Aftercare

Aftercare, day by day.

Half of a great tattoo is how it heals. Put in the date you were tattooed and we’ll show you what’s normal today.

I was tattooed on

Healing times are for a typical piece. Big colour work and ribs can take a week or two longer.

Choose your tattoo date

Your healing starts here.

Your timeline, personalised

Choose the date you were tattooed to see the typical healing stage and the advice for today.

Day 0

Fresh

Leave the wrap on for two to four hours, or a second-skin film for three to five days. Then wash it gently with clean hands and fragrance-free soap.

Days 1 to 3

Weeping

A little plasma and ink on the paper towel is normal, and so is some warmth. Wash, pat dry, and a thin layer of balm, two or three times a day.

Days 4 to 7

Flaking

Light flakes, like a mild sunburn. Let them fall on their own. Itching means it’s working, so slap, don’t scratch.

Week 2

Itchy and shiny

The top layer has closed. It can look shiny or tight. Keep moisturising lightly and stay out of pools and baths.

Weeks 3 and 4

Milky

A milky film sits over the ink while the deeper skin heals. Colours come back as it clears. Still no sun.

Weeks 5 and 6

Settling

Nearly there. The skin feels normal again and the colours settle. Book your free touch-up if any spot healed light.

Six weeks on

Healed

Healed on top and underneath. Send us a healed photo, and wear SPF 50 in the sun from now on so it stays sharp for decades.

Do

✓

Wash with clean hands and fragrance-free soap, two or three times a day.

✓

Pat dry with paper towel, then a rice-grain of balm. Thin is right.

✓

Wear loose, clean clothes over it.

✓

Send your artist a photo if anything worries you.

Don’t

Pick, scratch or peel the flakes. They take ink with them.

Swim, soak or sit in a bath or sauna for two weeks.

Put it in the sun for four weeks. After that, SPF 50 for life.

Smother it in balm. A tattoo needs to breathe.

Do

✓

Wash with clean hands and fragrance-free soap, two or three times a day.

✓

Pat dry with paper towel, then a rice-grain of balm. Thin is right.

✓

Wear loose, clean clothes over it.

✓

Send your artist a photo if anything worries you.

Don’t

Pick, scratch or peel the flakes. They take ink with them.

Swim, soak or sit in a bath or sauna for two weeks.

Put it in the sun for four weeks. After that, SPF 50 for life.

Smother it in balm. A tattoo needs to breathe.

Heat, swelling that spreads after day three, pus, or a fever are not normal healing. See a doctor first, then let us know.