A fresh tattoo is an open wound wearing artwork. Healed well, it keeps its lines for decades; healed badly, no artist can fix it. Here is the whole journey, stage by stage.
Days 1–3: the wrap days
If you left with second-skin film, keep it on for 24–48 hours unless it leaks. A little dark fluid under the film is plasma and ink — normal. Remove it in the shower, peeling low and slow under running water.
Days 3–14: the itch and the flake
- Wash twice daily with fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water.
- Moisturise thinly — the skin should look matte, not greased.
- Flaking is normal. Do not pick, scratch or exfoliate.
Days 15–30: the quiet phase
The surface looks healed while deeper layers finish closing. Keep it out of direct sun, pools and saunas. Sunscreen, forever, once it is fully healed — UV is the single biggest killer of crisp lines.
When to call us
Spreading redness after day 3, hot-to-touch skin, pus, or fever are not normal. Message the studio the same day; we would rather check a healthy tattoo than treat an angry one.