How to Take Care of Your New Tattoo

Getting a tattoo isn't just a few hours in the chair — it's also a healing wound on your skin. With proper care, colours stay vivid and blacks remain deep; neglect it and even the finest artist's work can fade.

The First 24 Hours

Keep the bandage or special film your artist applied for at least 2–4 hours. Some artists use second-skin film which can stay on for 3–5 days. After removing the bandage, wash gently with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap. Do not rub — pat dry with a clean paper towel.

The First Two Weeks

• Moisturise: Apply a thin layer of unscented, colourless moisturiser (Bepanthen or similar) 2–3 times a day.
• Shield from the sun: Direct sunlight is the number one cause of colour fading. Cover with clothing or high-SPF sunscreen whenever outdoors.
• No submerging: Pools, sea, and baths are off-limits for 3–4 weeks. Showers are fine — soaking is not.
• Do not scratch: Peeling and itching are normal. Scratching or picking scabs causes ink loss.

Long-Term Care

Even after your tattoo has healed, care should continue. Wearing sunscreen in summer prevents years of fading. Keeping your skin moisturised maintains colour vibrancy.

If you have any questions, call the studio or send us a message on Instagram. We want your tattoo to look beautiful for life.

Quick answers to the questions we get most

How long does the bandage stay on?

With cling film, the first wrap stays a few hours, then it's washed and removed. With a second-skin healing film it's 2–5 days; fluid gathering underneath is normal, but if it starts leaking, take it off early. We tell you which one was used at the end of the session — don't guess, ask.

Can I swim after getting tattooed?

No — no sea, pool, hammam, bathtub or sauna until it's healed. A fresh tattoo is an open wound and the bacteria risk in shared or standing water is real. In practice that means at least 2–3 weeks, longer depending on placement. Showers are fine; long baths are not.

Does colour fade? What does the sun do?

Sun fades every tattoo, and colour faster. UV breaks down pigment over time; yellows, oranges and light tones go first. Keep it out of the sun completely while healing. Once healed, high-factor sunscreen should become a habit for any exposed piece — it's the single biggest factor in how the tattoo looks ten years from now. Never put sunscreen on an unhealed tattoo; until then, shade and clothing are the only options.