01
Showering and washing
Use the dressing and washing instructions you received. Keep cleaning gentle, with no scrubbing or very hot water, and dry the area as explained.
Aftercare · Ireland
Looking after your new tattoo
Your artist chooses the products and method for your tattoo, based on its placement and your skin. You’ll leave with written instructions and a studio aftercare bag for your routine, both included in your appointment. This guide covers practical points while the skin heals. If a step is unclear, get in touch.
What to expect
What the healing stages look like.
Healing varies between people and tattoos, so treat these stages as general context rather than a fixed timetable. Follow your artist’s instructions, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or you have other concerns.
- 01
Phase 1
The first days
Wash your hands before touching the area, and follow the instructions for dressing and cleaning. Avoid soaking and picking, and keep clothing from rubbing the tattoo.
- 02
Phase 2
Flaking and settling
Flaking, itching or a temporarily dull look can occur. Let flakes come away on their own, keep up the care you were given, and avoid swimming and direct sun.
- 03
Phase 3
As the surface heals
The surface can look calmer before healing is complete. Keep following your instructions, and ask before returning to any activity you are unsure about. Once healed, protect the skin from the sun.
Care in the first days
Do and avoid in the first days.
Do
Follow the dressing, washing and moisturising guidance for your tattoo.
Keep your hands, clothing and bedding clean. Keep the written instructions to hand so you can check a step or ask us to explain it.
Avoid
Avoid picking, soaking, rubbing and direct sun while the tattoo heals.
Do not swim or soak the tattoo until it is fully healed. Avoid clothing and activities that irritate the placement.
Daily life
Everyday activities while it heals.
Read these alongside your individual care instructions. If you are unsure how an activity applies to your placement, ask us before you go ahead.
02
Sleeping and clothing
Clean bedding and loose clothing help prevent rubbing. Follow the dressing guidance you received, rather than rewrapping the area yourself.
03
Gym and exercise
Pause any activity that rubs, stretches or irritates the placement. Follow your tattoo’s advice when returning to exercise.
04
Swimming and soaking
Avoid swimming, soaking, saunas and steam rooms while the tattoo heals. A dressing does not make swimming safe, so wait for full healing.
05
Sun and sunscreen
Cover a fresh tattoo with suitable clothing to keep it out of direct sun. Once fully healed, sun protection helps care for both the skin and the tattoo.
06
Travel
Carry your instructions and care supplies, and wear clean clothing that avoids friction. Mention any onward travel or holiday plans before you choose a date, so we can plan the appointment around them.
Healing while travelling
Taking your aftercare with you.
Talk through onward travel, swimming and sun exposure before you choose a date. Allow time around your session, avoid clothing that rubs the placement and pack your care supplies. Your artist will explain the instructions before you leave.
Our visitor guide covers booking an appointment during a Dublin trip. Send your dates early so we can discuss preparation and the days afterwards.
Questions you may have
01Who should I contact with a healing question?
Contact us to clarify the instructions or ask about the finished work. A suspected infection, unusual reaction or other health concern needs advice from a pharmacist, GP or appropriate urgent medical service.
02How does healing usually progress?
Tenderness may be followed by flaking, itching or a temporarily dull surface. Healing varies, so follow your artist’s instructions and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
03When can I swim?
Wait for full healing before swimming. Avoid pools, open water, baths and hot tubs while the tattoo heals. If you have a holiday planned, mention it before we arrange the appointment.
04Can I shower?
Follow the dressing instructions you were given. Wash gently, avoid scrubbing and very hot water, and dry the area as your artist explained.
05When can I return to the gym?
Placement and healing affect the timing. Avoid activities that rub, stretch or irritate the area, and follow the guidance for your piece when returning to exercise.
06Can a waterproof dressing make swimming safe?
No. Keep the tattoo out of soaking water while it heals, even if a dressing covers it. Follow the product instructions and wait for full healing before swimming.
07How should I sleep?
Choose clean bedding and clothing that avoids rubbing. Use the dressing as instructed rather than adding a new wrap on your own.
08What about sun protection?
Keep the fresh tattoo out of direct sun using suitable clothing. Once fully healed, sun protection helps care for the skin and tattoo.
09How do I ask about a touch-up?
Send clear photographs once healing and settling are complete. Your artist will assess the area and explain whether a touch-up is appropriate.
10Which symptoms need medical attention?
Seek medical advice for worsening pain, heat, swelling or redness, spreading redness, unusual discharge, fever or other concerns. We cannot diagnose or treat an infection.
11What should I plan if I’m travelling afterwards?
Talk through your trip before you book. Keep instructions and supplies to hand, allow time afterwards and wear clothing that does not rub the area. Ask your clinician about any travel-related health concerns.
Questions after your appointment?
Email us with questions about your tattoo or its instructions. Seek prompt medical advice for a suspected infection or any other health concern.