Dry Healing
The recommended method for healing your tattoo cleanly and protecting the work long-term. Simple, hands-off, and the same routine used in the studio.
Remove the Wrap
Leave the protective film or cling wrap on for 2–4 hours after the session. Wash your hands thoroughly, then gently peel the wrap off in the shower under warm running water to loosen any plasma or ink residue.
First Wash
With clean hands, wash the tattoo gently using lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, antibacterial soap. Use only your fingertips — no cloth, sponge, or loofah. Rinse thoroughly until the tattoo no longer feels slippery.
Pat Dry
Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or a freshly washed soft towel kept only for the tattoo. Do not rub. Let the skin air-dry for a few minutes before getting dressed.
Let It Breathe
Dry healing means no creams, no balms, no ointments — nothing on the tattoo. The skin heals best when left exposed to clean air. Wash 2–3 times a day for the first week and pat dry each time.
Through the Scab & Peel
Between days 4–14 the tattoo will feel tight, scab lightly, and flake. This is normal. Do not pick, scratch, or peel anything off — let it fall away on its own. Keep washing gently and keep the area dry.
Fully Healed
After the surface peel has finished (around 2–3 weeks), the deeper layers continue to settle for up to 6 weeks. Once fully healed, moisturise daily with an unscented lotion and always use high-SPF sunscreen on the tattoo to protect it long-term.
Daily Routine
- Wash hands before touching the tattoo
- Wash 2–3x daily with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap
- Pat dry with a clean paper towel — never rub
- Wear loose, clean, breathable clothing
- Sleep on clean sheets, ideally on the opposite side
- Drink water and rest — healing starts internally
For 3–4 Weeks
- No creams, lotions, balms or ointments (this is dry healing)
- No picking, scratching or peeling scabs
- No baths, swimming pools, sea, sauna or steam rooms for 3 weeks
- No direct sunlight or sunbeds for at least 4 weeks
- No tight clothing, gym gear, or sweat sessions for 7–10 days
- No shaving over the tattoo until fully healed
A Cleaner Heal, Sharper Result
Heavy creams and ointments can trap bacteria, soften scabs too early, and lift ink before the skin has closed. Dry healing keeps the area clean and lets the skin do exactly what it's designed to do — close, scab lightly, and reveal the finished work underneath.
If anything feels unusual — excessive redness, swelling beyond the first 48 hours, or unexpected pain — message the studio. Healing should feel uneventful.
Questions About Your Heal?
Reach out anytime during the healing window — a quick message is always better than guessing.
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