The first seven days set the tone for how your tattoo heals. Fresh ink is essentially an open wound: the skin is traumatised, plasma and ink can weep through the film, and your body is building a new protective layer. Treat it gently and consistently, and you give the lines the best chance to stay crisp.
For the first few hours, leave whatever covering your artist applied in place unless they tell you otherwise. When you remove it — usually after a few hours or the next morning — wash your hands, then rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel; do not rub. Apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare product. Less is more: a heavy smear traps moisture and can cause irritation.
Over the next days, wash twice daily and moisturise lightly when the skin feels tight or dry. Expect some redness, warmth and a dull ache — that is normal. Light flaking and itching usually start around day three or four. Do not scratch or pick; a gentle slap or cool compress helps. Wear loose, breathable cotton over the area and avoid tight waistbands or straps that rub.
Skip gym sessions that soak the tattoo in sweat, saunas, baths and direct sun for the first week. If you work in a dusty environment, keep the tattoo covered with clean clothing. Signs that need attention include spreading redness, yellow or green discharge, fever, or pain that worsens instead of easing — contact your artist or a doctor if those appear.
At Chill Ink in Galata we walk every client through aftercare before they leave, because good healing starts with clear instructions. If you are unsure about a product, a patch of dryness or how your tattoo is progressing, message us on WhatsApp with a photo — we would rather answer a quick question than see a small issue become a bigger one.