A new tattoo is an investment in your skin, and the right aftercare plays an important part in how it heals and looks over time.
Following the guidance below will help keep the area clean, reduce the risk of infection and protect the quality of your finished tattoo.
Your artist will talk you through the aftercare steps at the end of your appointment. As dressings and healing needs can vary, always follow the specific instructions given by your Stillhaus artist first.
1. The first 24 hours
Your artist will cover your new tattoo before you leave the studio. How long this dressing should stay in place will depend on the type used, so do not remove or replace it earlier than advised.
A small amount of ink, blood or clear fluid beneath the dressing can be normal during the first day. However, if the dressing leaks, peels away or causes an uncomfortable reaction, contact your artist for advice.
Before touching your tattoo or removing its dressing, wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
2. Removing the dressing and cleaning your tattoo
When it is time to remove the dressing:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
- Gently remove the dressing. Doing this under lukewarm running water may help loosen the adhesive if a protective film has been used.
- Carefully wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Pat the area dry using clean paper towel. Do not rub it or use a shared hand or bath towel.
- Allow the skin to air dry before applying a very thin layer of the aftercare product recommended by your artist.
- Continue to clean and care for the tattoo as directed by your artist. Avoid over-washing or applying a thick layer of cream, as this may irritate the skin and interfere with healing.
3. What to expect while your tattoo heals
Every person and every tattoo heals differently. The size, placement and style of your tattoo can all affect the process.
During the first few days, the area may feel warm, tender or slightly swollen. Some redness and a small amount of clear fluid or excess ink can also be expected. As the skin begins to heal, your tattoo may feel dry, tight or itchy and may start to lightly flake or scab.
This is a normal part of the healing process. Do not scratch, pick or pull at the skin, even if it becomes itchy. Let any flakes or small scabs come away naturally to avoid damaging the skin or affecting the finished tattoo.
The surface of a tattoo will often settle within two to three weeks, although the deeper layers of skin can take longer to heal fully.
4. What to avoid during healing
Until your tattoo has fully healed:
- Do not scratch, pick or peel the tattoo.
- Avoid baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms.
- Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight and do not use sunbeds.
- Avoid tight or rough clothing that rubs against the area.
- Do not shave or wax over the tattoo.
- Avoid strenuous activity if it causes heavy sweating, stretching or friction around the tattoo.
- Keep the area away from dirt, dust, grease and other possible irritants.
- Do not apply fragranced skincare, fake tan, makeup or unapproved creams to the area.
- Avoid letting pets lick or rub against the healing tattoo.
- Showering is fine, but avoid soaking the tattoo or directing a powerful jet of water onto it. Pat the area dry carefully afterwards.
4. What to avoid during healing
Until your tattoo has fully healed:
- Do not scratch, pick or peel the tattoo.
- Avoid baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms.
- Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight and do not use sunbeds.
- Avoid tight or rough clothing that rubs against the area.
- Do not shave or wax over the tattoo.
- Avoid strenuous activity if it causes heavy sweating, stretching or friction around the tattoo.
- Keep the area away from dirt, dust, grease and other possible irritants.
- Do not apply fragranced skincare, fake tan, makeup or unapproved creams to the area.
- Avoid letting pets lick or rub against the healing tattoo.
- Showering is fine, but avoid soaking the tattoo or directing a powerful jet of water onto it. Pat the area dry carefully afterwards.
5. Protecting your tattoo long term
Once your tattoo has fully healed, regular moisturising can help keep the skin in good condition. Sun exposure can cause tattoo ink to fade over time, so apply a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever the area is exposed.
Keeping your skin protected and hydrated will help your tattoo retain its detail and appearance for years to come.
