Tattoo Aftercare: How to Care for Your New Tattoo Properly

Getting a new tattoo is an exciting experience, but proper aftercare is essential to ensure it heals correctly and looks its best for years to come. Tattoo aftercare isn’t just about the first few days; it’s about protecting the artwork's quality, preventing infection, and supporting healthy skin healing.

At Flux Ink Tattoos & Piercings, every client receives professional aftercare guidance after their appointment. This blog expands on that advice, giving you a clear, step-by-step tattoo aftercare guide you can follow with confidence.

Tattoo from Flux Ink Tattoos & Piercings Nottingham

1. Why Tattoo Aftercare Is So Important

A tattoo is an open wound, and how you care for it during healing directly affects:

• Line sharpness

• Colour retention

• Skin health

• Long-term appearance

  
  

Poor aftercare can lead to fading, scarring, or infection, all of which can be avoided with the right routine and consistency.

2. Tattoo Aftercare: The First 24 Hours

Immediately after your tattoo appointment, your artist will apply a protective wrap to the area.

What to do:

• Keep your tattoo wrapped for around 3 hours

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo

• Remove the wrap and gently wash the tattoo using warm water and unscented soap

• Use clean hands only, do not use cloths or sponges

• Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel

• Allow the tattoo to air dry for 10–15 minutes

  
  

This removes excess ink and plasma while reducing the risk of bacteria entering the skin.

3. Daily Tattoo Aftercare Routine (Days 2–14)

Once the initial stage has passed, consistency becomes the most important part of tattoo aftercare.

Cleaning:

• Wash your tattoo 2–3 times per day

• Always wash your hands first

• Use lukewarm water and unscented soap

• Gently clean, never scrub

  
  

Moisturising:

• Apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare cream

• The cream should absorb fully into the skin

• Avoid over-moisturising; the tattoo should never look shiny or wet

  
  

A light, breathable layer is all that’s needed.

4. What to Avoid While Your Tattoo Is Healing

During the healing process, avoid anything that can irritate the skin or introduce bacteria.

Avoid:

• Swimming, baths, saunas, steam rooms, or hot tubs

• Direct sunlight and sun beds

• Tight or abrasive clothing over the tattoo

• Picking scabs or scratching

• Applying sun cream before the tattoo is healed

  
  

These activities can slow healing and affect the final result.

5. Tattoo Healing Timeline: What’s Normal?

Understanding the healing process helps avoid unnecessary concern.

Surface healing: around 2 weeks

Full skin recovery: 4–6 weeks

During healing, it’s normal to experience:

• Mild redness

• Itching

• Light flaking or scabbing

  
  

Do not pick scabs; this can remove ink and cause scarring.

6. Signs of Infection to Watch For

While complications are rare with proper care, contact your artist or a medical professional if you notice:

• Redness spreading beyond the tattoo

• Excessive swelling or heat

• Yellow or green discharge

• Increasing pain or fever-like symptoms

  
  

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to ask.

7. Long-Term Tattoo Care Tips

Once your tattoo has healed:

• Moisturise regularly to keep skin healthy

• Always apply high-SPF sunscreen to tattooed areas

• Keep your skin hydrated and protected year-round

  
  

This is especially important for detailed and realism tattoos, where fine detail depends on good skin condition.

Flux Ink Nottingham Tattoo Artists at work

Tattoo Aftercare Support at Flux Ink

At Flux Ink Tattoos & Piercings, aftercare doesn’t stop when you leave the studio.

• Every client receives a printed aftercare sheet

• Our website includes a dedicated Tattoo Aftercare page

  
  

If you ever have questions during healing, you’re encouraged to contact the studio; our artists are always happy to help.

Thinking About Your Next Tattoo?

Great aftercare starts with professional tattooing.

You can:

• Explore our Tattoo Gallery to see healed results

• Visit the Meet the Artists page to choose the right artist for your style

• Submit your idea through the Tattoo Enquiries page

Whether it’s your first tattoo or your next large piece, Flux Ink is here to guide you from design to healing and beyond.