Tattoo Aftercare

Healing Overview

Your tattoo will take around 2 weeks to heal on the surface. Please follow the advice below to ensure the best possible healing and to reduce the risk of infection.

Recommended Products

• •Aftercare cream (first 2 weeks): We sell aftercare at the studio (£5 per pot), or you can buy tattoo-specific aftercare cream online. If you're unsure about a product, feel free to send us the details.
• •After your tattoo has healed: Use whatever moisturiser works best for your skin.
• •Soap: Use a mild, fragrance-free, colour-free soap.

If Your Tattoo is Covered in Second Skin (Dermalize)

• •Keep the Second Skin on for 1–3 days.
• •You can shower with it on (it's waterproof), but avoid letting water get trapped underneath.
• •Avoid heavy sweating while it's on, as sweat cannot escape and may irritate the tattoo.
• •You may notice excess ink, plasma, or blood under the Second Skin — this is normal, you don't need to remove it.

Remove the Second Skin immediately if:

• •Water gets underneath.
• •You notice redness, itching, or irritation.
• •It starts peeling off and the tattoo is no longer fully covered.

If Your Tattoo is Covered in Cling Film

• •Keep the cling film on for a few hours only.
• •Remove it and wash your tattoo gently with warm, soapy water. It may feel gunky — this is normal, wash it away carefully.

After Your Covering is Removed

• •Apply a very thin layer of aftercare cream.
• •Continue applying a thin layer, with clean hands, 2–4 times daily for at least 2 weeks.
• •Avoid over-moisturising or smothering the tattoo.

For the First 2 Weeks Avoid

• •Picking, scratching, or peeling the tattoo (scabbing and itching are normal).
• •Swimming, baths, or soaking the tattoo.
• •Saunas, steam rooms, or very hot showers.
• •Excessive exercise or sweating.
• •Friction or tight clothing over the tattoo (e.g. boots on ankles, watches on wrists).
• •Products with harsh chemicals (e.g. strong soaps, fake tan).

For the First 21 Days Avoid

• •Direct sun exposure.
• •Swimming (sea, pools, hot tubs).

Keeping Your Healing Tattoo Clean

• •Keep exercise light. Avoid movements or equipment that rub on the tattoo, and wash it afterwards.
• •Keep the tattoo away from dirt — wash it if anything gets on it.
• •Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
• •Be careful with pets — do not allow them to lick or touch your fresh tattoo.
• •Change your bed sheets — your tattoo will rub against them during sleep.

Long-Term Tattoo Care

Your healed tattoo sits under your skin, so healthy skin = a healthy-looking tattoo.

• •Moisturise regularly.
• •Exfoliate gently to prevent dull, dry skin.
• •Protect from the sun — always apply SPF to healed tattoos.

Common Causes of Tattoo Fading

1. Your immune system — gradually breaks down ink particles over time.
2. Sun exposure — UV rays damage ink and speed up fading and ink spreading.
3. Poor skincare — dry, flaky skin makes tattoos appear lighter. Keep skin moisturised long-term.
4. Friction & sweating — tattoos on high-contact areas (e.g. fingers, feet, joints) fade more quickly.

Do Fine Line Tattoos Fade Faster?

All tattoos fade and blur with time, but fine line tattoos naturally have less pigment in the skin.

• •When both a bold tattoo and a fine line tattoo fade, the bold tattoo will still look dark, while the fine line piece may appear lighter — like a pencil sketch rather than a sharpie line.
• •Small, delicate tattoos need extra care and may benefit from touch-ups in the future.
• •Fading is normal — some people choose to refresh their tattoo, while others enjoy the lighter, more natural look.
• •Due to the delicate nature of fine line work, you may notice it needs a touch up after healing. This can look like a little gap in the ink or a line healing lighter than the others.