Step-by-step aftercare instructions

Aftercare begins in the studio. After the session, a thin layer of tattoo jelly or moisturizer will be applied over the area. Hereafter, the area will be covered with plastic wrap. This protects the sensitive skin from bacteria, sunlight, and from rubbing against clothing.

The wrap should stay on for at least a few hours after the session. The length of time depends on the size and location.

The first 2/3 weeks after the tattoo, proper aftercare helps prevent an infection and keep the tattoo looking good.

The first wash

Regularly, for no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the wrapping and clean the tattoo.

Gently clean the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and warm water.

The tattoo may seem as if it is leaking ink or a thick, gluey substance. This response is just the excess fluid and ink from the tattoo process.

After washing, pat the skin with a clean towel and leave it to dry.

The following day, when the area is entirely dry, apply a thin layer of “aftercare-cream” on the tattoo but leave it uncovered for the skin to breathe.

 

The first wash

Regularly, for no less than 5 hours, it is safe to remove the wrapping and clean the tattoo. Gently clean the tattoo with hypoallergenic soap and warm water. The tattoo may seem as if it is leaking ink or a thick, gluey substance. This response is just the excess fluid and ink from the tattoo process. After washing, pat the skin with a clean towel and leave it to dry.

The following day, when the area is entirely dry, apply a thin layer of “aftercare-cream” on the tattoo but leave it uncovered for the skin to breathe.

First week

In the first days, the tattooed skin may feel very sensitive to the touch and have a reddish appearance.

What you might experience:

• Colors may appear very bright against the rest of the skin.
• The tattoo will appear less vibrant as the healing process continues.

Avoid getting the tattoo wet through the first to 4/5 weeks, excluding washing it.

Continue the washing process throughout the first week when needed.

Regularly washing will vary depending on a person’s activity levels and their environment. Someone sitting in the office all day may only need to wash the tattoo once a day. compared to someone working in a hot or dirty environment and sweating.

Do not scrub or scratch the tattoo which may irritate the skin and prematurely remove any scabs that may have formed. Scabs will often form in the first few days, and ink may still come up through the skin and need to be washed away. It is crucial not to pick the scabs or scratch the skin. Any redness or light swelling normally fades away around the end of the first week.

 

Second week

The scabs will start to peel off entering the 2nd week. The skin will be very itchy during this stage, but do not scratch. For the healing process, you need to be very gentle with washing and moisturizing, as it is easy to tear away crusts and damage the tattoo. Extra moisturizer may help reduce the itch.

Tip: Using a moisturizer kept in the refrigerator to ease the itch or irritated skin.

Third week and beyond

In the last stage of healing, most of the scabs will have flaked and fallen off by now. Scabs and flaking skin can cause the area to look dry and dull but will clear up as the healing process continues. Apply extra moisturizer and keep the tattoo from the sun.

The outer skin layer should completely heal by the end of week three.

The chance of infection now is reduced by now as there is no open wound for bacterias to cause infections.

The inner skin layers can take a bit longer to heal but requires less care.

Moisturizing repeatedly in the months following the tattoo will assist in keeping it looking bright and clear.

Also, applying sunscreen after it has healed is especially important in the first few months.

Ink rejection or allergy

At any stage in the healing process, the body might reject an ink color.

If your skin is allergic to any ink, an unpleasant rash may form on the skin.

When in doubt of any allergic reactions, you may also wish to contact your tattoo artist and discuss the possibilities. Ink allergies may occur because tattoo ink colors contain many different substances.

For example, black ink contains carbon, while red ink contains mercury sulfide.

If you are experiencing any rash on or around a tattoo, you should visit a doctor who can identify and treat it.