Tattoo Aftercare – Artist Insights from Princelet Tattoo, Shoreditch
A fresh tattoo isn’t finished when the machine turns off. Healing is the second half of the process—what you do next shapes how your tattoo settles, looks, and lasts. We’ve broken down the essentials here: step-by-step guidance based on years of real-world studio work, artist habits, and skin reactions we’ve seen hundreds of times.
If you’re unsure which method is best (wrap, second skin, dry heal), or you just want to avoid any missteps, this guide will walk you through it with clarity.
Day One to Day Four – The Critical Phase
Start with the wrap.
After your tattoo session, we’ll cover the area with cling film or second skin (Saniderm, Biotat Shield, or similar). If you’re wrapped in cling film, remove it after 2–4 hours. If you’ve been fitted with second skin, leave it on for up to 48 hours unless instructed otherwise.
Once removed, it’s time for the first wash.
Washing your tattoo
Use clean hands. Lukewarm water. Unscented mild soap. Rinse gently, pat dry with paper towel. No scrubbing. No rough towels.
Artist insight: Your tattoo is a healing wound—treat it like you’d treat a shallow cut. The less friction, the better.
Let it breathe, then introduce balm
Keep the tattoo dry and exposed for the first few hours post-wash. Avoid moisturising straight away—let your skin settle first.
From Day 2 onward, apply a thin layer of tattoo-safe balm 2–3 times per day. Hustle Butter, Biotat, or studio-recommended products are ideal. Less is more—if it’s shiny, you’ve probably overdone it.
Second Skin Healing Method
Second skin simplifies the first few days and reduces risk of scabbing or friction damage. It works well on most placements and for people with busy routines.
• Leave it on for 24–48 hours
• Remove slowly under warm water
• Wash and switch to thin balm care twice daily
• Don’t reapply second skin unless advised
Important: If the patch becomes cloudy, starts lifting, or feels overly tight, it’s time to remove it. Trapped plasma for too long can irritate or soften the skin too much.
Small vs Large Tattoos
• Small tattoos: Heals fast—often flakes by Day 4, softens by Day 7
• Medium–Large tattoos: Takes longer, more plasma on Day 1–2, more movement impact
• High-motion areas (wrists, ankles, elbows): Require more attention during sleep, clothing friction, and washing
What to Avoid Completely
• Don’t re-wrap your tattoo (unless advised)
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• Don’t soak (baths, pools, hot tubs)
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• Don’t use scented lotions or Vaseline
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• Don’t tan or expose to sun during healing
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• Don’t scratch, peel, or “test” flaking areas
Skin Type Matters
Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ve seen different responses across skin types:
• Dry skin: Needs slightly more balm, but watch for tightness or flaking
• Oily skin: Use lighter application; too much moisture = cloudy healing
• Sensitive skin: Stick to fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient balms
• Prone to reactions: If you’ve had irritation with adhesives, avoid second skin
Artist note: When in doubt, go simpler. Washing well, drying fully, and using a clean balm usually solves most issues before they start.
