EVERYTHING ABOUT AFTERCARE
Aftercare Instructions
Everything you need to know for proper tattoo aftercare — from the first cleaning and applying ointment to long-term healing and protection. Below is a simple step-by-step guide for you! If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me.
Right after tattooing
The plastic foil
The foil protects the tattoo while allowing blood and wound fluid to leave the body. The area of the tattoo might get a bit swollen, especially tattoos on the lower legs, this is normal and will go away naturally if taken enough rest.
Taking the plastic foil off
The wound needs exposure to air for the skin to heal properly, so remove the foil after 3-5 hours, preferably when you are home and/or have access to sanitary facilities.
Touching your tattoo
Always wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap, or disinfect them, before taking care of your tattoo! Not doing this might result in infections, as you are touching a fresh wound with dirty hands.
Your daily cleaning routine
Before you start
Always wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap, or disinfect them, before taking care of your tattoo! Not doing this might result in infections, as you are touching a fresh wound with dirty hands.
Cleaning the tattoo
Gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm(!) running water and mild soap with no perfumes or harsh chemicals. Make sure the tattoo is cleansed of fluids coming out of the tattoo.
After cleaning
Carefully pat the tattoo dry with a clean(!) towel, and don’t rub. Let the skin breath for a few minutes and then apply a thin(!) layer of tattoo cream.
And repeat...
Repeat these steps both in the morning and evening, for at least 3 days but no longer than 1 week. After that you can stop, and only put cream on the tattoo whenever you feel the skin is getting extremely dry.
The first weeks of healing
Itching and scabbing
It is natural for the skin to eventually start scabbing and peeling. If the tattoo starts to itch, you can gently tap it to relieve the symptoms instead of scratching. To prevent infection and damage to your tattoo, do not scratch or pick at the skin!
What to wear
We suggust wearing loose-fitting and breathable clothing that will not rub against the tattoo, especially during the first week. Keeping the tattoo exposed to open air is crucial to the healing process, so don’t cover it up with bandages.
What to avoid
Shaving
Avoid shaving the area that got tattooed for at least until the skin has fully healed. Shaving causes irritation, and your skin needs a break.
Sunlight / UV-Light
Avoid direct sunlight or UV-light for a minimum of 6 weeks. After that always use a high factor sunscreen on your tattoo to make sure it lasts.
Pets and other animals
Avoid pets and animals directly touching your fresh tattoo. This can cause serious infections! Also beware of the spaces where they might shed hair (e.g. your couch).
Swimmingpools, sauna's and bathtubs
Avoid getting the tattoo wet for too long. So avoid taking a warm bath and take a short shower instead. Stay out of swimming pools, hottubs, sauna’s and natural bodies of water like lakes, untill your tattoo is healed. These places can harbor harmful bacteria and are best to avoid due to their unhygienic nature.