Whether you’ve had a new tattoo or laser removal, what you do next matters. Follow the right steps, avoid common mistakes, and give your skin the best chance to heal properly.
Always follow your artist’s guidance first. Different styles can heal in different ways, and your artist understands what works best for the piece they’ve created.
Tattoo Film Duration: Leave the new tattoo film sheet on for up to 3 to 5 days depending on your artist recommendation.
Removal: Remove the film in the shower using lukewarm water. Gently peel it off.
If your tattoo film leaks, continue with the aftercare method shown in the steps below.
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling the tattoo area.
Cling Film: Remove the cling film and wash or shower your tattoo using warm water.
Tattoo Film: The morning after receiving your tattoo, remove the film in the shower using lukewarm water. Gently peel it off.
Mild, fragrance-free soap may be used to gently wash away plasma and ink.
Pat the area dry with a clean, unused towel or kitchen roll.
Do not rub the tattoo.
Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream.
We sell multiple brands that we recommend.
Avoid over-moisturising as this can clog pores and cause spots around the tattoo.
If wearing clothes over your tattoo, being around animals, or going to bed, we recommend securing the area with fresh cling film and micropore tape.
Do this for the first 2 to 3 days.
Cling Film: Keep the tattoo wrapped before going to bed for at least the first 2 to 3 days.
Cling Film Frequency: Change the cling film every four hours or as needed.
Tattoo Film: Leave the new sheet on for up to 5 days, removing it in the same manner as initially done.
Keep the area clean, cool, and protected. Let it heal naturally, avoid irritation, and always follow any specific advice given at your appointment.
Redness, warmth, and sensitivity are normal straight after your session. The area may also feel slightly raised or irritated.
A dressing will usually be applied to protect the area.
You can remove the dressing around 12 hours after treatment.
It does not need to be replaced.
Gently clean the area using lukewarm water, then pat dry with a clean towel or kitchen roll.
The area may look red or inflamed for the next 24 to 48 hours.
This is the most sensitive stage of healing.
Avoid fragranced soaps or products, scrubbing or exfoliating the area, heat, hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, swimming, and exercise that causes sweating.
Keep everything clean, cool, and minimal.
Apply aloe vera gel regularly with clean hands.
This helps calm irritation, support healing, and reduce discomfort.
Keeping it in the fridge can make it feel even better on the skin.
As the area heals, you may notice redness and inflammation for the first 24 to 48 hours, followed by blistering or scabbing over the next few days.
Dryness or irritation can also happen as the skin settles.
This is a normal part of the healing process as your body responds to the treatment.
If blistering or scabbing occurs, apply Vaseline regularly to keep the area moist.
Do not pick, scratch, or aggravate the skin.
Scabs will usually settle and fall away naturally within 7 to 14 days.
If the area becomes itchy or inflamed, a 1% hydrocortisone cream may help short term.
Only use it after the first 24 hours, use it sparingly, and only if advised by your practitioner or pharmacist.
This is optional and not needed for everyone.
If the area is swollen, keep it elevated where possible to help reduce this.
Avoid tight clothing, rubbing, pressure, or anything that could further irritate the skin.
Avoid direct sun and UV exposure.
Cover the area where possible and use SPF 30 or higher every day.
Continue protecting the area between treatment sessions and for several months after your final treatment.
Healing continues beneath the surface even after the skin looks settled. Your next session will be spaced out to allow your skin to recover properly and for your body to process the treated pigment.
Get in touch straight away if you notice increasing pain, excessive swelling, unusual discharge, signs of infection, unusual skin changes, or anything that does not feel right.
With over 30 years of combined experience, Tenko Tattoo is known for delivering clean, custom work in a relaxed and professional space. We work with clients from all backgrounds - whether it’s your first tattoo, a large-scale piece, or a cover-up. Every design is carefully planned, every session built around quality. Our space is calm but never dull - we keep things relaxed, light-hearted, and easygoing. Because getting tattooed should feel good from start to finish.
Submit your idea and we'll help plan what comes next.
Inspired by the celestial Tenko fox, our studio believes that every tattoo is atransformative experience, a mark of both personal and spiritual growth.
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