How to Look After a New Tattoo

Written by Vladimir Vishar — Professional tattoo artist
Published 30 May 2026 · Updated 12 July 2026

Good aftercare protects both your new tattoo and your skin while it heals. The single most important rule is to follow the specific advice your artist gives you, because they know what they used and how your tattoo was done. The guidance below is general, and is not medical advice.

The first 24 to 48 hours

Your artist will cover the fresh tattoo, either with cling film or a breathable “second skin” wrap, and tell you how long to leave it on. Follow their timing. When you remove the wrap, wash your hands first, then gently clean the tattoo as described below.

How to wash a new tattoo

One of the most common aftercare questions is whether you can shower with a new tattoo. The answer is yes: you can get it wet, and you need to clean it. A fresh tattoo must be kept clean while it heals, and this is more important than applying lots of cream.

1. Wash your hands first.
2. Rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water.
3. Work in a small amount of fragrance-free wash with your fingertips — no cloths, no scrubbing.
4. Rinse well, then pat dry with a clean paper towel.

During the early healing stage, washing it at least three times a day is a sensible baseline unless your artist has given you a different routine.

Moisturising and which products to use

Moisturiser helps the skin stay comfortable, but it should not replace cleaning. Once the tattoo is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of a suitable fragrance-free moisturiser, or a product your artist recommends. A thin film is better than a thick layer, which can clog the healing skin. If you are not sure what to buy, a pharmacist can point you to a plain, fragrance-free option.

What to avoid while it heals

While the tattoo is healing, avoid: direct sun and sunbeds; soaking it in baths, pools, the sea or hot tubs; sweaty workouts and friction from tight clothing; and, most importantly, picking or scratching scabs and flakes, which can pull out ink and cause scarring.

The healing timeline at a glance

The surface usually feels healed in a couple of weeks, while the deeper skin settles over a couple of months. For a week-by-week breakdown of peeling, itching and the dull phase, see our tattoo healing stages guide.

Signs something is wrong

A little redness, swelling and warmth in the first day or two is normal, and so are peeling and itching as healing gets going.

Get the tattoo looked at if it is getting worse rather than better: spreading redness, increasing pain, heat or swelling, pus, or a fever or feeling unwell can be signs of infection, and it is worth acting early. Speak to a pharmacist or your GP first. For urgent advice when the surgery is closed, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales; Northern Ireland does not use 111, so contact your GP surgery’s out-of-hours service instead.

Keep 999 and A&E for emergency symptoms only — for example difficulty breathing, or a very high temperature with a fast heartbeat, fast breathing, confusion or dizziness. Normal healing effects such as peeling, itching and mild redness do not need emergency care.

This site offers general guidance only; it is not a substitute for medical advice and cannot diagnose anything.

Aftercare for large or colour pieces

Bigger pieces and heavy colour can take longer to settle and may feel more tender. The basics are the same: keep the area clean, be patient, and follow your artist’s plan, especially between sessions.

If you are still planning your first tattoo, our first tattoo guide covers what to expect on the day. And when in doubt, contact your studio, as they would always rather you asked.