Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but great tattoos don't just depend on a talented artist -- they also depend on how well you prepare and care for your new ink.

Whether it's your very first tattoo or you're adding to a growing collection, following the right steps before and after your appointment will help your tattoo heal beautifully and stay looking its best for years to come.

At Sacred Gold Tattoo in London's Coal Drops Yard, we've helped thousands of clients achieve incredible healed results. Here are our essential tattoo do's and don'ts.

✅ DO: Choose an Experienced Tattoo Artist

The most important decision you'll make isn't the design—it's choosing the right artist.

Look for:

• A professional, licensed tattoo studio
• Artists with consistent healed work
• Strong hygiene standards
• A style that matches your vision

At Sacred Gold Tattoo, our artists specialise in realism, fine line, black & grey, Japanese, colour, ornamental, and custom designs, ensuring you're matched with someone who truly understands your idea.

✅ DO: Eat Before Your Appointment

Never arrive on an empty stomach.

A good meal helps:

• Keep your blood sugar stable
• Reduce dizziness
• Make long tattoo sessions much more comfortable

Bring water and a snack if you're booked for several hours.

✅ DO: Wear Comfortable Clothing

Think about where you're getting tattooed.

Loose-fitting clothing allows easy access to the area and prevents unnecessary rubbing afterwards.

For example:

• Shorts for leg tattoos
• Vest tops for shoulder pieces
• Button-up shirts for back tattoos
  

✅ DO: Stay Hydrated

Healthy skin tattoos better.

Drink plenty of water the day before and on the day of your appointment.

Hydrated skin accepts ink more consistently and generally heals more comfortably.

✅ DO: Follow Your Artist's Aftercare Instructions

Every tattoo studio may recommend slightly different aftercare, but consistency is key.

Typically this includes:

• Wash gently with fragrance-free soap
• Pat dry with a clean towel
• Apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare cream
• Avoid soaking the tattoo
• Keep it clean
• Let any flaking happen naturally

Healing usually takes around 2–4 weeks on the surface, while the deeper layers continue healing for several months.

❌ DON'T: Drink Alcohol Before Your Tattoo

Alcohol thins your blood, which can increase bleeding during the tattoo process.

This can make tattooing more difficult and may affect the final result.

Aim to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before your appointment.

❌ DON'T: Pick or Scratch Your Tattoo

As your tattoo heals, it will likely itch and begin to flake.

This is completely normal.

Picking scabs or peeling skin too early can:

• Pull out ink
• Create patchy healing
• Increase the risk of infection
• Cause scarring

Leave it alone—even if it's tempting.

❌ DON'T: Go Swimming

Fresh tattoos are essentially open wounds.

Avoid:

• Swimming pools
• Hot tubs
• Lakes
• Rivers
• The sea

Submerging a healing tattoo significantly increases the risk of infection and can interfere with the healing process.

Wait until your tattoo is fully healed.

❌ DON'T: Expose Your Tattoo to Direct Sunlight

UV rays are one of the biggest causes of tattoo fading.

While healing:

• Keep your tattoo covered where possible.
• Avoid sunbeds entirely.

Once healed:
Always apply high-SPF sunscreen to preserve the detail and colour of your tattoo.

❌ DON'T: Wear Tight Clothing Over a Fresh Tattoo

Constant rubbing can:

• Irritate the skin
• Slow healing
• Cause unnecessary discomfort

Loose clothing is your friend during the first couple of weeks.

Common Tattoo Healing Stages

Knowing what's normal can help prevent unnecessary worry.

Days 1–3

• Mild redness
• Slight swelling
• Tenderness

Days 4–10

• Flaking
• Peeling
• Itching

Weeks 2–4

• Skin begins smoothing out
• Tattoo may appear slightly dull before settling

Complete healing continues beneath the surface even after your tattoo looks finished.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work out after getting a tattoo?

Light exercise is usually fine, but avoid heavy sweating, friction, or contact sports for several days depending on the tattoo's location.

Can I shower?

Yes.

Keep showers short and avoid soaking the tattoo.

Will my tattoo peel?

Yes.

Peeling is completely normal and is part of the healing process.

When can I swim again?

Wait until your tattoo is fully healed, usually around 3–4 weeks.

Trust the Process -- and Your Artist

A beautiful tattoo is a collaboration between artist and client.

Your artist creates the artwork, but proper preparation and aftercare ensure it heals exactly as intended.

If you ever have questions during healing, don't hesitate to contact your tattoo studio. It's always better to ask than to guess.

Book Your Tattoo at Sacred Gold Tattoo

Whether you're planning your first tattoo or your next masterpiece, our experienced artists are here to help bring your ideas to life.

Visit our studio in Coal Drops Yard, King's Cross, or browse our artists online to find the perfect match for your style.

We welcome consultations, custom projects, and walk-ins whenever availability allows.

Ready to start your next tattoo?

Book your consultation today and let Sacred Gold Tattoo create something you'll be proud to wear for life.