Heat doesn’t change the rules of tattoo aftercare. It makes two of them harder: keeping the tattoo out of the sun and the sea, and dealing with sweat. This is the routine we give people at Ink’side, with the hot-weather parts spelled out.
The first days
A fresh tattoo is an open wound. We cover it with either a second skin film or Derma-X gel, and the aftercare differs a little.
- Second skin film. It protects the tattoo. For a small tattoo, take it off the next morning. For anything bigger we tell you the right moment, because it depends on the tattoo. Wash the tattoo with neutral soap and water, let it dry, then apply a thin layer of cream.
- Derma-X. It is a gel that dries into a protective film. It stays on for 6–7 days and comes off by itself, a little more with every shower. You don’t need to remove anything.
Every day
Wash the tattoo once a day with ordinary neutral soap. If you sweat a lot, wash it more often. Once it is uncovered, apply cream 2–3 times a day, more if your skin is dry. Use only a thin layer: too much cream can dull the colour of the pigment. We sell ALOE PRO V at the studio, and Aquaphor from a cosmetics shop works too.
In hot weather you will probably wash more and reach for cream more often. That is fine, as long as the layer stays thin.
Sweat and heat
Sweat makes itching and burning worse. That is why we ask you to skip the gym for at least a week. On a very hot afternoon the same logic applies: slow down, find shade and keep the tattoo from rubbing.
Clothes matter more than they seem. Wear something comfortable and keep straps, seams and seatbelts away from the tattoo.
What to avoid
| How long | What |
|---|---|
| 1 month | The beach, sunbathing and swimming |
| At least 1 week | The gym |
| Always | Antiseptic, alcohol or cologne on the tattoo |
A fresh tattoo is an open wound. Antiseptic, alcohol and cologne burn the skin and can lead to infection. For the sea and pool, see how long after a tattoo can you swim. For sun, see tattoos and the sun.
Normal while healing
Redness and itching are normal, so is peeling at some stages, clear or blood-tinged fluid and extra ink coming out. If you are worried about how it looks, message us before you try anything yourself.
Message us if:
- the tattoo heals slowly and still has no firm scab after a long time
- the skin around it feels hot to the touch
- the redness spreads more than 3–4 cm around the tattoo
If you have pus, strong itching or pain, see a doctor. The full routine, with a schedule for your phone calendar, is in our aftercare guide.
Questions people ask
Should I cover a healing tattoo in the heat?
Keep it out of direct sun and away from tight clothes. Follow the instructions for the film or gel we used.
Can I use the same cream as for my skin?
Use the cream from the aftercare instructions, in a thin layer. If you buy your own, ask us before you start.
Is it still fine to tattoo in summer?
Yes. Our walk-in hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00–23:00. If your holiday is short, getting tattooed near the end of the trip saves most of it. The tattoo on holiday guide has the timing.