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First few hours
Leave the covering on for 2–4 hours (or as long as your artist advises). It protects the fresh wound while it settles.
Wild CraneTattoo Studio
Wild CraneTattoo Studio
Home · Aftercare
Care for your ink
A fresh tattoo is an open wound as much as it is art. Treat it gently for the first few weeks and it will heal bright, crisp and true. Here's the simple version.
The first weeks
Leave the covering on for 2–4 hours (or as long as your artist advises). It protects the fresh wound while it settles.
Remove the wrap, wash gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap using clean hands. Pat dry with a paper towel — never rub.
Wash 2–3 times a day and apply a thin layer of aftercare balm. Less is more — the skin needs to breathe, not suffocate.
Around day 4–7 it will flake and itch. This is normal. Do not pick or scratch — let the old skin fall away on its own.
The surface heals but deeper layers are still settling. Keep moisturising lightly and stay out of pools, saunas and direct sun.
By 4–6 weeks your tattoo is home. From here, daily sunscreen is the single best thing you can do to keep it sharp for life.
Do
Wash with clean hands — always, before you touch the tattoo.
Use fragrance-free products — gentle soap and a light aftercare balm.
Wear loose clothing over the area so it can breathe.
Sleep on clean sheets and let the area stay dry and open when you can.
Drink water and rest — your body heals the ink from the inside out.
Don't
Don't pick or scratch scabs and flakes — it pulls the ink out with them.
Don't soak it — no baths, pools, hot tubs or the sea for 2–3 weeks.
Don't bake in the sun or use tanning beds while it's healing.
Don't over-apply cream — a thick layer traps moisture and slows healing.
Don't hit the gym hard for the first few days if it stretches the area.
