Proper aftercare is essential to ensuring your new tattoo heals beautifully and looks its best for years to come. Follow these guidelines carefully, and don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
Keep your bandage on for the recommended time discussed at your appointment. When you remove it, wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap. Pat dry and apply a thin layer of the recommended aftercare balm. Some redness, warmth and minor swelling are completely normal during this stage.
Your tattoo will begin to peel and flake — this is a natural part of the healing process. Do not pick, scratch or pull at the peeling skin, as this can damage the tattoo and affect how it heals. Continue to wash gently and apply a thin layer of moisturiser to keep the skin comfortable.
The peeling should begin to subside and your tattoo will start to settle into the skin. It may still feel tight and dry, so continue moisturising regularly. Avoid exposing the tattoo to direct sunlight, and be gentle with the area as the skin continues to repair.
The surface of your tattoo should now be healed, though the deeper layers of skin are still repairing beneath. The tattoo may appear slightly cloudy or matte — this is normal and will clear as healing completes. Continue to protect the area from direct sun exposure.
Always apply SPF to your tattooed skin when exposed to sunlight — UV rays are the single biggest cause of fading and loss of detail over time. Moisturise regularly to keep the skin healthy and supple. Consistent sun protection will preserve the contrast, detail and vibrancy of your tattoo for years to come.
The surface of your tattoo will typically heal within 2–4 weeks, but the deeper layers of skin can take 3–4 months to fully repair. During this time, it's important to continue caring for the area and protecting it from sun exposure, even once the surface feels healed.
It's best to wait at least 48 hours before exercising, and even then, avoid activities that cause excessive sweating or friction on the tattooed area. Sweat can irritate the fresh tattoo and introduce bacteria. Gentle movement is fine, but give your body time to start the healing process before returning to intense workouts.
You should wait until your tattoo is fully healed before submerging it in water — typically 3–4 weeks. This means no swimming pools, hot tubs, baths, or open water. Prolonged water exposure can cause ink to leach out and increases the risk of infection during the healing period.
Eleanor provides specific aftercare product recommendations tailored to your skin at your appointment. Generally, you'll want a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and a dedicated tattoo aftercare balm. Avoid anything heavily perfumed, petroleum-based, or overly thick, as these can suffocate the healing skin.
Yes, peeling is completely normal and is a natural part of the healing process. Your tattoo will typically begin to flake and peel around day 4–7. It's essential that you don't pick, scratch or pull at the peeling skin — let it shed naturally to ensure even healing and the best possible result.
Wait at least 4–6 weeks for your tattoo to fully heal before assessing whether a touch-up is needed. Some minor settling is normal and the final appearance can only be judged once healing is complete. If any areas need attention, Eleanor will be happy to arrange a touch-up session.
If you have any concerns at all, please don't hesitate to get in touch at eleanoronyxink@gmail.com
If anything doesn't look or feel right during healing, or you just want some reassurance, don't hesitate to reach out.
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