Tattoo Healing Time
Getting a new tattoo is exciting, but looking after it properly is an important part of the process. At Red Point Tattoo in London, we want you to enjoy your new artwork and take the right steps to support its healing. Understanding tattoo healing time in London can help you care for your tattoo and know what to expect during the first few weeks. Although every tattoo needs time to heal, your aftercare routine plays an important role in the process. The average healing process takes between 10 and 30 days. With proper care, you may notice the surface skin healing after around seven days. However, the deeper tissues take longer to recover. This means you should continue to follow your artist's advice even when the surface starts to look better.
Your tattoo artist will explain how to care for your tattoo before you leave our studio. They will also explain how long to keep your tattoo covered and when to begin applying aftercare products. Following these instructions gives you a clear starting point for your healing journey. You will need to clean your tattoo carefully, use suitable products and avoid unnecessary contact. You should also resist the temptation to pick at any scabs or flaky skin. Small steps like these help you care for your new artwork while your skin recovers. In this guide, we explain the tattoo healing time you can expect and the aftercare steps recommended by Red Point Tattoo. Whether you have just had your first tattoo or added another design to your collection, our advice will help you understand the process. If you have questions about your tattoo healing time in London, you can speak to your tattoo artist or contact our studio for guidance.
How Long Does a Tattoo Take to Heal?
Tattoo healing time varies, but the average process takes between 10 and 30 days. During this period, the surface of your skin gradually recovers. You may notice visible signs of healing after around seven days when you follow the recommended aftercare routine. However, this early improvement does not mean the deeper tissues have finished healing. They need more time to recover, so you should continue to treat your tattoo with care.
At Red Point Tattoo, we explain the aftercare process before you leave your appointment. Your artist will advise you about your covering and explain when to begin applying an aftercare product. Follow this advice rather than removing the covering or changing your routine without guidance. Proper care remains important throughout the healing period.
Why Does Tattoo Healing Time Matter?
Your aftercare routine influences the quality of your tattoo's healing. Once you leave the studio, you become responsible for following the instructions your artist has given you. Careful cleaning, suitable moisturising and avoiding unnecessary contact all form part of this process.
You should also remember that the surface and deeper tissues do not heal at the same speed. Your tattoo might look better after the first week, but the healing process can continue for several more weeks. Do not assume that the tattoo has completely healed simply because the surface looks improved.
If you are unsure about your progress, ask your tattoo artist for advice. At Red Point Tattoo, we want you to understand how to look after your new artwork. Following our aftercare guidance helps you care for your tattoo throughout its recovery.
The First Stage: Caring for Your Wrapped Tattoo
Keep Your Tattoo Covered as Advised
After your artist finishes tattooing, they will cover your new tattoo. Depending on the approach they choose, they may use cling film, healing pads or a second-skin product such as Dermalize. Your artist will explain how your particular covering works and tell you how long to keep it in place.
Follow these instructions carefully. Do not guess when you should remove the covering, as your artist will give you advice specific to your appointment. If you have questions about the instructions, ask before leaving the studio or contact us afterwards.
Clean Your Tattoo Carefully
Once you remove the wrapping at the recommended time, clean away any plasma with lukewarm water. Use a neutral soap that does not contain harsh chemicals. Take care when cleaning the tattoo and avoid unnecessary contact with the area.
After washing, gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel or kitchen paper. Avoid using toilet paper because it is too thin and may leave residue on your skin. Choose a clean drying material and handle your tattoo carefully.
Good cleaning habits form an important part of tattoo aftercare. Avoid touching the area more than necessary, and keep your routine simple. Your artist will explain the next steps, including when you should begin applying cocoa butter or an alternative aftercare balm. If you need clarification about your covering, cleaning routine or the products you should use, contact Red Point Tattoo in London. We can help you understand the instructions provided during your appointment.
Moisturising Your Tattoo During Healing
Use a Light Layer of Aftercare Product
Your tattoo artist will advise you when to start applying cocoa butter to your tattoo. They will also explain how to use it as part of your aftercare routine. You only need a light layer, so avoid applying more product than necessary.
At Red Point Tattoo, we recommend raw cocoa butter because it is natural, moisturising and fragrance-free. Alternatively, you can use Butterluxe aftercare balm. Follow your artist's advice about when to start applying your chosen product.
Choosing an appropriate product and applying it correctly helps you follow a consistent aftercare routine. However, you should not assume that every product suits a healing tattoo. Red Point Tattoo specifically advises against using Bepanthen because its ingredients have changed and, according to our aftercare guidance, it is no longer beneficial for tattoo healing.
Take Care Around Scabs and Flaking Skin
During healing, you may notice scabbing or skin flaking. This can be part of the process, but you should leave the area alone. Do not pick, scratch or pull away any loose skin. Allow it to fall off naturally instead.
Some tattoos may develop thicker scabs. If this happens, do not moisturise those thicker scabs. Our aftercare guidance recommends allowing them to heal dry so the new skin has an opportunity to regenerate properly.
Continue to touch your tattoo as little as possible. Resist the urge to remove flaky skin, even if it catches your attention. Picking or scratching goes against the aftercare advice we provide. If you have concerns about scabbing or are unsure how to care for a particular area, ask your tattoo artist for guidance.
Showering, Bathing and Swimming With a New Tattoo
Can You Shower After Getting a Tattoo?
Yes, showering is fine during the first seven days. However, you should take care to prevent shampoo and other products from coming into contact with your tattoo. Follow your artist's instructions about the covering and cleaning routine, and avoid unnecessary contact with the area.
Keep your approach gentle and pay attention to the products you use. Red Point Tattoo recommends cleaning your tattoo with lukewarm water and using a neutral soap without harsh chemicals when you remove the wrapping at the appropriate time.
Avoid Submerging Your Tattoo for Seven Days
Although you can shower, you should not submerge your new tattoo in a bath, swimming pool or the sea during the first seven days. This is an important part of the aftercare guidance provided by Red Point Tattoo.
Plan your routine around this restriction after your appointment. Choose a shower rather than a bath, and avoid swimming during the first week. Take care to keep other products away from the tattoo while washing.
Your artist will explain how to care for your tattoo and how long to keep its initial covering in place. Follow that advice alongside the guidance about bathing and swimming. If you have questions about your specific aftercare instructions, contact the studio rather than guessing. Taking care during the first week helps you follow the recommended routine while your tattoo begins to heal.
Protecting Your Tattoo From Sunlight
Avoid Direct Sunlight and Sunbeds
Sun exposure is another consideration during the early stages of tattoo healing. Red Point Tattoo advises you to avoid direct sunlight and sunbeds for the first seven days after your appointment.
Keep this restriction in mind when planning your activities during the first week. Avoid deliberately exposing your new tattoo to direct sunlight, and do not use a sunbed during this period. These precautions form part of the aftercare instructions we give our clients.
When Can You Apply Sun Cream?
Do not apply sun cream to your tattoo until it has fully healed. Our aftercare guidance makes this distinction clear. Avoid direct sunlight and sunbeds during the first seven days, then wait until the tattoo has fully healed before using sun cream on the area.
Remember that the surface may begin to look healed after around seven days, but the deeper tissues take longer. The average healing process lasts between 10 and 30 days. Therefore, do not use the first signs of surface healing as confirmation that the whole tattoo has healed.
If you are unsure whether your tattoo has fully healed, speak to your artist before applying sun cream. They can help clarify the aftercare guidance you received during your appointment. Following these instructions helps you make informed decisions about caring for your new tattoo as it heals.
How to Support Your Tattoo's Healing Process
Your daily aftercare choices matter throughout the healing period. At Red Point Tattoo, we encourage clients to follow their artist's instructions and take care when handling their new tattoos. You should keep contact to a minimum, clean the area with lukewarm water when appropriate, and use only the recommended type of soap. When you dry your tattoo, gently pat it with a clean towel or kitchen paper. Avoid toilet paper because it may leave residue.
Follow your artist's advice about your covering and the timing of your aftercare product. If you use cocoa butter, apply only a light layer. Our recommended options are raw cocoa butter and Butterluxe aftercare balm. Avoid Bepanthen in line with our studio's current aftercare guidance.
You should also leave scabs and flaky skin alone. Never pick or scratch them off. Allow loose skin to fall away naturally, and leave thicker scabs to heal dry rather than applying moisturiser to them. During the first seven days, avoid baths, swimming pools and the sea. Showering remains fine, but try to prevent shampoo and other products from touching your tattoo. Avoid direct sunlight and sunbeds during this same period. Wait until your tattoo has fully healed before applying sun cream.
Above all, remember that healing takes time. The surface may show signs of recovery after seven days, but the average process lasts between 10 and 30 days, and deeper tissues take longer. If you have questions at any point, contact your tattoo artist or Red Point Tattoo for advice.
Advice From Red Point Tattoo
Understanding tattoo healing time starts with knowing what to expect and following a suitable aftercare routine. At Red Point Tattoo, we explain how to care for your tattoo before you leave the studio. We also encourage you to contact us if you have questions about your instructions.
The average tattoo healing process takes between 10 and 30 days. You may see surface healing after around seven days when you look after the area properly, but deeper tissues need longer. During this time, follow your artist's advice about wrapping, cleaning and moisturising. Avoid unnecessary contact, leave scabs alone, and do not submerge your tattoo in a bath, pool or the sea during the first seven days. You should also avoid direct sunlight and sunbeds for that first week. Only use sun cream after your tattoo has fully healed.
Every part of your aftercare routine contributes to how you look after your new artwork. Take your time, follow the instructions provided by your artist, and do not hesitate to ask questions if anything is unclear.
Need advice about your tattoo aftercare? Contact Red Point Tattoo at 9 Penton Street, London, or call us on 0207 689 2460. You can also email info@redpointtattoo.com. We will be happy to help you understand the aftercare instructions provided during your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tattoo take to heal completely?
The surface of a new tattoo usually heals within 10 to 30 days. However, the deeper layers of skin can take two to three months to repair fully. During this time, keep the tattoo clean, moisturise with a thin layer of aftercare product, and avoid picking at flakes or scabs. Follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions throughout the healing process.
When can I go to the gym or swim after getting a tattoo?
Avoid strenuous exercise that causes excessive sweating or friction during the first few days. Keep tight clothing and gym equipment away from the fresh tattoo. You should also avoid swimming pools, baths and open water until the skin has completely healed, usually around two to four weeks. Your tattoo artist can advise you based on the size and placement of your tattoo.
How do I know if my tattoo is healing properly?
Mild redness, warmth, swelling and clear fluid are common during the first few days. You may also notice itching, flaking and temporarily dull-looking ink during the second week. These symptoms should gradually improve. However, seek medical advice if you develop a fever, pus, spreading redness, red streaks or worsening pain. Contact your tattoo studio if you are unsure about your healing progress.