A little ritual for healing your beautiful new ink
Your tattoo is a fresh piece of art woven into your skin. How you care for it now will help it heal beautifully and hold its energy for years to come.
Here’s a simple aftercare guide:
 First Day
- Keep the wrap on until the end of day, when you’re getting ready for bed
- Wash your hands, then gently remove the wrap.
- Rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel — no rubbing. Apply your tattoo cream lightly.
- On the first day, it’s a good idea to take it easy and make space to integrate your new tattoo — give your body some time to settle in and start the healing process.
 The Next Few Weeks (normally 2 – 3 weeks)
- Apply a thin layer of Hustle Butter* (my top recommended tattoo healing balm), Bepanthen* or your choice of tattoo aftercare, 3–4 times a day. Keep it lightly moisturised, not smothered.
- Continue this for 2–3 weeks, or until the peeling phase ends.
 A little flaking or peeling is totally normal — it’s your skin making space for the new.
- Stay hydrated. Water helps your body and your tattoo heal from the inside out.
- After peeling stops, switch to a natural Vitamin E cream 2–3 times a day for a few weeks.
 Guidelines for Healing
- Avoid direct sunlight on the tattoo for the first 24 hours.
- No sunbaking for at least 3 months — protect your art.
- No swimming, baths, spas, saunas, or float tanks for at least 2 – 3 weeks while your tattoo heals.
- Skip workouts for the first 24 hours.
- Don’t shave or wax the area for 4 weeks.
- No picking, scratching, or tight clothing over the tattoo until fully healed.
 Special note for foot tattoos
- Avoid shoes that rub on the tattoo. If you must wear closed shoes, wrap the area gently in cling wrap — but remove it and reapply cream as soon as possible to let it breathe.
Warm hugs,
Chloe Mez
Tattoo Artist / Yoga, Reiki & Art Facilitator
For more information or bookings via email Chloe@HummingbirdInkStudio.com or connect here
*Some of the links I share are affiliate links — I only recommend what I genuinely love, and if you buy through my link, I get a small thank-you from Amazon (at no extra cost to you).