Your tattoo is an open wound. Proper care is essential for healing, detail retention, and avoiding infection.
First 24 Hours
• Keep the bandage on for 2–4 hours.
• Wash your hands before touching your tattoo
• Gently wash the area with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel (do not rub)
First 2 Nights (Important)
Use clean cling wrap to cover your tattoo while sleeping
• This helps protect it from bacteria, friction, and bedding
• Change the cling wrap twice a day
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the tattoo
• Before applying a new wrap, wash your tattoo gently with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap, then pat dry completely
• Never reuse cling wrap
Third day onwards - Cleaning & Moisturising for at least 3 weeks
Wash your tattoo 2x per day (morning & night)
• Always wash your hands before touching it
• Apply a very thin layer of healing ointment (e.g. Bepanthen or Pawpaw or Vaseline) for the first few days
• After it has healed, always apply a regular moisturiser to keep your skin and tattoo hydrated and vibrant.
Important:
Too much ointment can suffocate the skin and increase risk of irritation or infection. Use only a thin layer.
What NOT to Do
• Do not touch with dirty hands
• Do not scratch or pick
• Do not soak (no baths, pools, ocean, sauna for 2–3 weeks)
• Do not expose to direct sun
• Do not use perfumes, oils, or random creams
• Avoid tight, dirty, or synthetic clothing over the tattoo
Hygiene Matters
Most infections happen due to poor hygiene during healing.
• Always use clean bedding and clean clothes
• Avoid pets sleeping directly on fresh tattoos
• Keep the area protected from dirty surfaces
• Do not let others touch your tattoo
Signs of Infection
If you notice any of the following, contact me and seek medical advice:
• Increasing redness spreading around the tattoo
• Strong or worsening pain after day 2–3
• Yellow/green discharge or bad smell
• Fever or feeling unwell
Healing Time
• Surface healing: 2–3 weeks
• Full healing: 4–6 weeks
Final Note
A tattoo is a collaboration, I create the artwork, but your aftercare determines how it heals and ages.
Follow the process carefully and your tattoo will heal clean, crisp, and beautiful.