Heal it beautifully
Fine line tattoos heal quickly when they are looked after, and the care you give in the first two weeks decides how crisp your piece stays for years. This is general guidance, not medical advice.
The routine
You will also take written guidance home with you on the day.
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First 24 hours
Leave any covering on for as long as I advise on the day. Once it is off, wash gently with clean hands, lukewarm water and mild unfragranced soap, then pat dry with clean kitchen roll.
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Days 1 to 14
Wash morning and evening, and apply a thin layer of unfragranced moisturiser two or three times a day. Thin is the word, your skin needs to breathe to heal.
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While it heals
No picking or scratching, even when it flakes and itches. No swimming, baths, saunas or soaking. Keep it out of direct sun and away from tight clothing that rubs.
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Ever after
Once healed, high-factor sun protection is the single best thing you can do for fine linework. Sun fades delicate tattoos faster than anything else.
Normal healing looks like this
Mild redness and tenderness for the first day or two, a little clear ooze at first, then light flaking and itching as the skin renews. Fine line tattoos usually settle within two weeks, and the ink softens slightly as it heals. That is normal and part of the style.
When to seek help: if you notice signs of infection such as spreading redness, swelling, heat or pus, contact your GP, NHS 111 or a pharmacist. Do not wait for it to sort itself out, and tell me too so I know how your tattoo is doing.
Holidays, sun and swimming
Booking a tattoo just before a summer holiday is the classic mistake, and it is one I will always flag when you enquire. A healing tattoo cannot go in the pool or the sea, cannot sunbathe and cannot be slathered in sun cream. If you have a trip coming up, let us schedule your appointment for after you get back. Your tattoo will thank you for decades.
Top-ups
If a healed piece of my own work needs a little extra once it has settled, top-ups are £15 per hour within three months of your appointment. Message me on Get Ink with a photo of the healed tattoo and we will arrange it, even while my books are closed to new enquiries.
This page is general aftercare guidance, not medical advice. Everyone's skin heals differently, so follow the specific instructions you are given on the day and speak to a healthcare professional about anything that worries you.