Tattoo aftercare

Aftercare instructions can vary from artist to artist. If you visit a truly experienced and trustworthy tattoo artist, for sure you will be provided with their best recommendations on how to properly take care of your fresh ink.

What you will need

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Inkness After Tattoo moisturizing cream (can be purchased at DM Drogerie in Hungary)

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Cling foil

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Adhesive tape

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Skin moisturizer: body lotion or any of the natural alternatives (shea butter / coconut oil / olive oil)

First 7 days (every 3-4 hours)
  • Wash your hands before touching your fresh tattoo
  • Remove the cling foil and clean the tattooed skin surface with water. (When taking a bath, make sure not to soak your tattoo in the water. Water itself will not harm your tattoo, though. Avoid using soap on it.)
  • Gently pat your tattoo dry with a paper towel or just let it dry uncovered.
  • After your skin is completely dry, apply the Inkness After Tattoo cream. Use it 3x per day.
  • Cover your tattoo with cling foil. Fasten with adhesive tape, if needed. (Covering your tattoo is recommended for the first 1-2 days, depending on multiple factors as the size of your tattoo, how much irritation it has caused to your skin and how warm the temperatures are in case it was done in the summer)
After the 7th day
  • Keep moisturizing your skin, preferably using any of the natural body moisturizer alternatives (shea butter / coconut oil / olive oil). You can use a regular body lotion too, but I would rather recommend choosing any of the natural alternatives.
Sports/Working out after getting a tattoo

It is not recommended to do sports for at least two weeks after getting a tattoo. Sweating can cause excess colour leakage or even inflammation. Of course, just as all the advice above, this is just my recommendation. In case you cannot skip working out for the whole too weeks, there will be a higher possibility you will need a touch-up later. Click here to read more about correction.

Adhesive tattoo film – Second Skin film

I will apply a the film after your tattoo session, in case you choose this option.

The film needs to stay on for at least 3 days.

The main advantage of the Second Skin film is that it protects the tattoo from mechanical friction and prevents pathogens and any other contamination from getting into the wound.

Furthermore, the film is flexible, waterproof and breathable and therefore lets your skin breathe properly. Whilst having the Second Skin on, there is no need for any aftercare.

Some additional tips
  • Tattoos done in the summer require some extra attention. Protect your tattoo from direct sunlight and do not let it soak in water in the first two weeks.
  • After the first two weeks, keep protecting your tattoo with a 50 factor sunscreen.
  • Without proper protection, sunshine can cause great damage to your tattoos. My recommendation for a good sunscreen would be Hawaiian Tropic: Satin Protect FF50-t (not a paid ad, just personal experience).
  • Excessive bathing can lead to serious infections caused by the bacteria in the water. Soaking the tattoo for too long can furthermore cause excessive fading.
  • Avoid sun-tanning or going to the solarium 2 weeks prior to your appointment.
    Further useful information
    • I do not recommend using your regular shower gel/soap on your fresh tattoo as it can dry the skin out. Only use water without any soap.
    • I usually recommend using the aftercare cream 3x a day, but feel free to apply it more often in case you feel your skin is drying out sooner. It is important not to let your tattoo dry out too much, however avoid soaking it in excessive amounts of moisturizer. Try to maintain a state between these two extremes. 
    • If needed, take an Ibuprofen (400mg) tablet on the first or even the second night after your session. It is an over-the-counter painkiller and anti-inflammatory drug available in pharmacies without prescription. It will help you sleep better if you feel too sore after your session.