Tattoo Guides: Aftercare, Healing and Your First Tattoo
Getting a tattoo goes best when you know what to expect: how to pick an artist and prepare, what happens in the chair, how to care for the tattoo for the first weeks, and what normal healing looks like at each stage. These guides cover each step, with sources from medically reviewed health publishers.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
The surface usually looks healed in two to three weeks, but the deeper layers of skin keep healing for months. Follow your artist's aftercare until the skin is no longer shiny, flaky or tender.
What should I do the day before a tattoo?
Sleep well, eat a proper meal, drink water and skip alcohol. Wear clothes that give easy access to the spot, and bring your reference images and a snack for long sessions.
When should I see a doctor about a new tattoo?
See a doctor if you get a fever, redness or red streaks that spread, skin that feels hot, worsening pain, pus or a bad smell. Some redness and tenderness in the first days is normal.
Can I swim with a new tattoo?
Avoid soaking a new tattoo in pools, baths, hot tubs or the sea until it has fully healed on the surface, usually a few weeks. Short showers are fine.