Your artist does half the work — aftercare is the other half. How you look after your tattoo in the first few weeks decides how crisp the lines stay and how bright the colour heals. Here’s our day-by-day tattoo aftercare guide from the Candy Ink studio in Sunnyridge, East London. Always follow the specific instructions we give you on the day, as some tattoos and wraps need slightly different care.
Day 1: the first 24 hours
- Leave the wrap on for as long as we told you. A standard wrap usually comes off after a few hours; a clear “second skin” film can stay on for longer — we’ll tell you which you have and when to remove it.
- Wash your hands first, then gently remove the wrap.
- Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, unscented soap, using clean fingertips only — no cloths or sponges.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel, then let it air-dry for a few minutes.
- Apply a very thin layer of aftercare cream. If it looks shiny or greasy, that’s too much.
It’s normal for a fresh tattoo to ooze a little clear fluid and excess ink, to feel warm and tender like a sunburn, and to look slightly raised. This settles over the first couple of days.
Days 2–6: keep it clean and let it breathe
- Wash gently two to three times a day, pat dry and apply a thin layer of cream.
- Wear loose, clean, breathable clothing over the tattoo.
- Sleep on clean bedding — and try not to sleep on the tattoo.
- Keep pets away from it, and keep it out of the sun completely.
Week 2: the itchy, flaky stage
Your tattoo will start to flake and peel like a healing sunburn, and it can get very itchy. It may also look dull or cloudy — that’s a layer of healing skin over the ink, and the colour will come back through once it’s healed.
- Do not pick, peel or scratch. Pulling off flakes can pull ink out with them and leave patchy spots.
- If it itches, gently tap or lightly slap the area, or apply a thin layer of cream.
- Let the flakes fall off on their own in the shower.
Weeks 3–4: nearly there
The surface is usually healed by now: no more flaking, no shine, and the skin feels smooth. The deeper layers of skin keep settling for a while longer, so keep moisturising and keep protecting it from the sun. Large pieces, heavily-worked areas and spots with lots of movement (elbows, knees, feet, hands) can take a little longer.
What to avoid while your tattoo heals
- Soaking: no swimming pools, the sea, rivers, baths, jacuzzis or saunas. Short showers are fine.
- Sun: no tanning or sunbathing, and no sunscreen until the skin is fully healed — cover it with loose clothing instead.
- Tight clothing rubbing on the tattoo.
- Heavy gym sessions that stretch or sweat on the area for the first few days — and wipe down equipment if you do go back.
- Thick layers of petroleum jelly or heavily scented lotions.
- Shaving over the tattoo until it’s healed.
Long-term care: keeping your tattoo bright for life
- Sunscreen is everything. UV is the number one reason tattoos fade. Use SPF 50 on exposed tattoos once healed.
- Moisturise — healthy, hydrated skin shows ink at its best.
- Stay hydrated and look after your skin generally.
- Touch-ups: if a small area healed patchy, get in touch — we’ll take a look.
Planning more ink? Our full sleeve guide explains how healing works between sessions on bigger projects, and our styles guide explains how different styles age.
When to get in touch (or see a doctor)
Some redness, swelling and tenderness in the first few days is normal. Contact us — and see a doctor or clinic — if you notice:
- Redness or swelling that is spreading or getting worse after the first few days
- Thick yellow or green discharge, or a bad smell
- Increasing heat and pain instead of improvement
- Fever, chills or feeling unwell
- Red streaks spreading from the tattoo
You can always WhatsApp us on 084 263 2974 with a photo if you’re unsure — we’d rather you ask.
Frequently asked questions
Can I shower with a new tattoo?
Yes. Keep showers short and lukewarm, don’t aim the jet straight at the tattoo, and pat it dry afterwards.
Why does my new tattoo look faded or cloudy?
That’s normal during the peeling stage — a thin layer of healing skin sits over the ink. Once it’s fully healed, the true colour and sharpness show through.
When can I go back to the gym?
Give it a few days, keep the tattoo covered with clean, loose clothing, avoid moves that stretch the area hard, and wash it after training.
When can I swim again?
Wait until the tattoo has completely finished flaking and the skin is smooth — usually a few weeks.
