Aftercare

Caring for a fresh tattoo is essential for it to heal properly and look beautiful. A fresh tattoo is an open wound, so hygiene and protection against infection matter most.

Phase 1: The first hours and days – protection and cleaning

Removing the film. I cover the tattoo with a special film, either a classic wrap or a polyurethane one. Timing differs: a classic wrap usually stays on for 2–6 hours, a breathable second-skin film for 1–5 days. Always follow what we agreed in the studio. Wash your hands thoroughly before removing it; if the film sticks, wet it with warm water.

Second skin must never be punctured. Watch out for pets – a torn film means a risk of infection.

First wash. Once the film is off, gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap. Remove any remaining blood, plasma and excess ink. Do not scrub and do not use hot water.

Drying. Pat dry (never rub!) with a clean paper towel or a clean soft towel. Let the tattoo air-dry for a moment.

Moisturising. Apply a thin layer of a dedicated tattoo healing ointment or cream (e.g. Bepanthen Plus / Bepanthen Tattoo, or a butter I recommend). Less is more: the layer must be thin so the skin can breathe. Too thick a layer can clog the pores and lead to weeping or a rash. Apply 2–4 times a day during the first week, or as needed.

Phase 2: Healing – week 2 to month 1

Peeling and scabs. During healing the tattoo will most likely peel (like after a sunburn) and fine scabs may form.

Do not pick and do not scratch. Even if the tattoo itches, never pull off flakes or scabs and do not scratch. You risk damaging the tattoo, losing pigment and scarring.

Moisturising. Keep using the dedicated cream; later you can switch to a moisturiser with panthenol or vitamin E until the skin has fully closed (usually 3–4 weeks).

What to avoid while healing (about 3–4 weeks)

• Sun and tanning beds. UV damages the pigments and slows healing. Protect the tattoo with loose clothing and, once healed, with a high-SPF cream.
• Baths, swimming pools, sea, lakes and hot tubs. Risk of infection. Take a quick shower instead.
• Sauna and steam. Heavy sweating and humidity are bad for a fresh wound.
• Strenuous exercise and sport. Risk of sweating, friction and strain on the tattooed area, especially in the first week.
• Tight, rough or dirty clothing. Clothes must not irritate or chafe the tattoo. Choose clean cotton.
• Alcohol in the first days. It can slow healing, increase bleeding and fluid loss and thereby dilute the ink – it affects the quality of the tattoo.
• Scented creams, petroleum jelly and harsh cosmetics. They can irritate the skin and clog pores (except the petroleum jelly I apply in the studio).

Surface healing takes 7–14 days; full regeneration of the deeper skin layers takes 4–6 weeks.

One last thing

Always follow the instructions you got from me first – I use specific procedures and products, and the routine can differ from tattoo to tattoo.