So, you’ve finally done it — got your dream tattoo. Whether you went all-in on a sleeve or just started with something small and meaningful, there’s that moment after the needle stops buzzing where it hits you: now you’ve got to take care of it. And not just ‘slap on some cream and hope for the best’ kind of care — proper, intentional aftercare that’ll make sure your tattoo heals beautifully. Because let’s face it, getting the best tattoo in London means nothing if you mess it up the next day. I’ve spoken to more artists than I can count, had my fair share of healing mishaps, and trust me — the pros have tips that make all the difference.
Don’t Skip the First Wash
Right after your session, your artist will likely wrap your tattoo with cling film or second skin. Once you’re home and it’s time to remove it — usually a few hours later unless you’ve got a second skin layer — give it a gentle wash. Use lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap. Your tattoo is essentially an open wound, so treat it that way. No scrubbing. Just your hand and water, then pat it dry with a clean towel or let it air dry.
Stick With the Right Products
Every artist I’ve met has a preferred aftercare cream, and they’ll tell you about it for a reason. Avoid anything with heavy fragrance or thick petroleum bases unless specifically recommended. Lightweight, breathable creams are the way to go. It helps keep the tattoo moisturised without suffocating the skin.
Keep It Clean, But Don’t Overdo It
Twice a day is plenty when it comes to washing your tattoo. You want to avoid over-washing, which can strip your skin of the oils it needs to heal. A light clean in the morning and at night, followed by a small amount of moisturiser, is all you need. Especially in those early days when the skin’s raw and sensitive.
Hands Off the Flakes
Yes, it’s gonna peel. No, you shouldn’t help it along. Peeling and flaking is part of the healing process. Picking or scratching not only risks pulling out ink, it can also lead to scarring. I’ve ruined more than one tattoo by getting impatient — don’t be like me. Tap the itchy bits, use a cold compress, do whatever you need to do to leave it alone.
Skip the Gym (Just for a Bit)
If you’ve just had a fresh tattoo in an area that stretches or sweats a lot — think ribs, thighs, backs — you might want to chill on the workouts for a few days. Heavy movement and excessive sweating can irritate the skin and potentially cause the tattoo to scab weird or heal patchy. Give it time. The weights will still be there next week.
Avoid Tight Clothes and Let It Breathe
You’ve just spent good money getting a tattoo London folks will compliment you on — don’t smother it under tight jeans or sweaty gym gear. Loose, breathable fabrics are your best mate during the healing phase. Give your skin room to breathe, especially in the first week.
Sun’s Not Your Friend (Yet)
Sun exposure is brutal on fresh tattoos. It can cause fading, uneven healing, and long-term damage to the design. If you’re heading out, cover up. Once the tattoo is fully healed, slap on high SPF like your life depends on it. If you’ve just scored the best tattoo design in London, don’t let the sun undo all that good work.
Avoid Pools, Baths, and the Sea
No swimming, soaking, or long baths until your tattoo is fully healed. Water can introduce bacteria and mess with scabbing. Quick showers are fine, but avoid letting the water pound directly onto the tattoo. And yeah — hot tubs are definitely off-limits for now.
Listen to Your Artist Over the Internet
You’ll hear a million opinions online, but trust the person who actually did your tattoo. They’ve seen how your skin reacted, they know what kind of ink and style they used, and they’ll have specific advice for your piece. The best artists — like the team at Under The Needle Tattoos London — will give you clear, detailed instructions. Follow them.
Touch-Ups Are Normal
Sometimes a tattoo doesn’t heal perfectly — maybe the ink didn’t hold in a certain spot, or your body reacted weird. It’s not the end of the world. Touch-ups are a normal part of the process and most studios will offer them, especially if you followed aftercare and it still needs a bit of love. Don’t panic. Just message your artist and get it sorted.
Healing Takes Time — Don’t Rush It
Surface healing usually takes 2–3 weeks, but full healing can take a couple of months. If your tattoo looks dull or shiny for a while, that’s totally normal. Let your body do its thing. It’s tempting to jump back into everything like normal, but patience pays off in the long run. A rushed healing process never ends well.
Tattoos aren’t just about the art — they’re about how you care for it once you leave the chair. You can get the best tattoo in London from a world-class artist, but it won’t matter if you don’t treat it right. Proper aftercare is what takes your tattoo from great to exceptional. Whether you found your artist by searching tattoo in London near me or walked into a place with a reputation like Under The Needle Tattoos London, the advice is the same: keep it clean, keep it protected, and don’t rush the process. Give your tattoo the love it deserves, and you’ll have a piece that looks just as good in ten years as it does today.
