TATTOO
AFTERCARE.
We make the tattoo. How it heals is up to you. Two weeks of care for a result that lasts decades — worth it. Here's exactly what to do, day by day, and what's normal.
The first hours
You leave with film or a dressing. It stays on as long as we told you — usually a few hours for plain film, or 2–4 days if we applied a transparent second-skin dressing (the fluid that collects underneath is normal). Then wash with lukewarm water and mild fragrance-free soap, with clean hands — no sponge. Pat dry with clean paper, not a towel.
Days 1–3: redness and fluid
The tattoo looks like a graze: red, slightly swollen, weeping a little clear or coloured fluid. Normal. Wash twice a day, a thin layer of the cream we recommended — thin, so the skin can breathe. Loose, clean clothes. Clean sheets the first night.
Days 4–14: peeling and itching
It will peel like sunburn and itch. Don't scratch, don't pull the flakes — they take ink with them. Pat gently with your palm if the itch is bad. Keep washing and moisturising thinly. At the end of this phase the tattoo may look dull — that's a thin layer of new skin on top, which clears over the next weeks.
What to avoid for the first 2–3 weeks
Sun and sunbeds — a fresh tattoo burns and fades. Sea, pool, sauna, bath: showers only, quick ones. Sweaty, high-friction gym sessions in the first days. Alcohol the first night. Pets on the fresh tattoo. Tight clothes that rub. Shaving over it until it's closed.
- No sun
- No sea / pool
- No scratching
- No sauna
- Loose clothes
- Sunscreen after
When it's healed
On the surface in 2–3 weeks. Fully, in the deeper layers, in 4–6. From then on the tattoo is skin like the rest — with one difference: it needs sunscreen every time it's in the sun. It's the one thing that keeps a tattoo clean and dark for years, especially fine line and light greys.
Touch-ups
Sometimes a small spot — a line, a bit of shading — doesn't hold as it should, especially on fingers, ankle, elbow. It's normal. Come in after full healing and we'll look; touch-ups on our own work are part of the job.
When to see a doctor
Redness spreading beyond the tattoo after day three, strong pain that gets worse, pus, fever, chills. These are the studio's general instructions and don't replace medical advice — if in doubt, doctor first, then let us know.
Is it normal for it to be red and swollen?+
For the first 1–3 days, yes, like a graze. If it persists, spreads, or there's pus and fever, talk to a doctor and let us know.
How long does the film stay on?+
As long as we told you: a few hours for plain film, 2–4 days for a transparent dressing. If it peels off or water gets underneath, remove it and wash.
What cream do I put on the tattoo?+
The one we recommended, in a thin layer twice a day. No thick petroleum jelly, no creams with fragrance or alcohol.
When can I swim?+
Once it's fully closed — usually after 3–4 weeks. Sea and pool before that is the most common reason for a ruined tattoo in summer.
When can I train?+
Light movement from the next day. Sweat, friction and weights on the spot after 4–7 days, washing right after.
The tattoo looks dull after peeling. Is it ruined?+
No — it's the thin new layer of skin on top. It clears within a few weeks.
Does it need a touch-up?+
Sometimes a small spot needs refreshing after healing. Come in and we'll look — on our own work it's part of the job.
Do these instructions replace a doctor?+
No. They're the studio's general aftercare instructions. For anything medical, see a doctor.
TELL US
WHAT'S ON
YOUR MIND.
The appointment is confirmed by the studio.