Tattoo aftercare

General Care

  • Avoid exposing the tattoo to the sun for prolonged periods for about a month.

  • The sun fades tattoo ink just like any other color, so even after healing, it's a good idea to use sunscreen on the tattoo to keep it as vibrant as possible.

  • If scabs form on the tattoo, do not scratch or pick at them.

  • A tattoo is essentially an open wound for the first few days, so do not expose it to any chemicals you wouldn’t apply to a wound (e.g., hair dyes, certain shampoos, etc.).

  • Avoid swimming for at least the first week or until the scabs have completely fallen off.

  • Avoid saunas for at least a week or until the scabs have fallen off. Even after that, use caution for the first month, as fresh tattoos burn more easily than regular skin, which can affect the quality of the tattoo.

First Days After Getting a Tattoo

  • The tattoo film placed over the tattoo should be removed within 24 hours.

  • If plastic wrap was used instead of a tattoo film, leave it on for about 3 hours after getting the tattoo. For the first night, apply a thin layer of ointment and replace the wrap with a fresh one.

  • Once the protective covering is removed, wash the tattoo with lukewarm water. Gently wipe away any blood, ink, lymph fluid, or ointment residue and let it dry.

  • Apply a thin layer of ointment, such as Easy Tattoo, Hustle Butter, or Bepanthen, gently over the tattoo.

  • If clothing must be worn over the tattoo, you may keep plastic wrap on it for the first couple of days. Change the wrap every few hours, wash off the old ointment and sweat before reapplying, and use a thin layer of ointment. Keep the tattoo uncovered whenever possible. You can also purchase a tattoo film from us, which can be left on for several days.

First Couple of Weeks

  • Do not cover the tattoo with plastic wrap after the first few days.

  • Apply ointment a few times a day, but don’t overdo it—if the tattoo remains moist, it does not need more ointment.

  • Avoid clothing, bags, belts, or anything else that may rub against the tattoo.

  • As the tattoo heals, the skin on top will usually peel off, revealing fresh skin underneath. Do not peel it off manually—let it come off naturally. The edges of the tattoo may remain dry for a few days.

  • Once the scabs or peeling skin have fallen off, a basic moisturizer (such as Erisan) is enough to keep the tattoo hydrated. Use it for as long as the tattooed area remains drier than the surrounding skin.

If you have any uncertainties about the healing process, contact your tattoo artist!