Tattoo Aftercare
Keep Your Ink Looking Its Best
At Tattoo Heroes, aftercare starts the moment you leave the studio. We’ll walk you through every stage so you know exactly what to expect and what to do—no guesswork, no stress.
Explore the ultimate tattoo aftercare guide by Tattoo Heroes. Learn how to look after your tattoo, avoid common mistakes, and keep your ink vibrant and long-lasting.
Why Tattoo Aftercare is Important
Tattoo aftercare ensures:
Prevent Infection
Clean care keeps bacteria out and healing on track.
Clean care keeps bacteria out and healing on track.
Protect Colour & Detail
Good habits preserve linework and vibrancy long-term.
Good habits preserve linework and vibrancy long-term.
Speed Up Healing
The right routine means less scabbing, less itch, better comfort.
The right routine means less scabbing, less itch, better comfort.
Although the outer layer of skin may heal in 2–3 weeks, full healing can take up to 6 months. A consistent aftercare routine is essential to protect your tattoo and help it stay in top condition.
Tattoo Aftercare
Timeline:
What to Do and When
Day 1
Caring for Your Tattoo Immediately After
What to expect: our tattoo artist will either wrap your tattoo in plastic film or apply a medical-grade adhesive known as "second skin."
Steps:
Remove plastic film after a few hours.
If using "second skin," keep it on for up to five days unless instructed otherwise.
Gently clean your tattoo using warm water and fragrance-free soap.
Pat the area dry with a clean cloth; avoid rubbing or rewrapping unless advised.
Days 2-3
The Early Healing Stage
What to expect: Your tattoo may look dull or cloudy, and scabs may begin to form.
Steps:
Wash your tattoo once or twice daily with a mild, fragrance-free soap.
Apply a thin layer of artist-recommended ointment, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment, after cleaning.
Avoid over-moisturising the area to prevent irritation.
Days 4-6
Removing "Second Skin" and Caring for Scabs
What to expect: If you used "second skin," this is the time to carefully remove it.
Steps:
Run warm water over the adhesive and gently peel it off.
Cleanse the area, pat it dry, and apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion or ointment.
Refrain from picking at scabs, as this can lead to scarring and uneven healing.
Day 6-14
Flaking and Itching
What to expect: Your tattoo may flake, scabs will harden, and itching is common during this stage.
Steps:
Continue moisturising regularly with a fragrance-free lotion to ease itching.
Avoid scratching or picking at scabs, as this can pull out ink and cause scars.
If redness or swelling persists, contact Tattoo Heroes or a medical professional
Day 15-30
Final Healing Stages
What to expect: Scabs and flakes should naturally fall off, leaving the tattoo dry but healed.
Steps:
Continue moisturising regularly with a fragrance-free lotion to ease itching.
Avoid scratching or picking at scabs, as this can pull out ink and cause scars.
If redness or swelling persists, contact Tattoo Heroes or a medical professional.
Recommended Products for Tattoo Aftercare
Best Products to Use
Fragrance-Free, pH-Balanced Soap
Gentle clean without stripping natural oils.
Gentle clean without stripping natural oils.
Light, Unscented Moisturiser
Keeps skin supple; avoid petroleum-heavy creams.
Keeps skin supple; avoid petroleum-heavy creams.
Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 +
Sun protection that stops fading before it starts.
Sun protection that stops fading before it starts.
What to Avoid
01
Soaking
No baths, pools, or saunas until fully healed.
02
Heavy Fragrances & Alcohol
They dry out skin and can blur ink.
03
Direct Sun & Tanning Beds
UV light is colour’s worst enemy—cover up or use SPF.
Although the outer layer of skin may heal in 2–3 weeks, full healing can take up to 6 months. A consistent aftercare routine is essential to protect your tattoo and help it stay in top condition.
Common Tattoo Aftercare Mistakes
To ensure proper healing, avoid:
Touching or scratching
This can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
Wearing tight clothing
Wearing tight clothing: Avoid baths, swimming pools, and hot tubs for at least two weeks.
Excessive sun exposure
Keep your tattoo covered or use SPF 50+ sunscreen once healed.
Shaving over the tattoo
Shaving over the tattoo: Wait until the area is fully healed to avoid reopening the wound.
Signs Your Tattoo May Be Infected
If you notice any of the following signs, seek medical advice or contact Tattoo Heroes immediately:
01
Fever or chills
02
Persistent redness or swelling.
03
Oozing pus or fluid.
04
Severe itching, hives, or signs of an allergic reaction.
05
Scarring or raised, puffy skin.
Long-Term Tattoo Care Tips
Once your tattoo has fully healed, maintain its appearance with these tips:
Stay hydrated
Healthy skin
begins with proper hydration.
begins with proper hydration.
Protect against UV rays
Use sunscreen or wear protective clothing to prevent fading.
Moisturise regularly
Keep your skin nourished to enhance the longevity of your tattoo.
Tattoo Heroes:
Your Aftercare Experts
Book a free consultation, choose your design, and leave the rest to us. Quality tattoos and expert aftercare—all under one roof.
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290 High Road Leyton,
E10 5PW, London - UK
E10 5PW, London - UK
