The first two days decide how your tattoo heals. Here's what actually matters.

Wash it gently

After your session, wash with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free soap. Pat dry with a clean paper towel — don't rub. Do this once or twice a day.

Keep it moisturised

Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free ointment or lotion. Too much traps bacteria; too little and it dries out and cracks. Thin and even.

Don't pick or scratch

Itching is normal. Scratching is how you ruin the linework. If it's unbearable, a cool compress helps.

Cover it loosely

A breathable bandage for the first few hours is fine, but leave it open to air after that. Wrapped skin sweats and breeds infection.

No swimming, baths, or soaking

For at least two weeks. Showers are fine — just don't let the water blast directly on it.

Skip the sun

Fresh ink is vulnerable to fading and infection. Keep it covered or use SPF 50 once it's healed.

Watch for warning signs

Redness that spreads, pus, fever, or pain that gets worse instead of better — see a doctor, not a forum.

That's the core. The human pass should add your own experience — what you've seen go wrong, what artists tell you — because that's the part nobody else can copy.