Our essential Aftercare Guide for your new tattoo.

Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but the real challenge begins after the needles stop. Proper tattoo aftercare is crucial to ensure your new tattoo heals well, looks vibrant, and avoids infection or complications. Until healed, tattoos are open wounds. There may be redness, swelling, blood/plasma and in some cases bruising. 

Imagine the tattoo without the ink! It would be a pretty nasty looking graze.

Neglecting aftercare can lead to fading, scabbing, or even permanent damage to your skin and tattoo. This guide offers clear, practical advice to help your tattoo heal perfectly.

Cleaning your new Tattoo

Right after getting your tattoo, your artist will cover it with plastic wrap. Keep this covering on for 2 hours (no Longer). Once you remove it, carefully roll it up and put it in the bin. (Take extra care not to touch the bin.) Now wash your hands!!

Run a warm/ hot shower and rinse your new tattoo for 20 - 30 seconds. It will sting, but only momentarily. The first wash is very important ! Using either the tattoo wash purchased from the studio or a mild fragrance-free wash, use your fingertips to gently but firmly wash the whole of your tattoo. Never use a “bar” of soap to heal a tattoo.

It’s very important to properly wash off all the blood and plasma (the gooey stuff) that has naturally formed on your tattoo. If this doesn’t get removed it can lead to excessive scabbing or infection.

***IMPORTANT *** Use clean kitchen roll to gently pat your tattoo dry.

DO NOT use a towel while the tattoo is in the healing stage.

Even clean towels can harbour bacteria.

Once patted dry allow a good 20/30 mins to further air-dry your tattoo before putting on any clothing that may cover your tattoo.    

Repeat the above process twice a day for the first week. Then you can reduce it to once per day.

Tattoo Aftercare Creams & Balms

From experience, we believe tattoos need 2-3 days to dry out before you start using aftercare cream. If your tattoo is still weeping after you have washed, patted-dry and air-dried it, DO NOT apply any creams. Let it dry out further.

When you do start using aftercare cream, make sure to use the tiniest amount for the first 1-4 days. Too much cream can cause the tattoo to become gooey and infected.

Once the tattoo has scabbed over and new skin in formed underneath you can start to use a little more cream or moisturiser (Palmers Cocoa Butter is great)

We have a variety of aftercare products available to purchase from the studio.

Avoid Sun Exposure and Water Immersion

Sunlight can fade your tattoo quickly, especially while it’s healing. Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds. Once healed, always apply a high SPF sunscreen to protect the ink.

Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, or long baths for at least two weeks. Soaking your tattoo can cause ink to leach out and increase infection risk. Stick to quick showers and keep the tattoo clean and dry.

Do Not Pick or Scratch Your Tattoo

As your tattoo heals, it may scab and almost certainly become itchy. This is normal, but resist the urge to scratch or pick at scabs. Removing scabs prematurely can cause scarring and patchy ink loss. Keep applying small amounts of aftercare cream and the scabs will eventually fall off.

If itching becomes uncomfortable, gently tap/slap the area or apply a small amount of aftercare cream. Keeping the tattoo moisturized helps reduce dryness and itching.

Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing

Tight clothing can rub against your tattoo and irritate the skin. Choose loose, breathable fabrics that allow air circulation. This prevents excessive sweating and friction, which can delay healing or cause infection.

For tattoos in sensitive areas, such as the ribs or inner arms, extra care with clothing choice is especially important.

Watch for Signs of Infection

While some redness and swelling are normal after getting a tattoo, watch for signs of infection. These include:

• Increasing redness or warmth around the tattoo

• Pus or unusual discharge

• Excessive swelling or pain

• Fever or chills

  
  

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare professional promptly. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.

Follow Your Tattoo Artist’s Instructions

Every tattoo artist has their preferred aftercare routine based on their experience and the type of ink used. Follow their advice closely, as they know what works best for their work. If you have questions or concerns during healing, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

Maintain Good Overall Skin Care

Healthy skin heals faster. Drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, and if possible avoid smoking. These habits support your immune system and skin regeneration.

Once your tattoo has fully healed, continue to care for it by moisturising regularly and protecting it from sun damage. This helps to keeps your tattoo looking sharp and vibrant for years to come.

Please contact your artist directly if you have any questions.

Contact Crook & Hatchet

See ya soon for you next tattoo.