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Tattoo aftercare

Taking care of your tattoo properly is essential for comfortable healing, longevity and keeping the detail crisp. Here’s our general guidance.

Step 01

Second skin — the first days

  • Always follow the timing your artist gives you. If they have applied adhesive second-skin film, this may be left on for up to four days.
  • Remove it sooner if it leaks, starts peeling enough to expose the tattoo, or causes unexpected irritation.
  • Some fluid collecting beneath an intact film can be a normal part of the early healing process.
  • Other types of covering may need to come off sooner, so your artist’s instructions take priority.
Step 02

Removing the second skin

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo or its covering.
  • Remove the film gently, ideally beneath lukewarm running water in the shower.
  • Peel it slowly back over itself, keeping it low and parallel to the skin rather than lifting it straight up.
  • Wash gently with fragrance-free soap, rinse well and pat dry with a clean towel. Apply only the thin layer of aftercare your artist recommends.
Step 03

General care while it heals

  • Keep the tattoo clean and dry, and moisturise lightly rather than smothering it.
  • Avoid soaking it in baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas or steam rooms while it heals — usually for around two weeks.
  • Don’t pick, scratch or peel any flaking skin or scabs. Avoid tight clothing rubbing the area.
  • Keep it out of direct sunlight and don’t put sunscreen on it until it is fully healed.

What to expect

  • Some light redness, flaking and mild itching can be part of normal healing. Let the skin settle naturally rather than picking at it.
  • Once it is completely healed, moisturise regularly and use a high SPF to help keep black & grey work looking sharp.
If something doesn’t feel right — redness, swelling, heat or pain that is worsening, or any discharge or other sign of infection — seek advice from a pharmacist, GP or NHS 111. Always follow the specific aftercare instructions your artist gives you on the day; they take priority over this general guide.

Questions about your healing?

Drop us a message — we’re happy to help at any stage.

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