Keep this handy
Tattoo aftercare
Your tattoo is done. Nice one. Here's how to keep it clean, calm and healing properly.
What to do and when
Straight after
First four hours
Leave the cling film on for no more than four hours.
Once the film comes off
Clean it gently
- Wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
- Clean it gently with neutral, unscented soap.
- Pat it dry with kitchen roll or a freshly washed clean towel, or let it air dry.
After cleaning
Clean clothes only
Don't re-wrap it. Put clean, loose clothing over the top. Heavy blackwork may ooze a bit of ink, so this is not the moment for your best white T-shirt.
From day two or three
Moisturise lightly
Start using a thin layer of Palmer's Cocoa Butter or tattoo-specific aftercare. Don't swap in another regular moisturiser, Bepanthen or Vaseline.
First 48 hours
Take it easy
Avoid heavy exercise while the tattoo starts settling down.
First two weeks
Keep it out of the water
No swimming, baths or saunas. Keep it clean, but don't soak it.
While it heals
Hands off the scabs
Don't scratch, pick or pull at any scabs. If it gets itchy, give it a gentle slap instead. No picking. We can tell.
Something not right?
Worried about it?
A little redness and swelling can be normal. Contact us straight away if you're worried, especially if you notice any of these signs:
- Redness or swelling that is getting worse or spreading
- The area feels hot or increasingly painful or tender
- Severe burning or throbbing
- Yellow or green discharge, or a bad smell
- A fever or feeling generally unwell
If you think the tattoo may be infected, ask for an urgent GP appointment or use NHS 111. If your symptoms are getting worse quickly or you feel very unwell, don't wait for a social media reply before getting medical help.