Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I keep the bandage on after getting a tattoo?
Your tattoo artist will apply a bandage immediately after their masterpiece is complete, and you should keep it on for a minimum of 2–4 hours — or as long as your artist recommends. Think of it as a chrysalis: your tattoo is in there, quietly becoming magnificent.
What should I use to wash my new tattoo?
Wash the tattooed area gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap, using only your fingers — not a loofah or sponge. Pat it dry with a clean paper towel and allow it to air dry for about an hour. Aggressive exfoliation is for the shower drain, not freshly inked skin.
How often should I moisturise my new tattoo?
During the first week, apply a thin layer of moisturising cream — such as Vitium Tattoo Butter — 3–4 times daily. After the first week, you can scale back to once a day for the following two weeks. Consistency here is rather the point; it reduces inflammation, itching, and scarring while keeping your ink looking its very best.
Can I go swimming after getting a tattoo?
Absolutely not — not for 2–3 weeks, at any rate. Submerging a fresh tattoo in water, whether a swimming pool, bath, or hot tub, risks infection and can cause the ink to fade or bleed. Showers are permitted, but keep them brief.
How do I protect my tattoo from the sun?
For the first month, keep your new tattoo entirely out of direct sunlight — cover it up when venturing outdoors. After the tattoo has fully healed, apply sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher whenever it might be exposed. Sun exposure fades ink faster than your enthusiasm for a third gin and tonic.
Is it normal for a healing tattoo to peel and scab?
Entirely normal — and you must resist every urge to pick at it. The scabs and flakes are part of the healing process, and interfering with them risks pulling ink out of the skin, leaving your tattoo looking rather like a connect-the-dots puzzle gone wrong. Let it be.
What are the signs of a tattoo infection?
Watch for redness, swelling, or pain that persists beyond a few days; pus, oozing, or an unpleasant odour from the tattoo; or systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, or nausea. Red streaks or blisters around the tattoo are also cause for concern. If any of these appear, contact your tattoo artist and a doctor without delay.
