Essential Tips for Caring for Your New Tattoo: A Step by Step Guide

Getting a new tattoo is exciting, but how you care for it in the first days and weeks makes a huge difference to how it heals and looks long-term. In our shop, we usually protect fresh tattoos with either cling film or Second Skin, and both methods work well if you follow the right steps.

Second Skin

Some tattoos are covered with Second Skin, a thin, breathable protective film. It usually stays on for about three days, or longer if your artist advises. The easiest way to remove it is in the shower under warm running water—this helps it come off gently without pulling at the skin.

After removal, clean the area gently with a mild, clear soap and pat dry using kitchen roll. Apply a thin layer of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter to keep the skin comfortable. Be careful not to over-moisturise: too much cream can suffocate the skin and slow healing. Repeat this process a few times a day while the tattoo heals.

Cling Film

Some tattoos are wrapped in cling film immediately after the session. Remove the wrap after 3–4 hours, gently clean the area with mild soap, and pat dry. In some cases, it might be necessary to rewrap the tattoo for a night or two while sleeping; your artist will advise if this is needed.

At this stage, it’s important not to moisturise immediately. The tattoo is still an open wound, and applying cream too soon can interfere with healing. Keep the area clean and let it start to close naturally. After a couple of days, once the tattoo is no longer weeping and begins to feel dry, you can start applying a thin layer of Palmer’s Cocoa Butter a few times a day. This approach helps the skin heal properly while keeping the tattoo comfortable.

The Flaking Stage

After a few days, your tattoo may start to flake or peel—that’s completely normal. The skin is shedding the top layer as part of the healing process. Don’t pick or scratch at this stage, as it can remove pigment or leave scars. Gentle moisturising and leaving the flaking skin alone helps the tattoo settle correctly.

Even if your tattoo looks flat and healed on the surface, the deeper layers of skin are still repairing. Full healing can take a few weeks, so continue to care for it gently and avoid anything that could irritate the area.

General Rules & Things to Avoid

To give your tattoo the best chance to heal beautifully, avoid the following during the first three weeks:

• Swimming, baths, hot tubs, or saunas

• Direct sunlight or tanning

• Tight clothing over the tattoo

• Picking, scratching, or rubbing the area

• Activities that cause pain or excessive friction on the tattoo

Following these steps helps your tattoo heal well, keeps the skin comfortable, and ensures the design stays crisp and vibrant for years to come.

From All of Us at Hand of Hope

At Hand of Hope in Stockport, we’re passionate about creating tattoos that you’ll love for a lifetime. Our team is always here to give advice, answer questions, and make sure your tattoo experience is safe, comfortable, and personal. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your next piece, we’re ready to help bring your ideas to life.