Tattoo Aftercare

Your new tattoo needs care while the skin heals. Follow the dressing and product instructions your artist gave you, and check the area every day.

Black-and-white photograph of a floral tattoo on an upper back and shoulder

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Keep it clean

Wash and dry your hands before and after touching the tattoo. Avoid touching it unnecessarily.
Keep the dressing on for the time advised by your artist. Different dressings have different instructions.
When it is time to remove the dressing, gently wash with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean disposable paper towel.
Apply the aftercare product recommended by your artist, following their instructions. Do not add other products without checking first.
Shower rather than soak the tattoo in a bath. Keep clothing loose and clean so it does not rub the area.

Give it time

Some tenderness and redness can occur after tattooing. Healing varies, and the surface can look healed before the skin has fully recovered. Symptoms should settle rather than become progressively worse.

Do not pick or scratch the tattoo. Allow dry skin and scabs to come away naturally.
Keep the tattoo protected from dirt, dust and oils.
Avoid swimming, sunbeds and sunbathing for at least six weeks, and longer if the tattoo has not healed.
Keep following your artist's aftercare instructions as the skin flakes and settles.

Suspect an infection?

Seek prompt medical advice from your GP or NHS 111 if redness or swelling increases, the area becomes hot, pain gets worse, or there is pus, an unusual discharge or a bad smell. Fever, chills or feeling unwell also need medical attention. Do not wait for a studio reply before seeking help.

You can also let your artist know what is happening. The studio can help with routine aftercare questions, but infection or a significant reaction needs assessment by a healthcare professional.

For routine aftercare questions, call 0161 222 8433 or email info@fleshtattoo.co.uk.

Medical signposting: NHS: Piercings & Tattoos. This guide supports the individual instructions given by your artist; it does not replace medical care.