/ Aftercare
A professional guide to healing well: how to care for your piece from day one until it has fully settled.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
/ 01 · Day 0
Immediately after your tattoo
/ Do
- Remove your dressing when your artist tells you to. A standard wrap usually comes off after a few hours; a clear film dressing can stay on for several days. Your artist’s advice comes first. This lets the tattoo breathe and stops moisture building up.
- Gently wash the tattoo with antibacterial liquid soap, using only your hands.
- Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel.
/ Don’t
- Don’t re-bandage your tattoo once the first dressing is off, unless your artist has told you to. The skin needs to breathe to heal properly.
- Don’t use washcloths, sponges or anything rough that could irritate the skin.
- Don’t rub the tattoo dry. It can disrupt the healing process.
/ 02 · Days 1–3
Days 1 to 3: initial healing
/ Do
- Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free, alcohol-free aftercare moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated and support healing.
- Clean and dry the tattoo before each application. Moisturise 1 to 3 times a day, depending on how dry your skin feels.
/ Don’t
- Don’t apply too much moisturiser. It can clog pores and slow healing.
- Don’t use Vaseline or other petroleum-based ointments. They create a barrier that can trap bacteria and cause irritation.
/ 03 · Days 4–14
Days 4 to 14: peeling and ongoing care
/ Do
- Expect the skin to peel as the tattoo heals. This is normal. Let the dead skin flake off on its own, as disturbing it can cause scarring or loss of ink.
- Keep applying a mild, unscented lotion 1 to 2 times a day to keep the skin hydrated and ease discomfort while it peels.
/ Don’t
- Don’t pick, scratch or peel the tattoo. It can scar the skin or distort the design.
- Don’t use products containing alcohol, fragrance or artificial dyes. They can irritate the skin and slow healing.
/ 04 · Up to week 3
Protection from the elements (up to 3 weeks)
/ Do
- Once the surface has healed (usually around 3 weeks; the deeper layers of skin take a few months longer), apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, to protect the tattoo from UV damage and fading.
- Wear loose clothing, so nothing rubs against the healing skin.
/ Don’t
- Don’t soak the tattoo for the first 2 weeks. That means no swimming, hot tubs or baths.
- Don’t expose the tattoo to direct sunlight for the first 3 weeks. Keep it covered or in the shade, as sun can damage the tattoo and slow healing.
- Don’t use sunbeds while your tattoo heals.
/ 05
Signs of infection or allergic reaction: what to watch for
/ Do
- Expect some redness and swelling at first. If it gets worse, or you have increasing pain, a fever or pus, get medical attention promptly.
- If redness or swelling increases significantly, or you notice yellow or green discharge, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
- Get medical help urgently if you see red streaks spreading out from the tattoo, the skin around it feels hot, or there is a bad smell.
- An allergic reaction can show as itching, a raised rash or swelling on the tattoo. It can appear straight away or months, even years, later. Tell your artist and speak to a GP or pharmacist.
- If you’re not sure how urgent it is, call NHS 111.
/ Don’t
- Don’t wait if you think your tattoo is infected. Get medical advice straight away, as an untreated infection can cause scarring or further skin damage.
- Don’t use antibiotic creams unless a doctor has told you to.
/ 06
General guidance
/ Do
- If your tattoo swells, raise the area and apply a clean cold compress wrapped in a cloth (never ice straight on the skin) to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Take short, lukewarm showers while it heals, so excess moisture doesn’t irritate the tattoo.
/ Don’t
- Don’t do anything that puts heat or pressure on the tattoo, such as vigorous exercise, saunas or tight clothing.
- Don’t let anyone touch your tattoo unless they have washed their hands thoroughly. This helps prevent infection.
/ 07 · Products
Aftercare products
The KHO aftercare moisturiser and cleanser are available from the SANS PATRIE/ shop.
Follow this guide and your tattoo will heal properly and stay vibrant for years to come. If you have any concerns, or notice anything unusual while it heals, speak to your tattoo artist or a healthcare provider.