· By Mara Quill · 1 min read
The first 48 hours
What to do from the moment you leave the chair: the film, the first wash and what's normal.
Your tattoo is an open wound for the first few days. Treat it gently and it heals faster, with crisper lines.
The film
You leave with a clear, breathable film over the tattoo. Leave it on for 24 to 48 hours, as your artist told you. Some ink and fluid gathering under it is normal. If it lifts at the edges and lets water in, take it off early.
Taking it off
Take it off in the shower: let warm water run over it and peel it back slowly, stretching it along the skin rather than pulling it up.
The first wash
- Wash your hands first.
- Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a little unscented soap, using your fingertips only.
- Pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Don’t rub, and don’t use a bath towel.
- Leave it to air dry for ten minutes.
What’s normal
Redness round the edges, a little swelling and warmth for a day or two, and some clear or inky fluid. If redness spreads, the area gets hotter or more painful after the second day, or you feel unwell, see a pharmacist or doctor and call the studio.