How to Take Care of a Tattoo in the First Week

The First Week Is How Your Tattoo Looks Forever

Fresh ink is an open wound. Those first seven days will determine how brilliant the ink looks, how well colors stay put and whether you get a wound or discoloration from unwanted healing. In this guide, we are going to highlight each day.

Day 1: Keep the Wrap On

Step 2: Your artist will then place a bandage or cling wrap on your tattoo. Leave it on for the length of time recommended — typically between two to four hours. Once it has been removed, clean the area with mild unscented soap and lukewarm water (preferably using your clean hands). Wipe with a dry paper towel. Put a thin layer of unscented lotion or tattooe aftercare balm.

Day 2 – Day 3: The Wash and Moisturise Routine

Healed Tattoo Care – Your tattoo washing routine Do not soak in water — no baths, swimming pools or long showers. Continue to moisturise with a thin layer of cream. You might notice that your skin is feeling tight — this is normal. Do not touch it too with dirty hands.

Day 4–5: Expect Some Peeling

This characteristic will peel right around day 4, which can resemble a sunburn. Do not pick or scratch. Let the skin shed on its own. Picking has the ability to pick ink out and leave patchy areas. Continue your wash and moisturise routine.

Day 6–7: The Itch Phase

New skin is forming underneath, which means your tattoo will probably feel itchy. Avoid scratching — if you have to scratch, do it with a slap Day 7 will show a healed surface layer, but deeper layers of skin take up to 4–6 weeks before they are completely repaired.

Things to Not Under Any Circumstances Do in the First Week

• Sun and ultraviolet exposure — cover it aerosol outdoor
• Swimming pools, the sea or baths
• Tight clothing rubbing against the tattoo
• Skin Picking, Scratching or Peeling
• Petroleum-based products like Vaseline
• Scented soaps or lotions

Keep an Eye Out for Signs of Infection

Mild redness and swelling in the first 48hours is normal. Seek a doctor if you experience: severe swelling, yellow or green discharge, fever and red streaks radiating from the tattoo. This could be a sign of infection that needs to receive medical attention.

Tattoo Aftercare for Week One: The Best Things to Use

Stick to gentle, unscented products. You can go with Hustle Butter Deluxe, Lubriderm unscented lotion or Bepanthen (polular in the UK). Your tattoo artist will probably tell you what to use — listening, in the first instance anyway.

Final Tip – Listen to Your Artist

Every tattoo is different. Healing is affected by placement, size, ink type and your skin. General advice is never as good as specific instructions from your artist, and if you get those directions then they should always take priority (while of course also listening to your pro-bono mentor level up player). If in doubt call the studio.