Aftercare
Looking after it
General guidance for healing a new tattoo. The instructions I give you at the end of your appointment always take priority over this page, because they depend on the dressing used and on the piece itself.
General aftercare
This applies to any fresh tattoo, whatever the style.
- 01
The first few hours
Leave the covering on for as long as I tell you at the end of your appointment. Instructions differ depending on the dressing used, so the guidance I give you in person takes priority over anything on this page.
- 02
Washing
Wash the tattoo gently with clean hands and a mild, unscented soap, then rinse and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Do this a couple of times a day while it is healing. Do not scrub it or use a cloth or sponge on it. However, if some plasma has stuck to the tattoo, gently rub it off with your fingers.
- 03
Moisturising
Apply a very thin layer of a plain, unscented aftercare balm or lotion once the skin is dry. Thin is the point — a thick layer traps moisture and slows healing.
- 04
Leave it alone
It will flake and it will itch. Do not pick, scratch or peel it, and keep pets and unwashed hands away from it. Picking is the most common cause of patchy healing. If the itching is bothering you, put some lotion in the freezer, along with a metal spoon until chilled. Use the concave side of the spoon to apply lotion to the tattoo.
- 05
Things to avoid while healing
No soaking: no baths, pools, hot tubs, saunas or open water. Avoid direct sun on a fresh tattoo, and skip the gym or anything that means heavy sweating or friction over the area until it has settled.
- 06
Clothing and bedding
Wear loose, clean clothing over the area and use clean bedding. Tight seams and waistbands rubbing over a fresh tattoo will cost you ink.
- 07
Long term
Sunlight is what ages a tattoo fastest. Once it is fully healed, keep sunscreen on it whenever it is exposed and keep the skin moisturised. Fine line work in particular stays sharper for it.
- 08
If something doesn't look right
Some redness, swelling and tenderness in the first days is normal. If you see spreading redness, increasing pain, or you feel unwell, contact a doctor — and message me on Instagram at @93cicatrix so I know.
Blackwork aftercare
Heavy blackwork heals a little differently. Instructions for blackwork pieces are coming soon — until then, the general guidance above and the instructions I give you at the end of your appointment apply.
This page is general guidance, not medical advice. If you are worried about how a tattoo is healing, speak to a medical professional.
Questions about healing?
Start an inquiry about your next piece, or message me on Instagram at @93cicatrix.