Keep the first dressing on until morning.
Before you start
Prepare the basics before the first night.
- Wash your hands before touching the tattoo.
- Use fresh bed sheets for the first night.
- Wear loose, clean clothing that will not rub.
- Keep pets and animal fur away from the tattoo.
- Prepare mild fragrance-free soap, clean paper towels, moisturiser and breathable pads.
No healing film
Normal dressing, cling film or absorbent pad.
Before bed, wash thoroughly and cover again with cling film or a clean disposable absorbent pad.
Day 1
- Wash hands.
- Remove the dressing.
- Take a quick lukewarm shower.
- Use mild fragrance-free soap. Do not scrub.
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- Apply a very thin layer of moisturiser.
First days
- Wash hands.
- Wash gently but thoroughly.
- Pat dry.
- Apply a very thin layer of moisturiser.
- Use a fresh clean breathable dressing.
Change the pad when damp. Let the skin breathe when it is safe to do so at home. When weeping stops — often around day 2–4 — stop using dressings, moisturise lightly and do not pick or scratch.
Healing film
Second skin / adhesive healing film.
Showers are fine. Avoid long hot steam.
- Fluid leaks out or builds up heavily.
- The film burns, stings or feels very irritated.
- The edges lift and the tattoo is no longer sealed.
- A rash or blisters appear.
Removing the film
- Lift one edge.
- Slowly peel it away, little by little.
- Keep the movement controlled. Do not rip.
- If the skin pulls, change the angle and slow down.
- Wash hands and tattoo, pat dry and apply a thin layer of moisturiser.
Moisturiser
Use less than you think. More is not better.

Bepanthen Tattoo
Contains lanolin. If you are sensitive or allergic, use a lanolin-free alternative.
View on Amazon →What to avoid
Common ways people irritate a fresh tattoo.
No baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes or sea water.
No saunas or steam rooms.
No scratching, picking, tight synthetics or strong rubbing.
Avoid dirty surfaces, gym benches and animal fur.
No shaving or self-tan on the tattooed area.
Loose cotton clothing is usually best. Avoid anything that rubs, traps sweat or sticks to the tattoo.
Normal or not normal?
Some irritation is expected. Worsening symptoms need attention.
- Mild redness
- Mild swelling
- Soreness
- Short-term warmth
- Clear or pink fluid mixed with ink
- Itching and peeling
- Small scabs
- Pain or redness gets worse after 48 hours
- Redness spreads
- Skin feels very hot
- Pus, bad smell or heavy discharge
- Fever, chills or red streaks
- Severe rash or blisters
Do not wait for my reply. Contact a doctor / NHS 111 and seek medical help promptly.
Large tattoos
Bigger colour realism and black & grey pieces need a little more patience.
Large tattoos can stay sore and swollen longer than small tattoos.
Swelling may feel stronger around joints or areas with more movement.
Give the area time. Avoid unnecessary friction and pressure.
Touch-up check
Wait until the tattoo is fully healed before judging the final result.
- Use daylight.
- No filters.
- Make sure the whole healed area is clear.
You’re done.
Keep this guide until the tattoo is fully healed.

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