Good aftercare supports healthy healing and helps your tattoo settle beautifully.
Keep the area clean, avoid unnecessary touching and use only a small amount of the recommended aftercare product.
Healing varies from person to person, so always follow the individual instructions given to you at your appointment.
Everyone heals at a different pace, but most tattoos take around two to four weeks to heal on the surface, while the deeper layers of the skin may take longer. Please use this timeframe as a general guide and continue following the aftercare instructions until the area has fully healed.
01 — YOUR DRESSING
If your tattoo has been covered with standard wrap, leave it on for approximately two to three hours unless I advise you otherwise.
If I have applied an adhesive healing film, follow the specific removal or replacement instructions given to you at your appointment. Different healing films have different recommended wearing times.Usually, between 24 and 72 hours is recommended.
If the film begins to leak, fills with water, exposes part of the tattoo or causes significant itching, burning or a rash, remove it carefully and contact me for advice.
Do not re-cover the tattoo unless I have specifically advised you to do so.
02 — THE FIRST WASH
Always wash your hands before touching your new tattoo.
After removing the dressing, gently wash the tattoo with clean lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap.
Do not scrub the area or use a sponge, flannel, shower puff or exfoliating product.
Rinse gently and pat the tattoo dry with a clean disposable paper towel. Alternatively, allow it to air dry. Do not rub it with a towel.
03 — KEEP IT LIGHTLY MOISTURISED
Once the tattoo is completely dry, apply a very thin and even layer of the aftercare product recommended to you.
(I recommended Bepanthen cream, tattoo balm or Vaseline, apply only a very thin layer)
The tattoo should not look wet, shiny or heavily coated. Applying too much product can trap excess moisture and irritate the skin.
Wash the tattoo once or twice a day and apply a small amount of moisturiser when the skin feels dry or tight.
Do not use antibiotic creams, heavily fragranced products or products that have not been recommended by your artist or a healthcare professional.
If a product causes a rash, swelling, increased redness or burning, stop using it and seek appropriate advice.
04 — NORMAL HEALING
During the first few days, it is normal for the tattoo to feel tender and look slightly red. A small amount of clear or ink-tinted fluid may also appear.
After a few days, the tattoo may begin to feel itchy, dry or flaky. The colour may temporarily look slightly dull or cloudy while the new skin settles.
DO NOT SCRATCH, RUB, PEEL OR PICK AT YOUR TATTOO. Allow any flakes or light scabbing to fall away naturally.
If it feels itchy, gently pat the surrounding area with clean hands rather than scratching it.
05 — SHOWERING, SWIMMING & EXERCISE
Short showers are fine, but avoid soaking the tattoo or directing high-pressure water onto it.
Do not use baths, swimming pools, the sea, hot tubs, saunas or steam rooms until the tattoo is fully healed.
Avoid activities that create heavy sweating, stretching or friction around the tattooed area, particularly during the first few days.
Wear clean, loose-fitting clothing and avoid anything that repeatedly rubs against the tattoo.
Healing time varies depending on the size, placement, skin and individual aftercare. If you are unsure whether an activity is safe, please ask before returning to it.
06 — SUN PROTECTION
Keep a healing tattoo away from direct sunlight and do not use sunbeds.
Do not apply sunscreen to skin that is still open, peeling or scabbed. Once the tattoo is completely healed, protect it with a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen to help preserve the colour.
07 — WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE
Some redness and tenderness can be normal at first, but these symptoms should gradually improve rather than worsen.
PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE PROMPTLY IF YOU EXPERIENCE:
• Redness or swelling that continues to spread
• Increasing heat, pain, tenderness or throbbing
• Yellow or green discharge or an unpleasant smell
• Red streaks spreading away from the tattoo
• Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
• A significant rash, blistering or another suspected allergic reaction
A tattoo artist can help with general aftercare questions but cannot diagnose or treat an infection.
If you have concerns, you are welcome to contact me with your name, appointment date and a clear photograph. If there are signs of infection or a serious reaction, please contact a qualified healthcare professional as well.
HEALED TATTOO CHECK-IN
Once your tattoo has fully healed, I would love to see how it has settled. If you are comfortable doing so, please send me a clear photograph approximately four to six weeks after your appointment.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR COLOUR.