Tattoo Aftercare

Avoid sun, baths and saunas for the first 4 weeks.

First week:

• Avoid exercise for the first 4 days. Light exercise such as walking, yoga or stretching works well. Avoid really heavy training sessions the first week.

• Tegaderm ("second skin", plastic film) is recommended to be worn for 3-4 days. It can stay on up to a week or fall off on the first day, depending on the type of tattoo and the persons skin type. If the plastic comes off and exposes part of the tattoo, it's best to take it all off and start the ”wash and moisturise routine”.

• Remove the plastic: the easiest way to do this is in the shower, pull the plastic along the skin and start from the top so that water can run over the exposed skin. Wash thoroughly with mild or antibacterial soap.

• The first night when the plastic has been removed, you should change to new and fresh bedclothes. Please wear a covering, dark piece of clothing when you go to bed in case the tattoo releases more plasma or ink during the night.

”Wash and moisturize routine”:

• Once the plastic is removed, wash the tattoo with warm water and mild soap. Air dry or dab it dry with paper towels NOT toilet paper.

• After washing, the tattoo should be moisturized with a thin layer of fatty ointment. Classic ointments used are Bepanthen and Helosan. These are not tested specifically for tattoos an do not contain vitamins and minerals that can help your tattoo heal. If you want to be on the safer side, you can buy creams online that are specifically designed for healing tattoos, e.g. Hustle Butter or Hornet.

• Wash and moisturize routine must be done in the morning and evening for at least 2 weeks after the tattoo. After that, it can be done as needed or once a day for another 2 weeks.

• Extra moisturizing may be needed during the day, since clothing can absorb a little of the ointment, or if you have naturally dry skin. Then you ALWAYS wash your hands before applying a new layer of ointment on the tattoo.

If ink has faded after the healing period (lines disappear or full-coverage areas are blotchy), please contact me within 3 months for a free touch-up.