How often should I wash a new tattoo?

Most studios advise gently washing two to three times a day while it's healing, but follow your own artist's instructions — the routine differs depending on the wrap and product they used.

What should I put on a new tattoo?

Use whatever your artist recommends. Fragrance-free products are the norm, applied in thin layers. If you have sensitive skin or known allergies, mention it before you leave the studio.

Is it normal for a tattoo to peel?

Yes — light flaking usually starts in the first week or so. Let it fall away naturally and never pick at it.

How do I know if my tattoo is infected?

This isn't something to self-diagnose. Spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus, worsening pain or a fever all warrant prompt advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Aftercare & healing

New Tattoo Aftercare: Instructions Step by Step

7 min read · Updated August 2026

Your artist's instructions come first — they know the wrap they used and how they worked your skin. What follows is the general routine most professional studios describe, so you know what a normal healing process looks like.

Not medical advice. Always follow the aftercare instructions your artist gives you — they know your skin, the ink and the wrap they used. If you have signs of infection or an unusual reaction (spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus, fever, or a rash), contact a qualified healthcare professional promptly.

The first 24 hours

Leave the wrap on for as long as your artist told you — this differs a lot between cling film and adhesive healing film. When you remove it, wash your hands first, rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap, pat dry with a clean paper towel and let it air for a few minutes before applying a thin layer of whatever product your artist recommended.

Days two to seven

Repeat the wash-and-moisturise routine two or three times a day, or as directed.

Clean hands every single time
Lukewarm water, gentle fragrance-free soap, no scrubbing
Pat dry — never rub with a shared towel
Thin layers of product; smothering it traps moisture
Loose clothing over the area

Weeks two and three

Flaking and itching are normal as the surface heals. It will look dull and cloudy for a while before the colour settles. Keep moisturising, keep your hands off it, and let anything that's peeling come away on its own.

What to avoid while healing

Most healing problems come from these.

Picking or scratching scabs and flakes
Soaking: baths, pools, hot tubs, the sea, saunas
Direct sun and sunbeds on the fresh tattoo
Tight or dirty clothing rubbing the area
Letting pets sleep against it

When to get advice

Some redness and tenderness in the first days is normal. Contact a qualified healthcare professional promptly if you see spreading redness, increasing pain after the first few days, heat, swelling, pus, a rash, or if you develop a fever. Tell your artist too, so they know and can advise on the tattoo itself. Do not rely on internet guidance — including this page — to diagnose anything.

Long term

Once fully healed, sunscreen is the single best thing for keeping a tattoo sharp. Keep the skin moisturised and expect a touch-up conversation if any small areas dropped out during healing.

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I wash a new tattoo?: Most studios advise gently washing two to three times a day while it's healing, but follow your own artist's instructions — the routine differs depending on the wrap and product they used.
What should I put on a new tattoo?: Use whatever your artist recommends. Fragrance-free products are the norm, applied in thin layers. If you have sensitive skin or known allergies, mention it before you leave the studio.
Is it normal for a tattoo to peel?: Yes — light flaking usually starts in the first week or so. Let it fall away naturally and never pick at it.
How do I know if my tattoo is infected?: This isn't something to self-diagnose. Spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus, worsening pain or a fever all warrant prompt advice from a qualified healthcare professional.