Tattoo Aftercare

The First Night

At the end of your appointment, your tattoo will be cleaned and covered with a dry-loc pad.

  • Leave your pad on overnight to protect your fresh tattoo while you sleep.

  • It’s completely normal for the pad to absorb excess ink, blood and plasma. You may even notice an imprint of your tattoo on the pad.

  • The following morning, carefully remove your pad. If it feels stuck, gently wet it with lukewarm water to help release it.

Cleaning Your Tattoo

Once you’ve removed your pad:

  • Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.

  • Wash the area using warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.

  • Gently remove any excess ink, plasma or residue.

  • Pat dry using clean, disposable paper towels and allow the tattoo to air dry briefly.

  • Continue gently cleaning your tattoo morning and evening throughout the initial healing period.

Moisturising Your Tattoo

From the day after your appointment, you can begin your normal aftercare routine:

  • Apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free tattoo aftercare cream once your tattoo is clean and dry. I recommend Palmers fragrance-free cocoa butter which can be found at most pharmacies and drugstores.

  • Moisturise approximately 2–3 times a day, or as needed to prevent excessive dryness.

  • Only use a small amount. Your tattoo should feel lightly moisturised, not greasy or sticky.

  • Avoid applying thick layers of cream, as over-moisturising can interfere with healing.

  • Continue this routine for approximately 2–3 weeks, or until your tattoo has fully healed.

If your tattoo is still actively weeping after removing the pad, focus on keeping it clean and dry before beginning moisturising. You may only need to start applying cream a couple of days after the appointment.

Things To Avoid While Healing

  • Avoid swimming, baths, hot tubs and saunas until your tattoo has fully healed. Showering is absolutely fine, but avoid soaking your tattoo in water.

  • Avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds.

  • Avoid the gym, excessive sweating, friction and tight clothing around the tattoo, particularly during the first few days.

  • Never scratch, pick or peel any scabs or flaking skin.

  • Avoid touching your tattoo unnecessarily, especially with unwashed hands.

What To Expect During Healing

  • Your tattoo may feel tender, warm or slightly swollen for the first couple of days. Some itching, dryness and peeling are also completely normal as it heals.

  • Everyone heals differently, but most tattoos take approximately 2–4 weeks to heal on the surface.

  • If you notice spreading redness, increasing pain, unusual discharge, significant swelling or develop a fever, seek medical advice promptly.

Final Advice

Less is more when it comes to tattoo aftercare!

Keep your tattoo clean, lightly moisturised and give your skin time to heal naturally. There’s no need to overcomplicate the process.

If you’re ever unsure about anything during the healing process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via chrisgreentattoo@gmail.com.