How to Maintain Your Tattoo: Aftercare Tips from the Pros

The Key to Long-Lasting Tattoos
You’ve just left the studio with a fresh new tattoo, and you’re already admiring your new ink. But here’s the thing—getting a tattoo is only half the journey. The way you care for it in the coming weeks will determine how well it heals, how vibrant it looks, and how long it lasts.
Tattoo aftercare is crucial for preserving the integrity of your artwork. Whether it’s your first tattoo or your tenth, knowing the right aftercare routine can make all the difference. In Edinburgh, where the weather is often damp and unpredictable, understanding the best healing practices is especially important.
In this guide, we’ll cover expert tattoo aftercare tips from professional Edinburgh tattoo artists, ensuring your new ink heals perfectly and stays looking fresh for years to come.


Tattoo Aftercare Essentials: 5 Key Steps
1. Keep Your Tattoo Clean
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not cleaning their tattoo properly. Your fresh tattoo is essentially an open wound, and keeping it clean prevents infection and speeds up healing.

• Wash your tattoo gently with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
• Use your clean hands—don’t scrub with a washcloth or sponge.
• Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel, avoiding excessive rubbing.

💡 Pro Tip: In Edinburgh’s colder months, indoor heating can dry out your skin, so keeping your tattoo clean and moisturized is extra important.


2. Moisturize with the Right Products
Keeping your tattoo hydrated is essential, but choosing the right moisturizer is key.

• Use a tattoo-specific lotion or a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer.
• Apply a thin layer—too much lotion can clog pores and cause irritation.
• Avoid petroleum-based products, as they can trap bacteria and delay healing.

💡 Edinburgh’s chilly and windy climate can dry out tattoos faster, so regular moisturizing will prevent cracking and irritation.


3. Protect Your Tattoo from the Sun
Even in Scotland’s often cloudy climate, UV rays can still damage healing tattoos.

• Keep your tattoo covered with loose clothing when going outside.
• Once healed, apply a high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to protect against fading.
• Avoid direct sun exposure for at least 2-3 weeks post-tattoo.

💡 A cloudy day in Edinburgh doesn’t mean you’re safe—UV rays still penetrate through, so sun protection is a must!

4. Avoid Soaking Your Tattoo
Water exposure can be a major problem for fresh tattoos, especially in a city where many enjoy pools, saunas, and cold-water dips.

• Avoid baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, and saunas for at least 2-3 weeks.
• Quick showers are fine, but avoid soaking your tattoo for prolonged periods.
• If your tattoo gets wet, pat it dry immediately—don’t rub it.

💡 In rainy Edinburgh weather, make sure your tattoo isn’t constantly damp from wet clothing. Keeping it dry helps prevent irritation and infection.


5. Resist the Urge to Pick or Scratch
As your tattoo heals, it will itch and peel—this is completely normal! However, scratching or picking at it can cause scarring and patchy healing.

• If itching becomes unbearable, lightly tap the area instead of scratching.
• Keep your tattoo moisturized to reduce dryness and irritation.
• Avoid tight clothing that rubs against the tattooed area.

💡 Cold weather can make tattoos dry out faster, so keeping your tattoo moisturized helps prevent excessive peeling and itching.