Aftercare
Tattoo aftercare
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Day 0
Your artist covers the tattoo with protective wrap (remove after 2–4 hours) or second-skin film (up to 24 hours for the first layer). Wash hands before touching. Some redness, tenderness and ink-tinted fluid is normal on day one.
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Days 1–5
Wash gently twice a day with lukewarm water and mild fragrance-free soap, pat dry with clean paper towel, then apply a very thin layer of aftercare cream. Moisturised — not shiny or greasy.
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Days 5–14
Dry, itchy, flaky, slightly scabby — all normal. Keep washing and moisturising twice daily, use less cream than you think, and never scratch, pick or peel. Let the skin come off on its own.
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Weeks 2–4
Peeling fades and sensitivity drops. Keep moisturising when the skin feels dry, and stay away from direct sun, swimming, baths, sauna and tanning until fully healed.
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Once healed
Once healed, protect the tattoo with high-SPF sunscreen whenever it gets strong sun. That is what keeps contrast and colour alive for years.
Recommended products
- Mild, fragrance-free liquid soap
- Approved aftercare cream (e.g. Bepanthen Tattoo, TattooMed)
- Clean disposable paper towel
✓ Do
- Wash your hands before touching the tattoo
- Wear loose, clean clothing and sleep on clean bedding
- Shower normally and keep the tattoo lightly moisturised
- Stay hydrated, eat properly — and contact us if unsure
✕ Avoid
- No pools, sea, baths, hot tubs or sauna for 2–4 weeks
- No direct sun, tanning beds or sunburn on fresh ink
- No picking, scratching, peeling or shaving the area
- No heavy gym friction or pressure the first days
When to contact us — or a doctor
Contact Ink Story if your second-skin film leaks or lifts, jewellery feels too tight or too long, or you are unsure whether something is normal healing. See a doctor promptly for spreading redness, increasing pain, severe swelling, strong heat, bad-smelling discharge, red streaks, fever or feeling unwell. We advise on healing — infections need proper medical assessment, not home experiments.
Book your appointment today
Send your idea, placement and approximate size — we reply with an honest price range and the artist best suited to the job.