Aftercare Instructions
The treatment instructions are determined by whether a wound film or a cling film has been placed over the tattoo.
CLING FILM
Cling film
Sanni’s and Léna’s tattoos:
Ointment or vaseline and a cling film are put on top of the fresh tattoo. Cling film is different from wound film since it doesn’t attach to the skin, and it’s only used for a few hours. Remove the film around 1–4 hours after getting the tattoo. The film is left on the tattoo for a shorter period of time because it does not breathe in the same way as a wound film.
During the first few days, the tattoo will be red, may be swollen, be sensitive to the touch, and push out tissue fluid and color. This is completely normal.
First care
The artist will place aftercare lotion or vaseline and a clean wrap on your new tattoo. Remove the cling film for about 1–4 hours after getting the tattoo. Then follow the instructions below:
Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water.
Press with lint-free paper to dry.
Let the tattoo dry and ''breathe" for a moment (about 30 minutes).
Put on a thin layer of tattoo lotion (pink Bepanthen, Tattoo Aftercare, or Easy Tattoo).
Remember hand hygiene when touching your tattoo. The tattoo is an open wound that requires special attention to heal. Please do not cover a tattoo with a new cling film.
Follow-up care
Do these for at least the next two weeks on a daily basis:
Wash the tattoo at least once a day. You can use mild soap.
Dry with lint-free paper. Do not rub when washing or drying. You can let the tattoo dry and breathe after washing (about 30 minutes).
Apply a thin layer of the ointment 2-4 times a day. There is no need to rinse every time before applying the ointment unless you feel it is necessary. Excessive washing may dry out the tattoo.
Avoid covering the tattoo with clothes. A tattoo that comes into contact with air heals faster. After this, take it easy and remember good hygiene.
Everyone's skin reacts differently to ointments. So, find the number of times the ointment is applied that suits you by observing when the tattoo starts to dry. It is good to remember that it is better to apply very thinly and more often than a lot and sparingly. A thick layer of ointment does not allow the tattoo to breathe.
If you have forgotten to apply the ointment and the tattoo has dried, apply it thinly and continue treatment according to the instructions.
WOUND FILM
Wound film
The wound film differs from the traditional plastic film in that it sticks to the skin and is used for several days. We recommend leaving the first film for no more than a day and changing it to a new one if the tattooist gives you a spare film.
You always get personal instructions from the tattoo artist in matters related to changing the film.
During the first few days, the tattoo will be red, may be swollen, be sensitive to the touch, and push out tissue fluid and color. This is completely normal.
First care
Replace the wound film with a new one after 8–24 hours after tattooing. If you don't have a spare film, just remove the film and continue the treatment according to the follow-up care instructions.
If the tattoo bleeds profusely under the film or starts to come off, the film must be replaced with a new one.
Remove the film and rinse the tattoo with lukewarm water. You can use mild soap if you want. The film's glue comes off more easily if you heat it with water.
Dry the tattoo with paper towels or a lint-free towel.
Place the new film tightly over the tattoo. You can use this film for a maximum of 5 days, after which the treatment is continued according to the follow-up care instructions. The film is water-resistant, so you can shower with it normally.
Sports should be avoided during the first week, as well as saunas and swimming during the first two weeks. Remember to check in the ‘‘FAQ’’ tab on this page what you should not do with the tattoo :)
Follow-up care
Removal of the film and traditional treatment
After the second film has been in use for 5 days, it is time to remove it. After removing the film, do these for at least the next two weeks on a daily basis:
Wash the tattoo at least once a day. You can use mild soap.
Dry with lint-free paper. Do not rub when washing or drying. You can let the tattoo dry and breathe after washing (about 30 minutes).
Apply a thin layer of the ointment 2-4 times a day. There is no need to rinse every time before applying the ointment unless you feel it is necessary. Excessive washing may dry out the tattoo.
Avoid covering the tattoo with clothes. A tattoo that comes into contact with air heals faster. After this, take it easy and remember good hygiene.
Everyone's skin reacts differently to ointments. Find the number of times the ointment is applied that suits you best by observing when the tattoo starts to dry. It is good to remember that it is better to apply very thinly and more often than a lot and sparingly. A thick layer of ointment does not allow the tattoo to breathe.
If you have forgotten to apply the ointment and the tattoo has dried, apply it thinly and continue treatment according to the instructions.
FAQ
General information about tattoo healing
Good aftercare will greatly influence the final outcome of your tattoo. When done correctly, the treatment reduces the risk of complications. You'll also help to keep as much color as possible on the tattoo and reduce the formation of scarring. Keep in mind that each tattoo artist approaches tattoos differently, so the content of tattoo aftercare instructions will vary. Pay close attention to the instructions given to you. Please contact the tattoo artist if you have any questions.
The tattoo takes about 2-4 weeks to heal, depending on the person, skin type, and placement. Although the scabs have already fallen off the tattoo after 1-2 weeks and the skin's surface appears smooth and healed, the skin is still damaged deeper. As a result, the aftercare should be continued for a few more days or a week to ensure that the tattoo heals properly.
Clothing seams, hard fabrics, bra straps, and other such items should be avoided because they may cause some ink to come out. If the scab peels off too quickly, some of the color may be lost, leaving the tattoo paler or patchy. Despite proper care, the color may fade or become patchy during healing. You can always schedule a touch-up visit with your tattoo artist to fix the tattoo.
For the first few days or even weeks, the tattoo secretes blood and tissue fluid. We recommend using dark clothes and bed sheets because the ink may not come off in the washing machine.
Important to remember what not to do…
Tattoos are usually not recommended for re-covering with cling film. However, if the tattoo must be covered due to working conditions (e.g., construction, hospitals, unsanitary work, etc.), make sure there is enough lotion under the cling film to prevent it from sticking to the tattoo. Keep in mind that it still wouldn't be good to have your tattoo under the cling film all day.
Sunbathing and solariums are not advised with a new tattoo. Tattoo colors have a low UV-light resistance, and the colors may start fading, especially with fresh tattoos. It would be good to use sun lotion if staying in the sun for longer (SPF of at least 30).
Saunas, bathing, and sports are strictly forbidden because of the higher risk of inflammation and color fading, as long as the tattoo has completely healed.
Do not scratch or remove scabs or skin flakes. Let them detach themselves in the shower. Formation and disengagement of the scabbing may cause intolerable itching. To reduce itchiness, gently slap on the tattoo or rinse it with cold water and add aftercare lotion.
Be careful not to let any chemicals, such as hairspray, make-up, skin moisture lotions, or alcohol-based cleanser, onto the fresh tattoo.
Problems with the tattoo?
If you doubt your tattoo is inflamed, first contact your artist, visit the studio, and show your tattoo to get prospective instructions. Infected tattoos always require a doctor's prescription of antibiotics.
