How to Look After a New Tattoo

Good aftercare protects both your new tattoo and your skin while it heals. The single most important rule is to follow the specific advice your artist gives you, because they know what they used and how your tattoo was done. The guidance below is general, and is not medical advice.

The first 24 to 48 hours

Your artist will cover the fresh tattoo, either with cling film or a breathable “second skin” wrap, and tell you how long to leave it on. Follow their timing. When you remove the wrap, wash your hands first, then gently clean the tattoo as described below.

How to wash a new tattoo

One of the most common aftercare questions is whether you can shower with a new tattoo. The answer is yes: you can get it wet, and you need to clean it. A fresh tattoo must be kept clean while it heals, and this is more important than applying lots of cream. With clean hands, rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water and a little fragrance-free wash, using your fingertips rather than a cloth. Don’t scrub. Rinse well and pat dry with a clean paper towel. During the early healing stage, washing it at least three times a day is a sensible baseline unless your artist has given you a different routine.

Moisturising and which products to use

Moisturiser helps the skin stay comfortable, but it should not replace cleaning. Once the tattoo is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of a suitable fragrance-free moisturiser, or a product your artist recommends. A thin film is better than a thick layer, which can clog the healing skin. If you are not sure what to buy, a pharmacist can point you to a plain, fragrance-free option.

What to avoid while it heals

While the tattoo is healing, avoid: direct sun and sunbeds; soaking it in baths, pools, the sea or hot tubs; sweaty workouts and friction from tight clothing; and, most importantly, picking or scratching scabs and flakes, which can pull out ink and cause scarring.

The healing timeline at a glance

The surface usually feels healed in a couple of weeks, while the deeper skin settles over a couple of months. For a week-by-week breakdown of peeling, itching and the dull phase, see our tattoo healing stages guide.

Signs something is wrong

A little redness, swelling and warmth in the first day or two is normal. See a pharmacist or GP, or call NHS 111, if you notice spreading redness, increasing pain, heat, swelling, pus or a fever, as these can be signs of infection. This site offers general guidance only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

Aftercare for large or colour pieces

Bigger pieces and heavy colour can take longer to settle and may feel more tender. The basics are the same: keep the area clean, be patient, and follow your artist’s plan, especially between sessions.

If you are still planning your first tattoo, our first tattoo guide covers what to expect on the day. And when in doubt, contact your studio, as they would always rather you asked.