After-care
When youβve just left the tattoo artistβs chair, itβs important to be careful. In most cases, your tattoo will be covered with a piece of foil or a protective wrap. Read below to learn whatβs important and how to care for your tattoo step by step.
Leave the wrap on for a few hours, keeping it on until you get home is perfectly fine.
Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and carefully pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Allow the tattoo to air dry without any wrap or covering.
Avoid touching the tattoo.
After two days, start applying a thin layer of aftercare ointment twice a day. If needed, you can cover the tattoo with wrap during the night.
Avoid tight clothing, stay out of the sun, and refrain from swimming, exercising, or visiting the sauna.
The first few days are crucial for the healing of your tattoo. Itβs important to keep your tattoo clean without touching it too much.
Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
Wash your tattoo 1β2 times a day with lukewarm water and, if needed, use a mild, fragrance-free soap.
Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
Let the skin air dry as much as possible without covering it again.
Do not use alcohol, body lotion, makeup, or other harsh products on your tattoo.
Be careful with pets and do not let them come into contact with your tattoo.
Make sure you use clean bedding and wear clean, breathable clothing.
If needed, you can use some wrap or plastic film again on the first night to prevent the tattoo from sticking to your bedding.
Step 1: Wash and Let It Breathe
Step 2: Apply Aftercare Cream
After two days, you can start applying cream to your tattoo if it feels dry or tight. Use a special tattoo aftercare cream such as Bepanthen (note: do not use body lotion, as it can slow down the healing process).
Apply a thin layer of aftercare cream twice a day.
Always use clean hands when applying the cream.
Make sure you donβt apply too much ointment; a thin layer is enough.
Continue applying the cream until the tattoo is fully healed. This is when the tattoo feels the same as the rest of your skin. Even after healing, itβs good to keep the skin well hydrated.
General Care
The coming weeks are important for the healing process. Your skin will still be sensitive, and carelessness can disrupt proper healing.
Do not scratch your tattoo, even when it starts to peel.
Avoid intense exercise, swimming, sun exposure, and the sauna during the first few weeks. Even after your tattoo has fully healed, applying SPF 50 when exposed to the sun is very important to keep your tattoo looking its best.
Do not wear tight or synthetic clothing over your tattoo, as this can irritate the skin and slow down the healing process.
Be careful with pets and do not let them come into contact with your tattoo.
Make sure to use clean bedding and wear clean, breathable clothing.
It is normal for the skin to peel, and for some ink or fluid to come out, and for the area to appear red. After all, it is essentially a wound. Contact your doctor if you experience prolonged or extreme redness, swelling, bleeding, wound discharge, color changes, or chronic pain.
After 3 to 6 Weeks
After 3 to 6 weeks, your tattoo should be almost completely healed. However, even after it has healed, there are still a few things to keep in mind.
The colors of your tattoo may change slightly β this is normal. Some lines may appear a little thinner or thicker, and the color may fade slightly. If you notice that certain parts of your tattoo have completely disappeared, you can request a free touch-up within 8 weeks of getting the tattoo. (Touch-ups on hands, feet, fingers, and cover-ups are not free.)
Protect your tattoo from the sun. Once the tattoo has healed, it is best to use sunscreen with SPF 50 to help keep the colors vibrant.
Healing time varies from person to person, but generally it takes about 3β6 weeks for a tattoo to fully heal.
Enjoy your new tattoo! With the right care, your tattoo will continue to look great and youβll be able to enjoy it for many years to come. β¨