Congratulations on your new tattoo! Your artist has completed 50% of the work; the remaining 50% depends on how you care for it during the healing process. Proper aftercare is essential to prevent infection, ensure crisp lines, and maintain vibrant colors for years to come.
Please follow these internationally recognized standards for professional tattoo aftercare.
1. The Initial Protection Your artist has applied a protective bandage to shield your open skin from bacteria.
• Medical Grade Film (e.g., Saniderm/Tegaderm): If your artist used a clear adhesive film, leave it on for 3 to 5 days as instructed. If fluid builds up significantly or the seal breaks, remove it immediately.
• Traditional Plastic Wrap: If covered with plastic wrap, keep it on for 2 to 4 hours. Do not re-bandage the tattoo after removing it, as the skin needs to breathe.
2. The First Wash Cleanliness is the most critical factor in preventing infection.
• Wash your hands first: Never touch a healing tattoo with dirty hands.
• Use lukewarm water: Avoid hot water, as it opens the pores and can cause ink loss.
• Mild Soap only: Use a fragrance-free, antibacterial liquid soap. Gently wash the area using your fingertips only to remove dried blood, plasma, or excess ink.
• Pat Dry: Do not rub. Use a clean paper towel to gently pat the area dry. Let it air dry for another 10–15 minutes before applying moisturizer.
3. Moisturizing Your Tattoo Keep the skin hydrated but do not “suffocate” it.
• Apply a thin layer: Use a specialized tattoo aftercare balm or a fragrance-free, alcohol-free lotion.
• Less is more: The tattoo should have a slight sheen, not a thick layer of cream. Too much moisture can trap bacteria and lead to “bubbling” or loss of ink.
• Frequency: Repeat the wash-and-moisturize process 2–3 times a day for the first two weeks.
4. The “Golden Rules” of Healing To ensure your tattoo heals perfectly, strictly avoid the following for at least 2 to 3 weeks.
5. What to Expect (The Healing Stages)
• Days 1–3: The tattoo may feel like a sunburn. It might be red, warm, and ooze a bit of ink/plasma. This is normal.
• Days 4–10: The tattoo will begin to peel or flake (similar to a sunburn). It will also become very itchy. Do not scratch. Continue moisturizing.
• Days 11–21: The surface skin is healed, but the deeper layers are still regenerating. The tattoo may look slightly dull or “cloudy” during this phase.
6. When to Contact a Professional While some redness and swelling are normal, please contact a doctor if you experience: • Extreme pain or swelling that increases after the 3rd day.
• Foul-smelling discharge or yellow/green pus.
• Red streaks radiating from the tattoo site.
• A high fever or chills. Long-Term Maintenance Once your tattoo is fully healed (after 4–6 weeks), the best way to keep it looking new is Sunscreen. Apply SPF 30+ whenever the tattoo is exposed to the sun to prevent fading over the years.
Enjoy your new art! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our studio.