Tattoo Aftercare: How to Heal a New Tattoo
A great tattoo can be ruined in the first two weeks by bad aftercare, and saved by good habits that take five minutes a day. Tattoo aftercare is not complicated, but it does matter. Here is exactly how to heal a new tattoo, from the studios that did it.
The first 24 hours
Your artist will cover the fresh tattoo, either with a breathable film or a simple wrap. Leave it on for as long as they tell you, usually a few hours up to a day. When you take it off, wash your hands first, then gently clean the tattoo. Some clear or cloudy fluid and a little ink coming off is normal at this stage, not a problem.
Washing your new tattoo
Wash it two or three times a day with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap. Use clean hands, not a cloth or sponge. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. Do not scrub, and do not soak it. The goal is clean, not raw.
Moisturising, without overdoing it
Once the tattoo is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of a fragrance-free aftercare balm or lotion. Thin is the word that matters: a thick layer suffocates the skin and traps bacteria. A light film, a couple of times a day, is all it needs. Too much cream causes more problems than too little.
What to avoid while it heals
- Sun. UV fades fresh ink fast; keep it covered or in the shade.
- Pools, hot tubs, the sea and baths. Soaking opens the door to infection.
- The gym and heavy sweating for the first week or so.
- Picking and scratching. It will flake and itch; let it.
- Tight clothing that rubs over the tattoo.
The healing timeline
Days one to three: tender, warm, a bit swollen, like a sunburn. Days four to fourteen: it flakes and peels like a sunburn, and it itches. This is normal; do not pick. Weeks two to four: the surface looks healed but the deeper skin is still settling, so keep moisturising and stay out of the sun. Full healing takes a few weeks, and the tattoo often looks slightly cloudy until it finishes.
Signs something is wrong
A little redness and swelling early on is expected. Spreading redness, heat, pus, a bad smell, or a fever are not, and mean you should see a doctor. Real problems are rare with clean work and good care, but it is worth knowing the difference. If you are unsure, message us a photo.
When in doubt, ask your artist
Every artist has aftercare they trust, so follow the instructions you were given over anything generic online. We give written aftercare in English with every tattoo at our Barcelona and Berlin studios, and you can ask us anything during healing. More common questions are answered on our FAQ, and you can see how our work holds up in the portfolio.
Written by the artists at Studio Tattoo.
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