TATTOO AFTERCARE

Recommendations for tattoo aftercare

The tattoo session is over. The long-lasting result of your new tattoo will depend on you and how well you take care of it. Here are our recommendations to guide you through this process:

Morning after session: STEPS 1, 2, 3

Morning and evening for first 5 days: STEPS 2, 3

After a shower/when tattoo feels dry: STEP 3

STEP 1 Remove the protective plastic film off of your tattoo. The film might be stuck to your tattoo, but usually it’s only stuck to the skin that hasn’t been tattooed. You can use some unscented soap and running water to help this process.

STEP 2 Wash your new tattoo and surrounding area with unscented, antibacterial soap and rinse well with cool running water. Gently apply soap to wash away any ink/plasma/blood (morning after the session), dirt or dust that might have accumulated on the surface.

STEP 3 Apply a thin layer of ointment (not cream) over the entire tattoo. Important note: apply only over the new tattoo, not over any healed/not tattooed area.

MORE INFO

GENERAL In our experience, tattoos heal faster the more they breathe, so keep it out in the open as much as possible, while at the same time protecting it from dirt, dust, rain, sun exposure, and contact with animals and/or small children.

SHOWER You can have a shower at any time you want during your tattoo healing process, just remember short and cool for the first 3-5 days. Hot water will not feel good on your tattoo and it might effect the brightness of the ink after it heals.

BATHING We strongly recommend against any soaking in water until the tattoo is fully healed (10-15 days). This includes BATH, SWIMMING POOL, LAKE, SEA OR SAUNA

SPORT Avoid any impact sports like hockey, football, basketball, martial arts etc. for at least one week. No excessive sweating for the first 3-5 days.

ALCOHOL/DRUGS We strongly recommend against having alcohol/drugs before or after the tattoo session.

Why Before? It will lower your energy level and immune system which affects both coping with pain and healing. It will make you more tired and irritated, which may result in more frequent breaks during the session and a less enjoyable experience for you and the artist.

Why After? First 72h. Alcohol/drugs can elevate your heart rate and blood pressure which in turn will make your fresh tattoo leak more blood, plasma and excess ink. As a result, your tattoo might be less bright, sharp and/or blotchy after it heals.

SUN Exposure to UV rays is one of the most damaging things you can do to your tattoo, especially when it’s fresh. Our recommendation is no sun at all for the first month and for the 2 following months use the strongest sunscreen regularly if you are in the sun.