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Aftercare Guidelines

How to care for your new tattoo so it heals cleanly and stays vibrant.

Please note:This is Inkspot's standard guidance. Your artist may provide their own instructions — always follow what your artist tells you for your specific tattoo.

A tattoo is an open wound for the first days. Proper aftercare protects against infection and keeps your ink looking its best for years. Follow these steps and contact your artist with any concerns.

The first 24–48 hours

  • Leave the covering on for the time your artist recommends (usually a few hours, longer for protective films).
  • Wash your hands, then gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap.
  • Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never rub — and let it air-dry before applying any product.

The healing weeks

  • Apply a thin layer of the recommended aftercare ointment or fragrance-free moisturiser 2–3 times a day.
  • Do not pick, scratch, or peel scabs and flakes — let them fall off naturally.
  • Keep the tattoo clean and avoid tight clothing that rubs against it.

What to avoid

  • No swimming pools, baths, saunas, or soaking the tattoo for at least 2–3 weeks.
  • Keep it out of direct sunlight; once healed, always protect it with SPF 30+.
  • Avoid intense exercise that stretches or sweats heavily on the area in the first days.

When to seek help

  • Some redness, swelling, and warmth in the first days is normal.
  • Contact your artist or a doctor if you notice spreading redness, pus, severe pain, or a fever — these can signal infection.