How to Wash a New Tattoo

So, you’ve just got home with your fresh new tattoo – still buzzing from the session, still admiring it every time you walk past a mirror. You've followed the aftercare instructions, left the protective film on for about 12 hours, and now it's time for your first proper wash.

If you're feeling a little unsure about what to do next – don’t worry. You’re not alone, and we’ve got you covered. Here’s exactly what you need to know to keep your tattoo clean, happy, and healing beautifully.

First things first: when should I wash it?

After your tattoo session, you’ll have a protective film or wrap over the area – this helps keep it safe from bacteria and rubbing while you get through the first few hours post-ink. Around the 12-hour mark, it’s time to gently remove the film and give your tattoo its first proper clean.

Pro tip: Wash your hands thoroughly before you even think about touching your tattoo. It might sound obvious, but freshly tattooed skin is basically an open wound, and we want to treat it with extra care.

How to Wash a New Tattoo (The Right Way)How to wash your tattoo: step-by-step

Use lukewarm water – not hot. You want the water to be warm enough to break down any plasma, ink residue or excess ointment, but not so hot that it irritates your skin.
Go fragrance-free. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap (something like a gentle antibacterial or baby soap works well). Avoid anything with strong scents, colours, or exfoliants – those ingredients don’t belong anywhere near a fresh tattoo.
Be gentle. With clean hands, softly lather up and gently wash your tattoo using your fingertips. No flannels, no sponges, and definitely no scrubbing. Just a gentle, circular motion to clean the surface and rinse away any residue.
Pat, don’t rub. Once your tattoo is clean, pat it dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry. Avoid using a regular bath towel, which can carry bacteria or fibres that might irritate your skin.

How often should I wash my tattoo?

For the first few days, aim to wash your tattoo 2–3 times a day – ideally in the morning, early evening, and again before bed if needed.

Once it starts to heal over (usually around day 4–5), you can reduce this to once or twice a day, just to keep it clean and free from buildup.

What to expect during healing

Knowing what’s normal (and what’s not) can give you peace of mind in those first few days.

Totally normal:

Slight redness around the tattoo
Mild swelling or tenderness
Light scabbing or peeling (think sunburn vibes)

Check-in with your artist or GP if you notice:

Excessive redness that keeps spreading
Pus, green/yellow discharge, or a bad smell
A fever or feeling generally unwell

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t panic – just reach out.

What should I avoid doing?

Your tattoo is in its most vulnerable state during the first week or so, and what you don’t do is just as important as what you do. Here’s what to steer clear of:

Don’t soak it. That means no baths, swimming pools, hot tubs or long showers. Quick rinses only!
Don’t scratch, pick, or peel. As tempting as it might be when it starts to itch, leave it alone. Let your skin do its thing.
No harsh products. Ditch the heavily scented shower gels, exfoliators, and anything with alcohol.
Avoid tight clothing over the tattooed area. Let it breathe, and don’t let fabric rub against it too much in those early days.

After washing: time to moisturise

Once your tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of tattoo-specific moisturiser or a gentle, fragrance-free lotion. Go light – too much cream can suffocate the skin and delay healing.

We’re happy to recommend products in the studio that we trust (and use ourselves!), so don’t be afraid to ask next time you pop in.

Final thoughts

Washing your tattoo is a small but crucial step in the healing journey – and done right, it’ll help keep your new artwork looking crisp, vibrant, and healthy.

Got questions? We’re here for you. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your tenth, there’s no such thing as a silly question – just drop us a message and we’ll reply as soon as we can.

Your tattoo is a collaboration between you and your artist, and good aftercare is how you finish the job strong.

How to Wash a New Tattoo (The Right Way)