— Healing guide
Aftercare
Your tattoo is an open wound for the first week. Treat it well and it heals beautifully — for life.
Healing timeline
Day 1
Bandage off
Remove the wrap after 2–4 hours. Wash gently with lukewarm water and unscented soap. Pat dry — never rub.
Day 2–3
Plasma & ink seep
Some weeping is normal. Wash 2–3 times daily, apply a thin layer of aftercare balm. Less is more.
Day 4–7
Peeling begins
Skin will flake like sunburn. DO NOT pick or scratch. Keep moisturised with fragrance-free lotion.
Week 2–3
Itchy phase
The deep itch. Tap, never scratch. Continue light moisturising twice a day.
Week 4+
Fully healed
Surface is healed. Deep healing continues for ~3 months. Always SPF 50+ in sun.
Do
- Wash gently 2–3× a day with unscented soap
- Apply a thin layer of aftercare balm (Bepanthen, Hustle Butter)
- Sleep on clean sheets, loose cotton clothing
- Drink water, eat well — healing is metabolic
Don't
- No swimming, baths, saunas or sea for 3 weeks
- No direct sunlight or sunbeds for 4 weeks
- No gym or heavy sweating for 7–10 days
- Don't pick, scratch, or peel the scabs
Wash 2–3×/day
Thin balm layer
No sun 4 wks
No water 3 wks
No gym 7d
Loose cotton
Concerned? Ring us.
If something feels wrong — heat, pus, fever — don't guess. Contact your artist or a GP straight away.
+353 83 016 1079