Caring for your new tattoo is crucial for proper healing and maintaining its colors. Follow these steps carefully:
The First Evening
1. Remove the wrap: In the evening, carefully remove the wrap that your tattoo artist applied.
2. Wash the skin: Gently wash the tattoo with mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water.
3. Drying: After washing, pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel.
4. Moisturize: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the wound to keep the skin supple.
Daily Care
1. Cleaning: Wash the tattoo twice a day with a mild, unscented soap.
2. Drying: After washing, pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel.
3. Moisturizing: Apply a cream or ointment to the wound that you purchased from or was recommended by your tattoo artist. Only use this cream once the wound has closed.
Extra Protection
Thin skin areas: If your tattoo is in an area where the skin is thinner and contains more blood vessels, wrap the area in cling film on the first night or use second skin. If you choose cling film, secure the sides with tape. This is to prevent dust from your clothing or bed from entering the wound. This also prevents ink stains in your bed. Your tattoo artist will tell you if this is necessary.
General Tips
Prevent dehydration: Do not let the skin get too dry. Apply the recommended ointment regularly.
Do not scratch or pick: After a few days, the top layer of skin will peel, similar to sunburned skin. Do not scratch or pick at it to avoid damaging the tattoo.
Avoid soaking in water: Avoid swimming pools, steam rooms, and saunas for at least four weeks. Do not let the tattoo soak in water.
Clothing: During healing, do not wear tight or dirty clothing over the tattoo. Also, be careful with synthetic fabrics. Cotton clothing is best.
Sun protection: Avoid sun and tanning beds for at least six weeks. Strong sunlight and tanning beds can cause blisters and fade the colors of your tattoo. Protect the tattoo with clothing or a sunscreen with a high protection factor
(SPF30 or higher). Even after six weeks, it is advisable to apply sunscreen generously to the tattoo.
Avoid workouts: Avoid intensive workouts during the healing process. Too much skin movement can prolong the recovery process and cause the skin to break.
Additional Care
Moisturizing: If possible, moisturize your tattoo every four hours during the first four days. After that, apply ointment at least twice a day, in the morning and evening, until your tattoo is fully healed. Healing takes approximately 2-4 weeks.
Do not apply too thickly: Do not rub too thickly on your tattoo. A wound that is too moist increases the risk of infection. By applying too much ointment to your tattoo, you seal the skin too much and your tattoo cannot breathe. This is not good for healing
and can cause pimples or pox.
Additional Tips
Vitamin C: During healing, you can take extra vitamin C. If you don't have enough vitamin C in your body, your tattoo may not heal as quickly.
Alcohol: Be careful with alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption hinders the absorption of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C.
Check-up: Keep a close eye on your tattoo during the healing process. Pay close attention to how your tattoo develops, because during this period the risk of infection or inflammation is highest.
Products we recommend
· Soap: Sebamed, Unicura.
· Cream: DeLab Balm Tattoo Panthenol 5%, Bepanthen ointment, DeLab Balm Tattoo SPF. (DeLab balm is also available in our store and on our webshop).
Follow these instructions carefully to ensure your tattoo heals well and looks beautiful! If you have any questions, you can always send us a message or visit our shop.
Normal signs of healing (the first few days)
- Slight fluid discharge (clear or pink fluid mixed with ink)
- Redness in the tattooed area
- Mild swelling that gradually decreases
- Fever or chills may occur shortly after tattooing; if this persists or is severe, contact a doctor
- If your dressing leaks, this is usually a sign of abundant discharge. In that case, change the dressing/foil more often.
When to contact a doctor (abnormal signs)
Signs of infection:
- Increasing or discolored fluid discharge (yellow/green)
- Bad odor
- Worsening redness that spreads
- Throbbing or burning pain around the tattoo
- Restricted movement of the affected body part
- Red streaks on the skin that spread (may indicate blood poisoning)
- High or persistent fever, flu-like symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately and also inform us as your tattoo artist.
Possible allergic reaction
Some people may have an allergic reaction to certain substances (such as nickel, lanolin, or preservatives). Symptoms may include:
- Itchy rash around or on the tattoo
- Blistering
- Clear, watery discharge
In this case, immediately stop using aftercare products and consult your doctor.
For people with an increased risk of infection (such as those with diabetes or a weakened immune system), it is extra important to be alert and seek medical help in a timely manner.