What to Do After Getting a Tattoo

What to Do After Getting a Tattoo

Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, whether it is your first or your tenth. Once the needle work is complete and you leave the studio, the responsibility for how your tattoo heals rests largely with you. Proper aftercare is essential for protecting the skin, reducing the risk of infection, and ensuring that your tattoo looks as sharp and vibrant as the day it was done. Understanding what to do after getting a tattoo will give you confidence in managing the healing process and help your tattoo stand the test of time.

The Importance of Following Aftercare Advice

Every professional tattoo artist provides guidance on how to look after your tattoo, often based on their years of experience and industry standards. This advice is important to follow closely because each step is designed to support your skin’s recovery. Ignoring aftercare can lead to complications such as infections, excessive scabbing, or even damage to the ink itself. A fresh tattoo is effectively an open wound, and keeping it clean, moisturised, and protected is vital for both your health and the quality of the artwork.

The First Few Hours After Your Tattoo

Immediately after finishing, your artist will clean the tattoo and cover it with either cling film or a breathable protective wrap. This barrier shields the area from bacteria and prevents clothing from rubbing against the fresh wound. You should keep this covering on for the length of time recommended by your artist, which is usually between a few hours and overnight. When the time comes to remove it, make sure to wash your hands first, then gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance free soap. Avoid scrubbing or using anything abrasive, and always pat the area dry with a clean towel rather than rubbing.

Moisturising and Keeping the Skin Hydrated

After cleaning, you can apply a thin layer of moisturiser to the tattoo. This helps prevent the skin from becoming too dry and reduces itching during the healing stage. Only use creams that are fragrance free, light, and recommended for sensitive or healing skin. Too much cream can suffocate the tattoo and slow down recovery, so a light layer applied two or three times a day is generally enough. Keeping the skin balanced, rather than oily or overly dry, creates the ideal environment for your tattoo to heal properly.

Avoiding Common Irritants and Risks

Fresh tattoos are very delicate and easily affected by outside factors. For at least two weeks, you should avoid swimming, hot tubs, and saunas, as these can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection. Sun exposure is also damaging during healing, as UV rays can fade ink and irritate the sensitive skin. Direct sunlight should be avoided until the tattoo is fully healed, after which you should always use a high factor sunscreen to keep the colours sharp. Wearing loose, clean clothing over the tattoo can also help prevent friction and allow the skin to breathe.

Dealing with Itching and Flaking

One of the most challenging parts of tattoo healing is managing the itch. As your skin repairs itself, it may become dry and flaky, which is completely normal. The temptation to scratch or pick at scabs can be strong, but it is important to resist. Scratching can pull ink from the skin and leave patchy areas, while picking at scabs can cause scarring. Instead, apply a small amount of moisturiser to soothe the itch or gently pat the area if it becomes too uncomfortable.

How Long Does Healing Take

The outer layer of skin usually takes between two and four weeks to heal, although deeper layers can continue repairing for several months. During the first week, your tattoo will look fresh but may also feel tender and swollen. In the second week, flaking and peeling often occur, which can make the tattoo look faded or patchy. This is a natural part of the process, and the colour will return as new skin forms. By the third or fourth week, the tattoo should look clearer and feel less sensitive, although full healing beneath the surface continues for longer.

When to Seek Professional Help

Most tattoos heal without issues, but it is important to recognise when something may be wrong. Signs of infection can include excessive redness, swelling that gets worse rather than better, severe pain, or pus coming from the tattoo. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to contact your tattoo artist for advice or seek medical attention promptly. Addressing concerns early prevents complications and ensures that your tattoo heals properly.

Long Term Tattoo Care

After the initial healing stage, your tattoo still needs care to remain vibrant. Moisturising regularly keeps the skin healthy, while protecting the tattoo from the sun preserves the colours and detail. Tattoos can fade naturally over time, but proper aftercare slows this process significantly. Many people use a gentle, fragrance free body lotion daily as part of their skincare routine, which benefits both the tattoo and the overall condition of the skin.

Final Thoughts on Tattoo Aftercare

Knowing what to do after getting a tattoo helps you protect your new artwork and enjoy it for years to come. By cleaning the area gently, applying moisturiser sparingly, avoiding irritants, and resisting the urge to scratch, you can support the natural healing process and maintain the quality of the ink. Good aftercare is not complicated but it does require consistency and attention. With the right approach, your tattoo will heal beautifully and remain a source of pride for years ahead.