Aftercare
How to look after a new tattoo
By Tattoo Studio, London · Last updated
A new tattoo is an open wound for the first few days. Keep it clean, wash it gently twice a day, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free aftercare cream, and keep it out of water and sunlight. Most tattoos look healed in two to four weeks; the deeper skin takes up to three months.
Your artist knows your skin and the work they did, so if their advice differs from this guide, follow theirs.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
The surface usually heals in two to four weeks. Healing follows roughly these stages:
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Red, warm and a little swollen, with some weeping of plasma and ink. This is the body’s normal response. |
| Days 4–14 | A thin layer forms, then flakes and peels. Itching is common. Don’t pick or scratch. |
| Weeks 2–4 | The surface settles and looks healed, though it may seem slightly cloudy or shiny for a while. |
| Up to 3 months | The deeper layers of skin finish healing and the colours settle to their final look. |
When can I take the wrap off?
Remove cling film after the time your artist gives you, usually two to four hours. A second-skin film (a clear, breathable dressing) can normally stay on for three to five days. Peel it off slowly in the shower, in the direction the hair grows.
How do I wash a new tattoo?
- Wash your hands first, every time.
- Use lukewarm water and a mild, unperfumed soap. Wash gently with your fingertips, never a cloth or sponge.
- Pat dry with clean kitchen roll. Don’t rub, and don’t use a shared towel.
- Wash two or three times a day for the first week.
What should I put on a new tattoo?
Once it’s dry, apply a thin layer of the aftercare cream your artist recommends, or a fragrance-free moisturiser, two or three times a day. It should look barely shiny. Too much cream traps moisture and can slow healing.
What should I avoid while my tattoo heals?
- Swimming pools, the sea, baths, hot tubs and saunas until it has fully healed (short showers are fine).
- Sunbeds and direct sun. Cover it with loose clothing rather than sunscreen while it’s healing.
- Picking, scratching or peeling the flakes. Tap an itch gently instead.
- Tight clothing that rubs the tattoo, and heavy sweating at the gym for the first few days.
Is it normal for a tattoo to peel and itch?
Yes. Flaking, peeling and itching between days four and fourteen are a normal part of healing, a bit like a sunburn. Keep moisturising lightly and let the flakes come away on their own.
What are the signs of an infected tattoo?
Contact your GP or call NHS 111 if you notice:
- redness or swelling that spreads or gets worse after the first few days;
- the area becoming hotter or more painful instead of less;
- yellow or green pus, or a bad smell;
- a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery.
Call 999 if you feel very unwell, have a high temperature with a fast heartbeat or confusion, or the redness spreads quickly. Let us know too, on +44 20 7946 0958.
How do I protect my tattoo once it’s healed?
Sun is the main reason tattoos fade. Once fully healed, use a high-factor sunscreen (SPF 50) on your tattoo whenever it’s in the sun, and keep your skin moisturised.