Aftercare

A fresh tattoo is an open wound. What you do in the first two weeks decides how the piece looks for the rest of your life.

  1. 01

    Leave the wrap on

    Keep the covering on for the time Cancun tells you at the end of your session. Don't peek, don't re-wrap with cling film overnight.

  2. 02

    Wash it clean

    Wash twice daily with unscented antibacterial soap and clean hands. Cool water, no scrubbing, no washcloth. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.

  3. 03

    Thin layer only

    Unscented ointment for the first 3 days, then switch to unscented lotion. Thick layers suffocate the skin and pull ink.

  4. 04

    Let it peel

    Flaking and light scabbing is normal around days 4–10. Do not pick, scratch or rub it. Picking is what causes patchy healing.

  5. 05

    No soaking, no sun

    No pools, hot tubs, baths, ocean or gym sauna for 2–3 weeks. Keep it out of direct sun; sunscreen only once fully healed.

  6. 06

    Protect it long-term

    Once healed, sunscreen is the difference between crisp black and grey work and a faded blur five years from now.

When to reach out

Message Cancun if you see spreading redness, heat, swelling that gets worse after day three, or any discharge. Touch-ups on healing issues are handled case by case. Send a photo first.