Tattoo aftercare instructions
Now that you’re past the tattooing session, it’s essential to follow a few basic tattoo aftercare rules so healing goes smoothly and the colors stay as well as possible in the skin. Below you’ll find clear, step-by-step instructions plus a few useful long-term care tips.
Quick recap (first days):
- Follow the dressing-specific instructions from your artist (traditional wrap or adhesive film). Once removed, gently clean the area using lukewarm water and a fragrance-free product.
- Pat dry, then apply a very thin layer of ointment (e.g., Sorry Mom or a similar product—just enough for the skin to look slightly shiny).
- In the first 2 days, wash only when it’s oozing or forms a thin film (ink/lymph), so a thick scab doesn’t develop.
- Don’t scratch or pick scabs. Avoid sun, swimming pools, tanning beds, and saunas.
Basic rules for caring for a fresh tattoo
- After tattooing, follow your artist’s removal instructions for the dressing applied. Traditional wrap and adhesive film have different aftercare timings.
- With freshly washed hands, remove the wrap and gently wash with lukewarm water (not cold, not hot) and a pH-neutral, fragrance-free soap (e.g., baby soap) until you remove the ointment and any discharge.
- Pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel (about 1 minute). Don’t rub.
- Apply ointment (e.g., Sorry Mom or a similar recommended product) in a very thin layer—just enough for the skin to look slightly shiny.
The healing process has two stages
1) First 2–3 days (extra care)
In the first 2–3 days you need to pay close attention to the tattoo. Wash it whenever it releases excess ink or a thin film of fluid (lymph) forms. Wash with gentle circular motions using lukewarm water and a pH-neutral, fragrance-free soap until it feels like normal skin and the ointment is removed. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
Wait 1 minute, then gently massage in a thin layer of ointment (1–2 minutes). Apply cream only when the skin feels dry and tight. Avoid over-applying.
Important:
- Don’t pick at scabs and don’t scratch the tattoo.
- Don’t apply too much cream: it can prevent the skin from breathing and may lead to irritation/complications.
- Don’t let other people touch the tattoo (dirty hands = higher risk).
2) Next 10–12 days (care until healed)
The second stage begins once the excess ink has fully settled. The skin may look thin and slightly “glassy,” and the colors can appear faded. This stage usually lasts 10–12 days.
At this stage, the tattoo shouldn’t be washed aggressively. Clean gently with lukewarm water and a mild fragrance-free product when needed, following your artist’s advice. With clean hands, apply a thin layer of the recommended aftercare product without excess.
Don’t remove scabs and don’t scratch. Keep the tattoo out of sunlight (avoid pools, tanning beds, or any other UV sources) and avoid hot showers or soaking in hot water.
Ultraviolet rays can fade tattoos. After it’s healed, when you expose your tattoo to the sun, use a sunscreen with SPF 50.
What to avoid (until healed)
- Swimming pools, tanning beds, saunas, long baths in hot water.
- Direct sun/UV exposure on a fresh tattoo.
- Very tight clothing that rubs the area.
- Scratching, picking scabs, touching with dirty hands.
- Intense workouts with heavy sweating, especially in the first 2–3 days (friction + irritation).
- Fragranced/irritating products on the tattoo (scented shower gels, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, etc.).
Discomfort, chills, fever
After a long session (especially for large tattoos), some clients may feel tired, have chills, or a mild fever. If that happens, call us and follow the advice of a doctor/pharmacist. Commonly mentioned examples include: Adagin (anti-inflammatory), paracetamol (fever reducer), or aspirin—only if they’re suitable for you (contraindications, allergies, interactions). We don’t provide dosage advice online; if symptoms are severe or persistent, seek medical help.
When to call us / when to seek medical help
If you notice signs such as persistent severe pain, spreading redness, pus, an unpleasant smell, fever, or chills, contact us and/or ask a doctor for advice. Medication recommendations should be made only by a doctor/pharmacist, depending on your case.
Piercing aftercare instructions
General piercing aftercare rules
- Use sterile 0.9% saline wound wash as directed by your piercer. Avoid over-cleaning the area.
- Don’t touch the area with dirty hands.
- Prepare the area by rinsing with lukewarm water. Gently remove any crust with a cotton swab, then apply the cleaning solution.
- Avoid harsh antibacterial soaps and fragranced products. Rinse gently and do not force off crusts.
- Avoid alcohol-based products and hydrogen peroxide for cleaning.
Specific piercing aftercare rules
- Healing time varies by location and person; cartilage piercings can take many months even when the surface looks healed.
- Do not twist or rotate your jewellery during cleaning; unnecessary movement can irritate the tissue.
- Don’t remove the jewelry during healing (the hole can close).
- Avoid using a phone/headphones on that ear during healing.
- If you suspect an infection, or develop fever, spreading redness or worsening pain, seek medical evaluation. Do not apply medication without medical advice.
Need help with aftercare?
Follow your piercer’s instructions and seek medical care for signs of infection. See also the Association of Professional Piercers aftercare guide.
Frequently asked questions
When can I remove the wrap?
Removal time depends on the dressing. Follow your artist’s instructions for traditional wrap or adhesive film and clean the area gently once removed.
Which ointment do you recommend?
We generally recommend a dedicated tattoo ointment (e.g., Sorry Mom or a similar recommended product). Apply only a very thin layer—just enough for the skin to look slightly shiny.
How often should I wash the tattoo in the first days?
In the first 2 days, wash the tattoo whenever it oozes ink/lymph or you feel a film/scab forming. Don’t overdo it if your skin doesn’t need it.
Can I go to the pool / sauna / tanning bed?
No. During healing, avoid pools, tanning beds, and UV exposure. Also avoid hot showers or soaking in hot water.
Why shouldn’t I apply too much cream?
A thick layer can prevent the skin from breathing and may lead to irritation/complications. Apply only a very thin layer—just enough for the skin to look slightly shiny.
How long does a piercing take to heal?
Healing times vary considerably by placement; cartilage piercings may require several months. Follow your piercer’s advice and avoid excessive cleaning.
What should I clean my piercing with?
We recommend saline solution (single doses) 2–3 times/day in the first weeks, plus washing with Protex soap morning and evening. Avoid alcohol and hydrogen peroxide.
What if I suspect an infection?
Contact us for guidance and, if symptoms are severe (intense pain, pus, fever), seek medical help. Some clients use Diprogenta only on a doctor’s recommendation, for short periods. Don’t use medicated treatments without professional guidance.