Your tattoo journey doesn’t end when you leave the studio. This is when the super important healing process starts. Proper aftercare helps your tattoo to heal beautifully and stay vibrant for years to come. Read on for a complete guide to tattoo aftercare, from the moment you leave your appointment with me to the long-term care that keeps your tattoo looking its best.
Why is aftercare important?
A tattoo is essentially an open wound. Without proper care, you risk infection, scarring, fading, or uneven healing. Following aftercare instructions speeds up the healing process and reduces discomfort. It also helps to preserve the ink vibrancy and sharpness.
✼ The healing stages ✼
Tattoo healing happens in several phases an timing can slightly vary based on skin type and placement:
- Days 1–3: Your tattoo will feel tender and look red, swollen and slightly shiny. Clear fluid (plasma) and excess ink my surface – this is absolutely normal and it’s not a cause for concern.
- Days 4–7: This is when the tattoo will start scabbing. Your skin can feel tight or dry and some tattoos may flake lightly. The tattoo begins peeling and itching. Don’t scratch or pick – this may result in ink loss and tattoo healing patchy.
- Weeks 2-3: Peeling increases. Your tattoo can appear dull or faded and look “cloudy”.
- Week 4+: The tattoo settles and the surface looks healed, but deeper skin layers are still repairing. True colour and sharpness continue to develop.
Healing times vary for each person, but patience and gentle care are key. So be gentle, avoid sun exposure and skip the gym for the first few days.
✼ My aftercare advice ✼
What I will ask you to do after your appointment?
I will talk to you about aftercare and provide you with all information you need at the end of your appointment. Follow this link to a post saved in my Instagram highlights that has all the information you will need. I am always just a message away just in case you have any questions or concerns. There are two options for aftercare and I will recommend one of them, depending on your needs and preferences but also the size, shape and style of your tattoo.
Option 1 – cling film:
- Remove the cling film after 4-6 hours. Make sure to wash and dry your hands with a clean paper towel before removing the cling film.
- Wash your tattoo gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap (Simple or Sanex Zero work well) and pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
- Continue washing your tattoo gently twice a day for the next two weeks after your appointment.
- After 2-3 days start applying a very thin layer of a natural, fragrance-free moisturiser (Shea butter, coconut oil, coconut butter) 1-2 times a day. Don’t over moisturise!
Option 2 – second skin:
- Remove the second skin after 24 hours. The best way to do it is in the shower, by grabbing each corner of the film and pulling. Running water helps with removing the adhesive, but make sure not to soak the tattoo.
- Wash your tattoo gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap (Simple or Sanex Zero work well) and pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
- Ensure your hands are super clean and the tattoo areas is completely dry. Apply a fresh piece of the second skin I gave you (first remove the white backing paper, then stick it on your skin, and finally remove the top protective layer.
- Make sure the whole tattoo is covered and the film is fixed well on all edges.
- You can keep this on for the next 3-4 day, as long as it’s clean and sealed. If you notice that water got underneath or any liquid collected leaks please remove it as soon as possible.
- Once second skin is off you can start moisturising.
Note: Fluid build-up under your second skin is completely normal and part of the healing process.
What is second skin?
Second skin is a medical-grade adhesive plaster. It’s anti-bacterial, breathable and waterproof, helping to reduce the risk of infection.
Why do I use it?
- It protects your tattoo from dirt, rubbing clothes, etc.
- It speeds up healing by creating a moist environment that reduced scabbing.
- It protects your clothes and bedsheets from staining.
- It’s also incredibly comfortable to wear – you won’t even feel that it’s on you!
How to keep your new tattoo looking bright and fresh for as long as possible?
Don’t:
- Pick or scratch your fresh tattoo no matter how itchy it is (putting a thin layer of a natural moisturiser can relieve the itching, but please don’t do it more often than 1-2 time a day).
- Over moisturise!
- Soak it in a bath, go into a swimming pool or ocean (for at least 4 weeks).
- Use saunas or spas (for at least 4 weeks).
- Sunbathe, use tanning beds or apply fake tan (for at least 4 weeks).
- Go to the gym for at least 2 days. When you do, make sure you clean your tattoo after.
- Exfoliate the tattooed area for at least 6 weeks. Once healed, start with very gentle exfoliation first.
Do:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing while your tattoo is healing.
- Keep it clean and lightly moisturised (continue moisturising even after it’s healed).
- When healing, apply a thin layer of a natural, fragrance-free moisturiser (Shea butter, coconut oil, coconut butter) 1-2 times a day.
- Clean it right after moisturising.
- Always use SPF50+, even after your tattoo Is fully healed (it will prolong its vibrancy and protect your precious skin as a bonus).
- Stay hydrated!
✻ My little aftercare goodie bag ✻
After an appointment with me, you will get a little goodie bag with aftercare products to keep you going in the first week or two after your appointment (depending on the size of your tattoo). You will get two pouches of a vitamin A&D ointment which is great for healing and protecting your fresh tattoo! I use it myself and love it and had great feedback from my clients about it. It really goes a long way, so use a very small amount and spread thinly over your tattoo. It should last you for up to 2 weeks after which you can revert back to your usual moisturiser. I always recommend using natural products – I’m a big fan of Shea butter! Using a good natural skin care product on daily basis will make your tattoo look bright and sharp for longer!
What else will you find in the goodie bag?
A couple of small gift vouchers, some sweets, maybe stickers? You will have to make an appointment to find out! ♥
✼ Signs of infection ✼
It’s not very common but it does happen it’s important to know what to look out for. A bacterial infection can occur if a fresh tattoo is exposed to unclean environments, touched with unwashed hands, or not cared for properly during healing. Normal healing includes mild redness, slight swelling and some liquid weeping out of the tattoo for the first two days.
Watch out for:
- Spreading redness or sweeling after 3+days
- Thick yellow/green pus or foul smell
- Heat, throbbing pain or red streaks
- Fever or feeling unwell.
If you notice any of these signs, seek medical advice – early treatment is key for your health and it might mean that your tattoo still has a chance to heal well. If you have any concerns about the healing process, please reach out! You can reach me via email at martakolonkotattoo@gmail.com or an Instagram DM here. I will reply as soon as I can.
✼ Caring about your tattoo is super simple and super rewarding! ✼
It’s likely that your tattoo is quite important to you. It might be meaningful or not, but it marks a moment and stays on your skin forever. Taking care of it ensures that it stays beautiful for years to come. Follow the steps, trust the process, and your tattoo will continue to look as stunning as the day it was created. Ready for your next tattoo? Explore my Flash Designs or send your idea through the Custom Tattoo Form to start your next piece!