Tattoo aftercare: a day-by-day healing guide

A great tattoo can be let down by poor aftercare. Healing is your half of the job, and it's easy if you know what to expect. Always follow the specific instructions your artist gives you on the day. This guide covers the general process.

The first day

• Keep the wrap on for as long as your artist told you.
• Wash your hands before touching your tattoo, every time.
• Gently wash it with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap once the wrap comes off.
• Pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Never rub.
• Let it air dry for a few minutes before applying anything.

Days 2 to 4: keep it clean, keep it light

• Wash it gently two or three times a day.
• Apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare balm or unscented moisturiser. Thin is the key. Your skin needs to breathe.
• Some redness, swelling and tenderness is normal at this stage.

Days 4 to 14: itching and peeling

This is the stage everyone struggles with.

• Your tattoo will flake and peel, a bit like a sunburn. That's normal.
• It will itch. Don't scratch it or pick it. Lightly tapping it or applying moisturiser helps.
• Let the flakes fall off on their own. Pulling them can lift ink and leave patchy spots.

What to avoid for at least two weeks

• Swimming: no pools, ocean, spas or baths. Showers are fine.
• Sun: keep it covered and out of direct sun.
• Tight clothing rubbing on the area.
• Heavy sweating in the area where you can avoid it.
• Picking, scratching or shaving over the tattoo.

Long-term care

Once your tattoo is fully healed, sunscreen is the best thing you can do for it. UV is what fades tattoos over the years, and Perth sun is no joke. Apply SPF 50+ whenever it's exposed.

Signs your tattoo is healing well

• Redness and tenderness ease within the first few days.
• Light flaking starts around day 4 to 6.
• The itch fades as the peeling finishes.
• The colour looks clearer each week after the first fortnight.

Common aftercare mistakes

1. Too much ointment. A thick layer suffocates the skin. Thin is right.
2. Re-wrapping it with plastic for days. Let it breathe once the first wrap is off.
3. Picking at flakes, which can pull ink out and leave light patches.
4. A swim "just this once" in the first two weeks.
5. Skipping sunscreen once it's healed. That's what fades tattoos over the years.

If a small spot looks patchy once it's fully healed, it may need a quick touch-up. Get in touch and we'll take a look.

When to contact your artist

Get in touch if anything seems off: spreading redness, heat, swelling that gets worse after a few days, pus, or a fever. If you're worried about an infection, see a doctor straight away.

For the full guide we send our clients, see our aftercare page.