How to care for your new tattoo

Different tattoo styles require different aftercare instructions. To make sure your tattoo heals in the best way possible, these are the instructions I personally advice to take care of your new tattoo.

If the healing process doesn’t go well please contact me immediately so I can assist you further.

General aftercare method

In this case, cling film or an absorbing pad has been applied to the fresh tattoo after the appointment.

  • Keep the cling film or absorbing pad on up to three hours after the tattoo.

  • Wash you hands before you touch the tattoo.

  • Rinse the tattoo very well under running lukewarm water.

  • Wash the tattoo under running lukewarm water, until all the excess wound fluids have disappeared. This is very important for a good healing process. If it’s necessary to wash the tattoo multiple times during the first wash, please do so.

  • After washing and when all the excess fluids are gone, dab the tattoo dry with kitchen towel, not a regular towel (bacteria).

  • Don’t moisturize the tattoo on the first two days after getting the tattoo. Only begin moisturizing when the tattoo feels tight, and only use the thinnest layer possible to keep the skin flexible, but never smother the tattoo in a thick layer of aftercare cream.

  • Wash your tattoo two times a day (morning and evening) and moisturize with a very thin layer of aftercare cream.

The tattoo will start to scab and itch after a few days. Never pick the scabs or scratch the tattoo, this results in bad healing and scarring!

Blackout and large tattoos

In this case, cling film or an absorbing pad, has been applied to your fresh tattoo after the appointment.

  • Keep the cling film or absorbing pad on up to two hours before bedtime after the appointment.

  • Wash you hands before you touch the tattoo.

  • Rinse the tattoo very well under running lukewarm water.

  • Wash the tattoo under running lukewarm water, until all the excess wound fluids have disappeared. This is very important for a good healing process. If it’s necessary to wash the tattoo multiple times during the first wash, please do so.

  • After washing and when all the excess fluids are gone, dab the tattoo dry with kitchen towel, not a regular towel (bacteria).

  • Let it air dry and breathe for 30 minutes.

  • For blackouts or large portions of black, wrap your tattoo again with cling film or an absorbing pad in case I gave you one, and sleep with it during the first night. In the morning, repeat all steps above again.

  • Don’t moisturize the tattoo on the first two days after getting the tattoo. Only begin moisturizing when the tattoo feels tight, and only use the thinnest layer possible to keep the skin flexible, but never smother the tattoo in a thick layer of aftercare cream.

  • Wash your tattoo two times a day (morning and evening) and try to minimalize moisturizing as much as possible.

The tattoo will start to scab and itch after a few days. Never pick the scabs or scratch the tattoo, this results in bad healing and scarring!

Second Skin method

In this case, a protective layer of Second Skin bandage has been put over the fresh tattoo.

  • During the first hours after getting tattooed, fluids will get trapped between the skin and the bandage. This is no reason to panic: the fluids provide the moisture the wound needs to heal itself.

  • Keep the bandage on for a maximum of five days.

  • When taking off the bandage, always do so with clean hands under running lukewarm water.

  • Pick one corner and pull away from you. The bandage is very elastic and will stretch a lot. Pulling away from you is better for your skin and the healing of the tattoo.

  • After taking off the second skin, wash the tattoo two times a day (morning and evening) and apply a very thin layer of aftercare cream.

Always take the second skin off in case of:

  • Leaking (fluids coming from underneath the bandage)

  • The sides start to curl up and the tattoo is exposed

  • If the skin under the bandage is getting red or irritated

Aftercare products

To wash your tattoo, use Neutral handsoap (available at most drugstores)

To moisturize your tattoo, use aftercare cream by Balm Tattoo, available in our tattoo studio.

The following counts for all aftercare methods:

  • Do not soak the tattoo during the first four weeks - no baths or swimming (showering is fine, as long as it doesn’t soak!)

  • Protect your tattoo from the sun, but only use SPF after the tattoo has fully healed.

  • Tattoos take 6-8 weeks to fully heal. It is recommended to moisturize the skin during the healing phase so help restore the skin barrier.