Post-Session Guide
Aftercare
Your tattoo is a lifelong investment. How you care for it in the first weeks determines how it looks for decades. Follow this guide carefully and trust your body's natural healing process.
Interactive Guide
How Old Is Your Tattoo?
Initial Healing
Your tattoo is an open wound. Focus on gentle cleaning and protection.
What to Expect
- Plasma oozing
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Warmth
Do
- Wash 2-3x daily
- Use fragrance-free soap
- Pat dry gently
- Apply Bepanthen cream (thin layer)
Don't
Day 1–2
The First Hours
- 01
Leave the wrap or bandage on for 2–4 hours (or as long as your artist advises).
- 02
Gently remove the wrap and wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap using clean hands only — no cloths or sponges.
- 03
Pat dry softly with a clean paper towel. Do not rub.
- 04
Apply a very thin layer of Bepanthen cream (our preferred choice) or unscented moisturiser — a little goes a long way.
- 05
Let the tattoo breathe — do not re-wrap unless instructed.
Days 3–7
The Peeling Stage
- 01
Wash gently 2–3 times a day and apply a thin layer of Bepanthen cream after each wash.
- 02
The tattoo will begin to peel like sunburn — this is completely normal.
- 03
Do not pick, scratch, or peel the skin. Let it fall off naturally.
- 04
Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight.
- 05
Avoid soaking in baths, swimming pools, or the sea until fully healed.
Days 8–14
The Healing Phase
- 01
Continue applying Bepanthen cream daily — the skin may feel tight or itchy.
- 02
The outer layers will look fully healed but deeper layers are still recovering.
- 03
Avoid intense gym sessions or activities that cause heavy sweating directly on the tattoo.
- 04
A thin cloudy layer may appear over the ink — this is normal and will clear.
- 05
If redness, swelling, or discharge persists beyond day 5, contact us or a medical professional.
Weeks 3–4
Long-Term Care
- 01
Once fully healed, always apply SPF 50+ sunscreen before sun exposure to preserve vibrancy.
- 02
Keep the skin hydrated — well-moisturised skin holds colour better over time.
- 03
Avoid prolonged soaking (long baths, saunas) as this can fade the ink gradually.
- 04
If you notice any areas that need touching up, book a touch-up session within 3 months.
Never use
- Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)
- Alcohol-based products
- Scented lotions or perfumes
- Exfoliants or scrubs
Always avoid
- Direct sunlight on fresh ink
- Swimming or hot tubs
- Tight clothing over the area
- Picking or scratching
Common Questions
Is it normal for my tattoo to ooze?
Yes — in the first 24–48 hours, some plasma and excess ink may weep from the skin. Gently blot with a clean paper towel. If it continues beyond 3 days, contact us.
How do I know if it's infected?
Signs of infection include prolonged redness, swelling beyond day 3, hot skin, unusual discharge, or fever. If you experience any of these, seek medical advice immediately.
Can I exercise after getting a tattoo?
Light activity is fine, but avoid heavy sweating directly on the fresh tattoo for at least a week. Sweat can introduce bacteria and affect healing.
When can I go swimming?
Wait at least 3–4 weeks before swimming in pools, the sea, or lakes. Chlorine damage a healing tattoo.
My tattoo looks faded during healing — is that normal?
Absolutely. A milky or dull layer forms over the ink as new skin grows. Once this sheds, the true colour will return. Trust the process.
Still have questions?
We're here for you
If something doesn't look right during your healing, don't hesitate to reach out. We'd rather you contact us than worry alone.
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