A little care goes a long way. Your tattoo is finished, but your skin still has some healing to do. I've put together everything you need to know about looking after your new tattoo, from removing the protective dressing to keeping your skin clean and comfortable.
Find your dressing type below, follow the instructions, and don't hesitate to message me if something worries you.
HOW IS YOUR TATTOO COVERED?
There are two ways I protect fresh tattoos after a session. Choose the one we used for yours, and I'll walk you through the first steps.
Plastic wrap or an absorbent pad used immediately after the session, with instructions for the first night.
SEE INSTRUCTIONS
SECOND SKIN AFTERCARE
Everything you need to know about wearing, removing, and caring for your tattoo under Second Skin. A few simple steps to keep your healing skin happy.
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HOW LONG SHOULD YOU KEEP IT ON? You can keep your Second Skin on for up to 3 days after your tattoo session, as long as it remains properly sealed and your skin feels comfortable. However, you can always remove it earlier if necessary. Remove the entire film if:
You experience irritation, itching, a rash, or significant discomfort.
Water gets underneath the film.
The film starts leaking.
Any part of your tattoo becomes exposed because the film is peeling off.
If even a small part of your tattoo becomes exposed, remove the whole film rather than trying to patch it. You can shower while wearing Second Skin, provided it remains sealed. Just avoid soaking it in water, swimming, baths, and saunas.
REMOVING THE FILM Don't worry, you've got this! Gently stretch the film along the surface of your skin, keeping it low rather than pulling it straight upwards. A warm shower can make removal more comfortable. Take your time and avoid sudden movements. If the film is particularly stubborn or painful to remove, stop rather than forcing it. If your tattoo is somewhere difficult to reach, ask someone you trust for help. And if that doesn't work, just message me! You're always welcome to come by the studio, and I'll happily help you remove it.
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REMOVING THE FILM Don't worry, you've got this! Gently stretch the film along the surface of your skin, keeping it low rather than pulling it straight upwards. A warm shower can make removal more comfortable. Take your time and avoid sudden movements. If the film is particularly stubborn or painful to remove, stop rather than forcing it. If your tattoo is somewhere difficult to reach, ask someone you trust for help. And if that doesn't work, just message me! You're always welcome to come by the studio, and I'll happily help you remove it.
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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT Once the film is off, gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Pat it dry with a clean disposable paper towel, and begin your regular aftercare routine. From this point onwards, follow the washing, moisturizing, and healing instructions below.
REGULAR PROTECTIVE DRESSING
No second skin? No problem! Here's how to look after your fresh tattoo during the first night and what to do once the dressing comes off.
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THE FIRST NIGHT After your session, your tattoo will be covered with plastic wrap or a disposable absorbent pad. I usually recommend keeping your tattoo protected for the first night, following the dressing instructions we discussed at the studio. A little blood, plasma, or excess ink during the first few hours is normal. That's why we use a protective dressing in the first place. Want to shower that evening? Absolutely fine! Here's what to do:
Carefully remove the dressing.
Gently wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
Pat it dry with a clean disposable paper towel.
Apply a thin layer of suitable aftercare cream if recommended.
Cover it with a fresh, clean dressing for the night, as instructed at the studio.
Please don't reuse the original dressing. And if you're planning to shower that evening, make sure you have everything you need at home beforehand.
THE NEXT MORNING Remove the protective dressing and gently wash your tattoo again. From this point onwards, you generally won't need to keep it wrapped, unless I've given you different instructions for your particular tattoo. Choose clean, loose, comfortable clothing that won't rub against the healing skin. Now it's time for the regular aftercare routine.
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THE NEXT MORNING Remove the protective dressing and gently wash your tattoo again. From this point onwards, you generally won't need to keep it wrapped, unless I've given you different instructions for your particular tattoo. Choose clean, loose, comfortable clothing that won't rub against the healing skin. Now it's time for the regular aftercare routine.
YOUR DAILY TATTOO AFTERCARE ROUTINE
Whichever dressing we used, the next steps are the same. Here's how to keep your tattoo clean, moisturized, and comfortable while your skin heals.
01
KEEP IT CLEAN Wash your tattoo twice a day, morning and evening, using lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance-free soap. You don't need an expensive product with "tattoo" written on the packaging. A mild cleanser suitable for sensitive skin is usually perfectly fine. Just avoid strong fragrances, harsh ingredients, and anything that irritates your skin. Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo. After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a clean disposable paper towel. No rubbing, please!
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KEEP IT MOISTURIZED Once you've removed your protective dressing and cleaned your tattoo, you can begin moisturizing. Two products you might consider are:
Bepanthen Tattoo — a richer, fragrance-free aftercare ointment that helps protect and moisturize healing skin. It can feel a little greasy, so use a thin layer.
Bepanthen Plus — contains chlorhexidine, an antiseptic. It isn't necessary for routine tattoo healing and should only be used when appropriate and according to the product instructions or medical advice.
Apply a small amount of suitable moisturizer whenever your skin feels dry. You may need it several times a day initially, but there's no need to follow a strict schedule if your skin doesn't need it. More cream doesn't mean faster healing! Your tattoo should feel comfortable, not constantly covered in a thick, greasy layer.
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GIVE YOUR SKIN TIME Most tattoos need approximately 2–4 weeks for the surface of the skin to heal, although deeper healing can take longer. During this time, please:
Don't scratch, pick, or peel your tattoo, even when it gets itchy.
Avoid swimming pools, baths, saunas, and natural bodies of water until the skin has healed.
Keep your healing tattoo out of direct sunlight.
Avoid excessive friction, tight clothing, and activities that irritate the tattooed area.
A little peeling, itching, and dryness can be part of the normal healing process. Be patient with your skin. It's doing a lot of work, and your job is simply to give it the best possible conditions to recover.
WHEN SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED Some redness, tenderness, mild swelling, and peeling can be normal during the first stages of healing. However, please seek medical advice if you notice:
Redness, swelling, or pain that keeps getting worse
Spreading warmth or redness around the tattoo
Pus, unusual discharge, or an unpleasant smell
Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell
A significant rash, blistering, or suspected allergic reaction
If you experience rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, or fever with worsening skin symptoms, seek urgent medical care. And of course, you're always welcome to message me with questions about your tattoo. I'm happy to help you understand the healing process, but medical concerns should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
ONE TATTOO IS NEVER ENOUGH, RIGHT?
Your new tattoo is healing, and I hope you're already falling in love with it! For now, give your skin the time and care it deserves. And whenever you start dreaming about your next piece, you know where to find me. I'd love to hear your ideas and create something unique together again.