Tattoo Aftercare

Leave the original dressing in place for the length of time advised by your tattoo artist. Different dressings are designed to remain on for different periods, so the instructions for one type should not be applied to another.

Standard Wrap or Dressing

Remove it at the time advised by your artist. Wash your hands first, remove the dressing gently, then clean and dry the tattoo using the instructions below.

Do not re-wrap the tattoo unless your artist has specifically instructed you to do so.

Adhesive Healing Film

Leave the film on for the period advised by your artist while it remains sealed, comfortable and free from leakage. A small amount of blood, ink and clear fluid collecting beneath the film can be normal.

Remove the film early if:

• Fluid leaks from the edge
• The seal lifts enough to expose the tattoo
• Water gets beneath the film
• You develop increasing burning, rash, blisters or significant irritation

To remove adhesive film, wash your hands and peel it slowly under warm running water, keeping the film low and pulling it back parallel to the skin rather than lifting it straight up. Do not reapply film unless your artist has supplied it and explained how to do so safely.

Wash

Wash your hands thoroughly. Gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm running water and a small amount of mild, fragrance-free liquid soap. Use clean fingertips only.

Do not scrub the tattoo or use a flannel, sponge, exfoliating cloth or brush. Rinse thoroughly so no soap remains.

Dry

Pat the tattoo dry with a clean disposable paper towel or allow it to air dry. Do not wipe or rub it. Avoid shared or used cloth towels, which can carry bacteria and leave fibres behind.

Moisturise

Once the tattoo is clean and dry, apply a very thin layer of the aftercare product recommended by your artist. The skin should feel comfortable, not heavily coated, wet or sticky.

Use only enough to prevent excessive dryness. Too much product can trap moisture and irritate the skin. Wash and moisturise once or twice daily, or as individually directed.

During the First Few Days

• Tenderness or a sunburn-like feeling
• Mild localised redness, warmth or swelling
• A small amount of blood, clear plasma or excess ink
• Temporary bruising around some tattoos

As It Heals

• Dryness, tightness or mild itching
• Light flaking or peeling
• Fine, soft scabbing
• A temporarily dull, cloudy or slightly wrinkled appearance

The tattoo may look less bright while new surface skin forms. This is normally temporary. Allow flakes and light scabs to fall away by themselves.

Healing varies with tattoo size, placement, skin and general health. The surface commonly settles over several weeks, while deeper layers continue to recover for longer.

• Touching the tattoo unnecessarily
• Picking, scratching or peeling skin and scabs
• Scrubbing or exfoliating the area
• Shaving or waxing over the tattoo until fully healed
• Hot baths, swimming pools, spas, saunas, lakes, rivers and the ocean
• Direct sunlight and tanning beds
• Tight, dirty or abrasive clothing
• Makeup, fake tan, perfume and fragranced skincare on the area
• Dirty work, gardening or environments likely to contaminate the tattoo
• Allowing pets to lick, scratch or sleep directly against it

Showering is fine, but keep it brief and avoid very hot water or high-pressure spray directly onto the tattoo. Do not soak the tattoo until it has completely healed.

Light activity is generally fine. Avoid exercise that causes heavy sweating, repeated stretching, pressure, rubbing or contact with dirty gym equipment over the tattoo.

Wear clean, loose and breathable clothing. Avoid anything that sticks to, compresses or repeatedly rubs the area.

Use clean bedding and try not to sleep directly on the tattoo. If clothing or bedding sticks, wet it with clean lukewarm water and allow it to release gently. Do not pull it away dry.

Keep a healing tattoo out of direct sunlight. Cover it with clean, loose clothing where practical. Do not apply sunscreen until the surface has completely healed.

Once healed, protect the tattoo and surrounding skin with shade, clothing and a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Reapply sunscreen as directed, including after swimming or heavy sweating.

Moisturise healed tattooed skin when it feels dry. Good long-term sun protection helps reduce fading and protects the health of the surrounding skin.

Contact your tattoo artist if:

• You are unsure when or how to remove your dressing
• The adhesive film leaks, lifts or causes irritation
• The tattoo develops unusually heavy scabbing
• Healing is not progressing as expected
• You are unsure which soap or moisturiser to use
• You have accidentally scratched, soaked or damaged the tattoo

A tattoo artist can advise on normal healing and aftercare, but cannot diagnose or medically treat an infection, allergic reaction or other medical condition.