyone. Listening to your tattoo artist, being gentle with your skin, and using the right products at the right time are all key parts of the process.

The First 24 to 48 Hours

Immediately after your tattoo is finished, your artist will clean the area and apply a dressing. This could be a traditional cling film wrap or a modern medical-grade adhesive film. This covering protects the tattoo from bacteria and friction while your skin starts the early stages of healing.

Depending on the type of wrap used, you’ll be advised to keep it on for anywhere between two hours to a full day. Once it’s time to remove it, wash your hands first, then gently clean the tattoo using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Avoid scrubbing. Pat it dry with a clean towel or let it air dry, then apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare cream. Do not rewrap unless instructed otherwise.

Ongoing Daily Care

In the first week, your tattoo may feel warm, tender or slightly swollen. It might ooze plasma and ink, this is normal. Continue cleaning it gently two to three times a day, applying a light layer of aftercare balm after each wash.

As the days go on, your tattoo will likely start to scab or flake. This is part of the natural healing process. Do not pick, scratch or peel at the scabs, as this can lead to patchy ink, scarring or even infection. Keep moisturising, but don’t overdo it, too much cream can suffocate the skin and delay healing.

Wear soft, breathable clothing to prevent irritation, especially if the tattoo is in a high-contact area. Avoid tight waistbands, rough fabrics or anything that might rub the tattoo while it heals.

What to Avoid While Healing

For the first two to three weeks, you’ll need to steer clear of soaking the tattoo. That means no swimming, hot tubs or long baths. Quick showers are fine, as long as you avoid letting the water blast directly onto the tattoo for long periods.

Sun exposure is also off-limits during healing. UV light can damage sensitive healing skin and cause fading, especially with colour tattoos. Once your tattoo is fully healed, always apply high-SPF sunscreen to protect it.

You should also avoid the gym or any strenuous activity that causes excessive sweating or movement around the tattooed area. Friction and sweat can interfere with the healing process and raise the risk of infection.

How Long Does a Tattoo Take to Heal Fully?

Most tattoos look healed after two to three weeks, but deeper healing continues beneath the surface for up to three months. While the scabs may fall off and the surface might appear smooth, the skin is still regenerating and settling the ink within the dermis layer. During this time, continue moisturising daily, be gentle with the area, and keep it protected from excessive sun or abrasion.

Aftercare Products: What to Use and What to Avoid

Choose products specifically made for tattoo aftercare or gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers like those designed for sensitive skin. Avoid petroleum-based products unless advised by your artist, as these can clog pores and interfere with healing.

Stay away from alcohol-based cleansers, scented lotions, exfoliants or anything with harsh chemicals. If in doubt, ask your artist for product recommendations, they usually have years of experience and know what works best with their tattooing style.

Signs of Infection or Trouble

Some redness, itching and minor swelling is normal in the first few days. But if you notice worsening redness, heat, pain or yellow discharge after the first 48 hours, it could be a sign of infection. Seek advice from your GP or pharmacist right away. Allergic reactions to creams or bandages can also happen, look out for rashes, burning or hives around the tattoo.

Blowouts, where the ink spreads beneath the skin creating a blurry appearance, usually show up early and aren’t related to aftercare. However, scarring or excessive ink loss can occur if the area is not looked after properly.

Looking After Your Tattoo Long-Term

Tattoo care doesn’t stop once healing is complete. To keep your ink looking its best for years to come, moisturise regularly, wear sunscreen, and avoid exposing it to harsh environments unnecessarily. Some fading is inevitable over time, especially for colour tattoos, but proper long-term care can significantly slow that process down.

Touch-ups may be needed every few years to refresh the design, particularly for large, detailed or colour-heavy pieces. Most artists will offer touch-up sessions at a reduced cost if issues arise during the healing period, but only if they know you’ve followed proper aftercare.

Final Thoughts: Respect the Process

Caring for a tattoo is about more than just following instructions—it’s about respecting the time, money and meaning that went into your body art. The aftercare you provide will directly impact how your tattoo looks not just next month, but in ten years’ time. Healing is your body’s job, but it’s your job to give it the best environment possible. Be kind to your skin, patient with the process and proud of your commitment to your new piece of art.