Tattoo
Aftercare.
Good aftercare helps your tattoo heal cleanly and gives the skin the best environment to recover.
Your artist may give you slightly different instructions depending on the tattoo, placement and dressing used, so always follow their advice first.
Below is our general guide to caring for a fresh tattoo after leaving London's Glitch.
Second skin or dressing
Your artist will tell you how long to keep your dressing or second skin in place.
Different dressings have different instructions, so there is no single universal removal time.
Before touching or removing the dressing, wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
If your artist has given you specific instructions for your tattoo, follow those instructions.
Clean & dry
Once the dressing has been removed, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
Do not scrub the tattoo.
Rinse carefully and pat it dry using a clean towel or paper towel rather than rubbing the skin.
Always wash your hands before touching a healing tattoo.
Moisturise & leave it alone
As the tattoo heals it may become dry, itchy or flaky.
Apply a small amount of the aftercare product recommended by your artist, or a gentle fragrance-free moisturiser, when needed.
Do not scratch, pick or peel flaking skin or scabs. Allow them to come away naturally.
Healing time varies depending on the tattoo, placement and individual skin, so continue caring for the area until it has fully settled.
Protect it long term
Once the tattoo has fully healed, protecting it from strong UV exposure will help preserve the appearance of the tattoo over time.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when the tattoo is exposed to sunlight.
Avoid sunbeds.
Give it some space.
- Do not pick, scratch or peel the tattoo.
- Avoid soaking the tattoo in baths, swimming pools, hot tubs or the sea while it is healing.
- Avoid saunas and steam rooms while the skin is healing.
- Avoid prolonged direct sun exposure on a fresh tattoo.
- Avoid tight or abrasive clothing rubbing repeatedly against the tattoo.
- Keep the tattoo clean and avoid unnecessary touching.
What can be normal?
A fresh tattoo is an injury to the surface of the skin, so some tenderness, mild redness and sensitivity immediately afterwards can be expected.
During healing, the tattoo may also feel dry, itchy or begin to flake.
These symptoms should generally improve as the skin heals rather than becoming progressively worse.
Something doesn't look right?
If redness, swelling, heat or pain is increasing rather than improving, or you notice unusual discharge, a bad smell, fever or feel unwell, seek medical advice.
Do not rely on the studio to diagnose an infection.
You are always welcome to send us a photograph if you are unsure whether the tattoo is healing normally, but suspected infections or significant skin reactions should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Your artist knows your tattoo.
Different tattoos can require slightly different aftercare depending on the technique, placement, size and dressing used.
If your artist gives you instructions that are more specific than this general guide, follow the instructions provided for your tattoo.
Concerns once it's healed?
Once your tattoo has fully healed, you can send us a clear photograph if you have any concerns about the result. We'll review it with the artist and advise whether a touch-up is appropriate.
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