Getting a tattoo is an investment — in your skin, your identity and your money. How well you care for it in the first two weeks determines whether that investment heals into something beautiful or fades into something disappointing. At Flow Inc Ink, aftercare guidance is part of every session, and this article puts it all in one place.
The First 24 Hours
Your artist will cover your fresh tattoo before you leave the studio. Depending on the wrap used, you will be advised to keep it on for anywhere between one hour and a full day. During this window:
- Do not remove the wrap in dirty environments.
- Avoid touching the tattoo with unwashed hands.
- Keep the area dry — no swimming, no rain, no sweating.
When it is time to remove the wrap, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Pat — never rub — dry with a clean paper towel.
Days 2 – 7: The Peeling Phase
Your skin will begin to peel and flake in the first week. This is completely normal. Resist any urge to pick or scratch. Picking pulls out ink and creates uneven healing or scarring.
During this phase, apply a thin layer of unscented moisturiser (such as Bepanthen, Hustle Butter or plain coconut oil) two to three times a day. Use just enough to keep the skin from drying out — over-moisturising can suffocate the area and delay healing.
- Wash gently twice daily.
- Moisturise lightly, do not cake it on.
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the tattoo.
- Avoid submerging the tattoo in water (baths, pools, ocean).
Week 2 and Beyond
The outer layer of skin should appear healed by the end of week two, but the deeper layers are still repairing for up to four to six weeks. During this extended period:
- Sun protection is critical. UV exposure is the single fastest way to fade a tattoo. Keep it covered outdoors or apply SPF 50+ once fully healed.
- Avoid prolonged soaking in water until the surface is fully settled.
- Continue light moisturising as needed.
Signs of Healthy Healing
- Some redness and swelling in the first 48 hours — normal.
- Peeling, flaking, itching — normal.
- A milky, slightly dull appearance before the top layer sheds — normal.
Signs You Should Seek Help
Infection is uncommon in clean studio environments, but it can happen if aftercare is neglected. See a doctor if you notice:
- Excessive swelling, heat or pus beyond the first 48 hours.
- Red streaks spreading from the tattoo.
- Fever or flu-like symptoms.
- A rash that does not settle after a few days.
Do not wait and hope it clears on its own. An infected tattoo needs medical attention, not more moisturiser.
Quick Reference: Aftercare Do's and Don'ts
- ✓ Wash gently with fragrance-free soap twice daily.
- ✓ Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- ✓ Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturiser.
- ✓ Wear loose clothing over the area.
- ✓ Keep it out of direct sunlight.
- ✗ Do not pick or scratch peeling skin.
- ✗ Do not soak in baths, pools or the ocean.
- ✗ Do not apply scented lotions, petroleum jelly or sunscreen on a fresh tattoo.
- ✗ Do not work out heavily in the first few days — sweat irritates healing skin.