Tattoo aftercare step by step

Healing step by step

1. Days 1-5: second skin protective film

After the session I cover the tattoo with a transparent dressing film, so-called second skin. It stays on for 3-5 days - I will tell you the exact number of days after the session.

• Plasma and a little ink collect under the film - that is normal.
• You can shower, just do not rub the film.
• If the film comes loose, starts leaking or an itchy rash appears - take it off earlier and go to step 2.

2. Removing the film

Best done under a warm shower: take an edge and stretch the film along the skin instead of pulling it off. Then wash the tattoo with clean hands, lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat it dry with a paper towel - do not rub.

3. About 2 weeks: cream

Apply a thin layer of tattoo cream or a fragrance-free panthenol cream 2-3 times a day. The skin needs to breathe - the layer should be barely visible; wipe off any excess. Wash the tattoo 1-2 times a day.

4. Days 5-14: peeling and itching

The skin flakes and itches - that is a good sign. Do not pick the flakes, at most pat gently. For a while the tattoo may look cloudy - full colour and contrast come back once it heals, after about 4-6 weeks.

What to avoid for 4 weeks

• Pools, saunas, baths and swimming in the sea or lakes - showers are fine.
• Sun and tanning beds - a fresh tattoo burns easily and loses colour.
• Friction - tight clothes, straps, a backpack on the tattoo.
• Intense workouts in the first days, especially if the tattoo is on a moving area.
• Scratching and touching with dirty hands.

Once healed - for life - protect your tattoo with SPF 50 sunscreen. The sun is the biggest enemy of colour and sharpness.

When to get in touch

Redness or swelling that gets worse after day 3, pus, fever or severe pain - message me straight away via the form or on Instagram and I will tell you what to do next. After about 6 weeks, send me a photo of the healed tattoo in daylight - I will check whether anything needs a touch-up.