Tattoo Aftercare
Everything you need to know — from the first 24 hours to long-term colour preservation
Healing method: film or absorbent pads?
A tattoo can heal in several ways — I recommend two: protective film or ointment + absorbent pads. We choose the optimal option together during the session based on a few factors.
If the tattoo is large or has dense saturation and heavy lymph fluid is expected — pads are better. They absorb fluid and excess ink. Pads are also the better choice in extreme heat, when film may not adhere well.
Protective film — when and how
Film is preferable when the tattoo isn't very large and pigmentation isn't too dense. Aftercare with film is much simpler — the first few days you do nothing, just leave it in place.
Safety during healing
While the tattoo is still fresh and scabs haven't peeled off yet — avoid places with elevated infection risk:
- 🧖 Sauna / steam room
- 🏊 Swimming pool
- 🌞 Tanning bed
- 🏋️ Gym
- 🏖️ Beach
Side effects — what's normal
A tattoo means placing pigment directly into the upper dermis. It's a foreign substance the skin needs time to adapt to. Your immune system may react in various ways during healing.
Normal reactions: swelling in the tattoo area, muscle soreness, slight temperature rise (up to 37–37.5°C, sometimes higher for large tattoos near lymph nodes), itching, irritation around the tattoo in the first weeks.
Long-term care — months 1–3
After healing, the top layer of skin (epidermis, ~1.5 mm thick) grows back over the pigment. It has its own colour and structure. The epidermis contains melanocytes — cells responsible for skin pigmentation.
The darker your skin tone, the more warm pigment "filters" through the tattoo — the colour may differ from the original. This is worth considering when choosing colours — I'll advise you as an artist.
Moisturisation and SPF protection
Pigment shows worse through dry, flaky skin. So moisturise regularly, exfoliate gently, and keep up consistent care — the tattoo will look brighter.
Placement and size: what to know
Some areas are almost unusable for tattooing — pigment barely holds there: bottom of the foot, sides of fingers, palms.
Tattoos with fine details can blur on high-movement areas (back, thighs). I may suggest changing the placement or increasing size — purely so quality doesn't degrade over time.