Tattooed By Joshua
Tattoo Aftercare
Your new tattoo is an open wound, so good aftercare is essential for clean healing, strong colour, and preventing infection. Always follow your artist’s instructions first.
First 24 HoursLeave the wrap or second-skin dressing on for the time recommended by your artist. When removing it, wash your hands first, then gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with clean paper towel — do not rub.
CleaningWash your tattoo gently 1–2 times a day. Keep it clean, but do not soak it. Showers are fine, but avoid baths, pools, spas, saunas, and swimming until fully healed.
MoisturisingApply a very thin layer of tattoo aftercare cream or fragrance-free moisturiser. Do not overdo it — the tattoo should feel lightly moisturised, not wet or greasy.
What to AvoidDo not scratch, pick, or peel scabs. Avoid direct sun, fake tan, tight clothing, heavy sweating, and dirty environments while healing. Picking can damage the tattoo and affect the final result.
Normal HealingIt is normal for your tattoo to feel tender, dry, itchy, flaky, or slightly raised while healing. Most tattoos settle over 2–4 weeks, though deeper healing can take longer.
Watch For Contact your artist or seek medical advice if you notice spreading redness, severe swelling, pus, fever, worsening pain, or the tattoo feels hot and infected.
Long-Term Care Once healed, keep your tattoo moisturised and protect it from the sun with SPF. Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of fading.
CleaningWash your tattoo gently 1–2 times a day. Keep it clean, but do not soak it. Showers are fine, but avoid baths, pools, spas, saunas, and swimming until fully healed.
MoisturisingApply a very thin layer of tattoo aftercare cream or fragrance-free moisturiser. Do not overdo it — the tattoo should feel lightly moisturised, not wet or greasy.
What to AvoidDo not scratch, pick, or peel scabs. Avoid direct sun, fake tan, tight clothing, heavy sweating, and dirty environments while healing. Picking can damage the tattoo and affect the final result.
Normal HealingIt is normal for your tattoo to feel tender, dry, itchy, flaky, or slightly raised while healing. Most tattoos settle over 2–4 weeks, though deeper healing can take longer.
Watch For Contact your artist or seek medical advice if you notice spreading redness, severe swelling, pus, fever, worsening pain, or the tattoo feels hot and infected.
Long-Term Care Once healed, keep your tattoo moisturised and protect it from the sun with SPF. Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of fading.