Tattoo aftercare: step-by-step instructions
How to care for a new tattoo: preparation, the first night, washing, Second Skin for 5–7 days, cream and SPF 50+. From Hyper Tattoo Gallery, Wrocław.
This is the aftercare we use in the studio. The artist may adjust details to your tattoo and skin — if you receive different instructions after the session, follow those.
Before the session
- 1–2 weeks before the session, start moisturizing the skin where the tattoo will be with Bepanthen or a similar cream. Well-moisturized skin takes pigment better, heals faster, and requires fewer needle passes.
- Don’t tan the area. A fresh tan, sunburn, or skin irritation may mean the session needs to be rescheduled.
- For 24 hours before the session, do not drink alcohol or take aspirin or other blood-thinning medication. If you need pain relief, ibuprofen or paracetamol are fine. Let us know in advance about any regular medication you take.
- The night before, sleep well, and eat a proper meal before your appointment. A long session is like a long flight: bring water, a light snack, something sweet, and headphones.
- Dress comfortably, ideally in dark clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed.
Right after the session: the first night
The artist will protect the fresh tattoo with Tattoo Armor protective pads. Leave them on overnight. Do not remove them or peek underneath — let them do their job while you sleep.
Days 1–7: washing and Second Skin
The morning after the session, carefully remove the pads. Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, hypoallergenic soap, making sure no residue remains. Let the skin air-dry completely or gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel.
Apply Second Skin film to clean, dry skin and wear it for the next 5–7 days. A small amount of fluid under the film is normal. If a lot builds up or the film starts to peel, replace it with a fresh piece. Do not remove the film too early.
While wearing the film:
- a short, cool shower is fine,
- avoid saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools, the sea, jacuzzis, and long baths,
- do not soak or overheat the tattoo — otherwise the film will peel off.
After removing the film: until the end of the second week
Remove the film slowly, ideally under lukewarm running water, peeling it back along the skin rather than lifting it away. Wash the tattoo the same way as the first morning and dry it.
At this stage the tattoo is largely healed. Apply Bepanthen or a gentle, fragrance-free balm 1–2 times a day, in a thin layer. The skin may peel and itch — do not scratch it or pick at any scabs.
For the next few weeks, avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds, and friction from tight clothing.
Long-term care
- Moisturize the skin daily. Creams with vitamin E, aloe vera, shea butter or coconut oil work well.
- Always apply SPF 50+ before going outside, even on cloudy days. UV radiation is the biggest enemy of a tattoo: over time it fades colors and blurs lines.
- Touch-up. If after healing an area has taken the pigment less well, send us a photo in daylight. The artist will assess whether a touch-up is needed.
When to contact us
Redness and slight swelling in the first few days are a normal skin reaction. However, if the redness spreads, pus appears, you develop a fever, or the pain increases instead of subsiding — contact a doctor and let us know. For any other matter, simply message us on WhatsApp or Instagram and attach a photo of your tattoo.
Frequently asked questions
Questions
How long should you wear the Second Skin film?
For 5 to 7 days. You apply the film in the morning, after the first wash of the tattoo, and do not remove it before the 5 to 7 days are up, even if it looks wrinkled.
What should I do if fluid collects under the film?
A small amount of fluid under the film in the first days is a normal part of healing. If there is a lot of fluid or the film starts to peel off, replace it with a new one — we'll show you how to do it. If you're unsure, send us a photo.
Can I shower with the film on?
Yes, short and cool. Do not soak the tattoo in a bath, do not go to a sauna, swimming pool or the sea while wearing the film — heat and long soaking make the film peel off.
What should I wash a fresh tattoo with?
With lukewarm water and a mild, hypoallergenic soap, using clean hands. Then let the skin air-dry or gently pat it dry with a clean paper towel, without rubbing.
When can I go out in the sun?
For a few weeks after removing the film, avoid direct sun and tanning beds. Afterwards, always apply a sunscreen with SPF 50+ to the tattoo — UV radiation is the biggest cause of faded colors and blurred lines.
When can I go to the pool, sauna or beach?
Not while you're wearing the Second Skin film; all you can do then is take a short, cool shower. Put off the pool, sauna, steam room, sea and long baths for at least 2 weeks after your session. Long soaking and heat make the film peel off.
Can I work out while it heals?
While you're wearing the film, avoid anything that overheats your skin or soaks the tattoo, because the film will peel off. Also avoid friction from tight clothing on the tattooed area. The artist tailors the details: Nastia, who does fine line, allows a normal workout with the film on, so ask after your session what applies to your tattoo.
My tattoo is itchy and peeling. Is that normal?
Yes, after the film comes off, the skin may peel and itch. Don't scratch it or pick at scabs; just apply a thin layer of cream 1–2 times a day. If the itching comes with spreading redness or pain, message us and attach a photo.
When should I see a doctor about my tattoo?
Redness and slight swelling in the first few days are a normal skin reaction. See a doctor if the redness spreads, pus or a fever appears, or the pain gets worse instead of fading. Let us know too, and send us a photo of the tattoo.
What cream should I use after the film comes off?
Bepanthen or a gentle, fragrance-free balm, in a thin layer 1–2 times a day. Once the tattoo has healed, creams with vitamin E, aloe vera, shea butter or coconut oil work well for everyday use. Don't put anything on the Second Skin film itself.
When is a touch-up done?
When, after healing, an area has taken the pigment less well, the colors have faded over time, or you want to bring back the contrast. Send a photo in daylight, and the artist will assess whether a touch-up is needed. We only do touch-ups on work from our studio, because every tattooer works with different pigments and a different technique.
Does a color tattoo heal differently from black and grey?
The aftercare is the same: pads, film, cream and sun protection. The difference shows years later: UV radiation takes the intensity out of colors, while black is one of the most durable pigments. That's why, with color, daily moisturizing and SPF 50+ are especially important.
Does fine line need different aftercare?
The protocol itself is the same as for other tattoos. With a thin line, though, it fades sooner, and the sun is the main cause, so once it has healed, apply SPF 50+ every time the tattoo is exposed to the sun. Also keep in mind that a fresh fine line always looks sharper than a healed one, because over time the lines get a little softer.