How to Wash Your Tattoo Like a Pro – The Ultimate Aftercare Guide

S. Astangi
Mar 14
3 min read

Getting inked at Under the Needle, West London’s go-to tattoo studio, is just the first step of your tattoo journey. Proper aftercare is what keeps your fresh piece looking sharp, vibrant, and infection-free.

One of the most important things? Washing your tattoo the right way. Let’s break it down, step by step, to keep your new ink in top shape.

A person carefully washing a fresh black and grey tattoo on their arm with lukewarm water in a modern bathroom sink. The tattoo appears slightly red and healing. They are using fragrance-free soap, with a clean paper towel nearby for drying. A bottle of tattoo aftercare lotion sits on the counter, emphasizing proper tattoo hygiene. — Learn the right way to wash your new tattoo with this realistic image guide. Proper aftercare is key to keeping your ink clean, vibrant, and infection-free. Follow expert tips for tattoo healing and hygiene.

Why Washing Your Tattoo is Crucial

Your tattoo is an open wound. It needs to heal properly, and that means keeping it clean but not over-washed. The right aftercare prevents scabbing, fading, and potential infections. Follow these steps, and your tattoo will heal crisp and bright.

Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Your Tattoo

1. Wait Before You Wash

Your artist at Under the Needle will wrap your fresh ink in protective film. Leave it on for the recommended time (usually 2–4 hours, unless told otherwise). This protects your skin from bacteria and friction.

2. Use Lukewarm Water – No Hot Showers!

When it's time to wash, use lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, which can irritate your skin and cause unnecessary pain. Cold water is better than hot, but warm is ideal.

3. Choose the Right Soap

Avoid harsh soaps! Use a fragrance-free, antibacterial, or mild soap to gently cleanse the area. Some solid choices include:

Dove Unscented Bar
Sanex Zero%
Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented

4. Wash Gently with Your Hands

No loofahs, sponges, or cloths! They harbor bacteria and can be too rough on your fresh ink. Use clean hands and gently rub in circular motions to remove excess plasma, ink, and blood.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Make sure all soap is rinsed off. Leftover residue can cause irritation and slow healing.

6. Pat Dry – Don’t Rub!

Use a clean paper towel to gently pat your tattoo dry. Avoid using a regular towel, as it can harbor bacteria and be too rough.

7. Apply a Thin Layer of Moisturizer

Your tattoo needs hydration to heal properly. After washing, apply a thin layer of a recommended tattoo aftercare product, such as:

Bepanthen (classic choice, but some prefer alternatives)
Hustle Butter Deluxe
Tattoo Goo
Aveeno Unscented Lotion

Avoid petroleum-based products like Vaseline – they can suffocate the skin and delay healing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Don’t soak your tattoo – No baths, pools, or saunas for at least 2–3 weeks.

🚫 No scratching or picking – It will itch, but resist the urge!

🚫 Avoid direct sunlight – Fresh tattoos are sensitive to UV rays and can fade fast.

🚫 No over-moisturizing – Too much lotion can clog pores and slow down healing.

Need More Aftercare Advice? Hit Us Up!

At Under the Needle, we’re all about keeping your ink looking fresh for life. Got questions? Drop by our West London tattoo studio, or hit us up:

📞 Call/WhatsApp: 07407190090📧 Email: info@tattooss.co.uk🌍 Visit: Under the Needle – West London