Looking after your new tattoo properly is one of the best things you can do to help it heal well and settle beautifully. A fresh tattoo is an open wound, so good aftercare matters for healing, comfort, colour retention and long-term results.
Please follow the advice given by your artist, especially if they have recommended a specific healing method for your tattoo, placement or skin type. If you are ever unsure at any stage, contact the studio for advice.
First things first
Your tattoo will be wrapped before you leave the studio. The type of wrap and how long it should stay on can vary, so follow the timing given by your artist.
Before touching your tattoo:
- wash your hands thoroughly
- make sure anything touching the tattoo is clean
- avoid letting other people touch the area while it is fresh
Cleaning & Moisturising
- Clean the tattoo 2–3 times per day.
- Always use clean hands and fragrance-free products.
- Apply a light layer of aftercare cream – the tattoo should never feel wet or suffocated.
- Continue this routine until the tattoo is fully healed.
If your tattoo has been wrapped in cling film
Leave the cling film on for the time advised by your artist. In many cases this is around 4 hours, but always follow the guidance given on the day.
When it is time to remove it:
- Wash your hands first.
- Remove the cling film gently.
- Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Rinse it well.
- Pat dry gently with clean kitchen roll or let it air dry.
- Apply a very thin layer of the aftercare product recommended by your artist.
Once the cling film is off, it is usually best to leave it off, unless your artist has told you otherwise. The aim is to keep the tattoo clean and lightly moisturised, not sealed up.
If your tattoo has been covered with a pad
Some tattoos heal better with a padded dressing for the first stage.
Fresh pad – use dotty side down.
Secure with tape
Pad applied
First night
Leave the pad on until the next morning, unless your artist tells you differently.
The next day
- Wash your hands.
- Remove the pad carefully.
- Gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Let it air dry fully or pat dry gently with clean kitchen roll.
- Do not apply cream at this stage if your artist has advised pad healing.
- Apply a fresh clean pad and secure it carefully with skin-safe medical tape.
Day 2
- Remove the pad carefully.
- Repeat the cleaning steps above.
- Let the tattoo dry properly.
- Apply a thin layer of the aftercare product recommended by your artist, unless they have advised otherwise.
When applying a fresh pad:
- use a clean pad that fully covers the tattoo
- place it gently over the area without rubbing it across the skin
- secure it carefully so it stays in place but is not tight or irritating
Daily cleaning and moisturising
For the rest of the healing period:
- clean the tattoo 2 to 3 times a day
- always wash your hands before touching it
- use fragrance-free products
- apply only a light layer of aftercare cream or balm
The tattoo should feel comfortable and lightly moisturised, not greasy, wet or suffocated. Too much product can clog the area and slow healing.
Tabula Rasa Tattoo Studio currently recommends Butterluxe as an aftercare product. Use only a small amount each time.
A few practical habits help as well:
- wear clean, loose clothing over the area where possible
- use clean bedding, especially for the first few nights
- avoid friction from waistbands, bras, socks, tight sleeves or anything that rubs
Continue your routine until the tattoo has finished peeling and the surface feels settled.
What is normal while your tattoo heals
Healing can vary slightly from person to person, but this is a normal general guide.
Days 1 to 3
It is normal to have:
- redness
- tenderness
- mild swelling
- a warm feeling in the area
- a little seepage or ink residue at the very start
Some people may also bruise slightly, depending on placement and skin sensitivity.
Days 4 to 10
It is normal for the tattoo to:
- start drying out
- form light scabs in places
- flake or peel
- become itchy
Do not scratch, pick or peel it. This can damage the tattoo, remove ink and introduce bacteria.
Weeks 2 to 4
Your tattoo may look:
- dull
- shiny
- slightly cloudy
- less crisp than expected
This can be completely normal while the deeper layers of skin continue healing.
Around 4 to 6 weeks
Most tattoos are largely healed on the surface by this stage, although deeper healing can continue for longer.
If your tattoo still seems unsettled after this, ask your artist to take a look.
What to avoid while healing
Until your tattoo is healed, avoid:
- scratching, picking or peeling
- swimming pools
- hot tubs
- baths that soak the tattoo for long periods
- saunas and steam rooms
- direct sun exposure
- sunbeds
- scented lotions or heavily fragranced products
- thick layers of product
- tight or abrasive clothing over the area
Showering is fine, but do not soak the tattoo.
It is also sensible to avoid anything that causes heavy rubbing, excess sweating or contamination around the tattoo while it is fresh.
When to get advice
A tattoo can be sore, red and a bit swollen at first. That does not automatically mean there is a problem.
Please contact the studio for advice if you notice:
- redness or swelling that is getting worse rather than better
- pain that is increasing after the first few days
- unusual heat in the area
- persistent wetness or weeping after the early stage
- yellow or green discharge
- an unpleasant smell
- healing that suddenly seems to go backwards
If you feel unwell, develop a fever, or the area looks seriously inflamed, seek advice from a medical professional promptly. Do not ignore signs that seem excessive or worsening.
Long-term care
Once your tattoo has healed:
- keep the skin moisturised
- use a high SPF sunscreen when the area is exposed to sunlight
- look after the skin generally to help the tattoo stay clear and vibrant
Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of fading over time.
Closing note
Every tattoo and every person heals slightly differently. This page is a practical general guide, but some tattoos may need slightly different advice depending on the placement, style, amount of work done, or the healing method your artist has chosen.
If in doubt, ask. We would always rather you check with us than worry at home.
Thinking about your first tattoo?
If you’re feeling nervous or unsure, you’re not alone. We’re always happy to talk through ideas, answer questions, and make sure you feel confident before booking.