Whether it’s a fresh tattoo or you’ve just had a laser removal session, what you do next makes all the difference. The healing process doesn’t end when you leave the studio.
Follow the steps below to keep your skin healing well, avoid complications, and make sure your results stay clean and consistent
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling the tattoo area.
Cling Film: Remove the cling film and wash or shower your tattoo using warm water.
Tattoo Film: The morning after receiving your tattoo, remove the film in the shower using lukewarm water. Gently peel it off.
Mild, fragrance-free soap may be used to gently wash away plasma and ink.
Pat the area dry with a clean, unused towel or kitchen roll. Do not rub the tattoo.
Cling Film: Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream. We recommend Palmers Cocoa Butter or Yayo aftercare balm. Avoid over-moisturising, as this can clog pores and cause spots around the tattoo.
Cling Film: Secure the area with fresh cling film and micropore tape, particularly if you are wearing clothing over the tattoo, are around animals, or are working in a dirty environment.
Tattoo Film: Remove the thin back strip (side with the grids) and part of the larger backing .
Place onto the tattoo, leaving at least an inch around the tattoo for potential leakage.
Peel off sides with the green arrows, smoothing out any air bubbles.
Cling Film: Change the cling film every four hours or as needed.
Tattoo Film: Leave the new sheet on for up to 5 days, removing it in the same manner as initially done.
Cling Film: Keep the tattoo wrapped before going to bed for at least the first 2-3 days.Tattoo Film: Leave the new sheet on for up to 5 days, removing it in the same manner as initially done.
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling the tattoo area.
Once you're home, gently remove any bandage. Keep the area dry - avoid long, hot showers, baths, or anything that’ll heat or soak the skin. Don’t touch, rub, or pick at the area.
After 24 hours, clean the treated area using lukewarm water. Use mild, fragrance-free soap if needed.
Pat it dry using a clean, unused towel or kitchen roll - don’t rub.
Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream - Aloe Vera gel is a great option.
For the first 3–4 days, you can also apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to reduce irritation or swelling.
Avoid using anything perfumed, and don’t over-moisturise, as this can slow down healing.
Keep the area out of direct sunlight for at least 2 weeks. If you’re heading outside, apply SPF 50+ to the treated area.
Avoid swimming pools, saunas, hot tubs, and heavy sweating while it heals.
Wear clean, loose-fitting clothes over the area for the first few days. Avoid anything that may rub or stick to the skin.
Mild redness, blistering, scabbing, or itching are normal. It’s a sign your body is doing its job.
Don’t pick at scabs or pop blisters. If needed, cover the area with a breathable, non-stick bandage.
Keep the area uncovered overnight if possible - let it breathe. If any fluid leaks from the area, gently wipe it away and reapply a fresh layer of aftercare cream.
Laser removal is a process, not a one-off fix. Healing varies person to person.
If you’ve got any questions about how it’s healing - or what’s normal - message us on WhatsApp. We’re always here.
With over 30 years of combined experience, Tenko Tattoo is known for delivering clean, custom work in a relaxed and professional space. We work with clients from all backgrounds - whether it’s your first tattoo, a large-scale piece, or a cover-up. Every design is carefully planned, every session built around quality. Our space is calm but never dull - we keep things relaxed, light-hearted, and easygoing. Because getting tattooed should feel good from start to finish.
Drop us a message and we’ll talk through your ideas and help plan what comes next.
Inspired by the celestial Tenko fox, our studio believes that every tattoo is atransformative experience, a mark of both personal and spiritual growth.
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