After Care

Your new tattoo is a small wound, and the first weeks decide how it will look for years. Follow these steps and it will heal clean, sharp and bright.

If you have a second skin (protective film)

Keep the film on for 3 to 5 days. To remove it, stand under lukewarm water and slowly peel it downwards. Go gently and take your time.

A small bubble of fluid may form under the film. This is normal and part of the healing process, so don’t pop it. If the film starts to lift or tear early, simply remove it and continue with the steps below.

If you don’t have a second skin

Always start by washing your hands. Seeing some ink, blood or vaseline under the wrap is completely normal, so don’t worry.

Clean your tattoo with your hands only, using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Be gentle and don’t scrub. You’re just removing the leftover ink and plasma.

Let it air dry, or pat it softly with a paper towel or a clean towel. Don’t cover it with a bandage, because your tattoo needs to breathe.

Your tattoo may keep oozing a little during the first night, so wear old clothes and use old sheets. If fabric sticks to your tattoo, don’t pull it off. Wet it with lukewarm water until it comes loose on its own.

The first 10 days

Keep your showers short and lukewarm. Hot water opens the pores and can pull ink out of your skin. Avoid pointing the shower jet straight at your tattoo, and don’t let soapy water run over it for long.

At the end of your shower, gently wash the tattoo with mild soap and rinse away all soap, ink and blood. Then let it air dry or pat it dry.

After day 10

Wash your hands, then apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free healing cream 2 to 3 times a day. Let it fully absorb into the skin and don’t cover the tattoo.

Less is more: your skin should look slightly hydrated, never greasy.

Recommended products

• Mild, pH-neutral soap: Cadum, Sanex Dermo Hypo-allergenic, La Roche-Posay Lipikar

• Healing cream: Cicatryl, Avène Cicalfate+

What’s normal while healing

• Oozing: for the first few days and nights, your tattoo may release a little excess ink. This won’t affect the final result.

• Scabs: they’re a natural part of healing and will fall off on their own. Never pick them. Picking can leave pale patches that will need a touch-up.

• Itching: it means your tattoo is healing. Don’t scratch it. Tapping it lightly helps.

• Peeling: your tattoo will flake like a sunburn as new skin forms underneath. This is completely normal.

• A cloudy look: lines and colours may look dull or uneven for a while. Everything settles once your tattoo is fully healed, which takes up to 4 weeks.

Everyday tips

Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Tight clothes rub against the tattoo and stop it from breathing.

Stay away from dirty places and keep pets at a distance. Dirt or animal hair on a fresh tattoo can cause an infection. If it happens, clean your tattoo as soon as possible.

When something isn’t right

Small spots or pimples: if your tattoo looks pale, peels a lot or gets small pimples, you’re probably using too much cream. Use the thinnest layer possible so your skin can breathe.

Infection: this is the most common complication. It happens when an unhealed tattoo comes into contact with bacteria, dust or animal hair. Signs include pus, a yellow or white sticky discharge, a bad smell, or redness and swelling that keep getting worse. Contact me right away and send photos. Caught early, an infection can be treated without damaging your tattoo. If you have a fever or the redness is spreading, see a doctor straight away.

Allergy: this is very rare. It’s usually a reaction to one specific ink colour. Only the areas with that colour will swell, and the rest of the tattoo looks normal. If you think you’re having an allergic reaction, contact me immediately and I’ll tell you whether you should see a doctor.

Any doubt? Message me with a photo. I’m always happy to help.