Congratulations on your new tattoo! To help it heal beautifully and last for years, please follow this tattoo aftercare guide carefully. Always prioritize any special instructions your tattoo artist gives you over these general guidelines.

1. Table of Contents

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   First 24 Hours

Covering / Protective Film (Second Skin, Derm Defender, etc.)

• After your tattoo is done, we may cover it with a protective film (Second Skin, Derm Defender, or similar). This helps protect against dirt, bacteria, and friction. We don’t always bandage every tattoo. Sometimes the artist may decide it’s not necessary. But if we do, leave it on for the time your artist recommends (typically 3–5 days).
• If fluid (plasma, ink, “oozing”) accumulates under the film, it’s usually normal. Don’t worry your tattoo is safe underneath.
• The bandage is water proof, you can take a shower with it from day one, but warm water can make it come off earlier than it should.
• If no film is applied, then you should start with the First Clean & Moisturize phase right away (Day 1).

When to Remove the Film
We don’t replace the film; instead, remove it when any of these conditions occur:

1. The fluid bump under the film bursts and fluid seeps out.
2. The edges of the film peel off enough so that any part of the tattoo becomes exposed.
3. You notice possible allergic reaction to the adhesive — for instance, red patches near the edge, itching under the film, or spreading irritation.

In those cases, the bandage is no longer serving its purpose and should be removed immediately. Then proceed with standard care.

How to Remove Safely

• Warm up the area (e.g. during a warm shower or using warm water) to loosen adhesive.
• Start at a corner and gently peel across the skin (not straight up), holding adjacent skin taut.
• If resistance is felt, slow down, add more warm water, and continue gently.
• After removal, discard the film and move on to cleaning. If someone else is helping remove the film, gloves must certainly be worn — to protect both that person’s health and the hygiene of the tattoo.

First Clean & Moisturize (Day 1 or after film removal)

• Wash your hands thoroughly first.
• Gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free, gentle antibacterial soap (for example, Activex).
• Use clean fingertips — never scrub.
• Pat dry with a clean paper towel or allow to air dry.
• Once fully dry, apply a very thin layer of Tattoobull Aftercare Cream (thin enough to gently coat the surface)
  (For deeper, larger tattoos or cover-up work, your artist may advise using an antibiotic cream for the first 2 weeks, then switch to Tattoobull Cream for normal moisturizing during the rest of the healing process.)

Avoid Right Away

• Touching with unwashed hands
• Picking, scratching, peeling
• Wearing tight, rough clothing over the tattoo
• Heavy sweating, strenuous exercise
• Direct sun or UV exposure

2. Days 2–7

Clean & Moisturize Routine

• Wash the area 1–2 times per day using lukewarm water and the same antibacterial soap (e.g. Activex).
• Dry gently, then apply a thin layer of Tattoobull Aftercare Cream
  (Again, if your tattoo is a large piece or a cover-up, your artist may recommend continuing antibiotic cream during this early period before switching to Tattoobull for long-term moisturizing.)

Itching, Scabbing & Flaking

• Some scabbing and flaking is normal — part of the skin renewing itself.
• Do not pick or scratch — let the flakes fall off naturally to avoid scarring or ink loss.
• If itching is strong, lightly tap on the tattoo with a clean hand or apply a small amount of cream.

Showers & Water Exposure

• Avoid soaking your tattoo in water (no baths, tubs, submersion).
• But after the first 24 hours, unless your artist tells you not to, a quick shower is generally acceptable— However, after the first 24 hours, unless your artist says otherwise, short showers are generally acceptable — just gently clean the tattoo with antibacterial soap at the end of the shower, and immediately dry and moisturize afterwards.
• Swimming in clean sea water may be possible after the first week, if healing is going well.
• Pools (chlorine, public water) must be avoided until full healing is confirmed (they present higher infection risk).

3. Weeks 2–4

Scabbing & Peeling Phase

• Scabs will gradually loosen and fall off on their own — do not force them off.
• Your tattoo might look a bit cloudy or muted during this time — that’s normal while deeper layers settle.

Continue Moisturizing

• Continue applying Tattoobull Aftercare Cream in thin layers as needed.
• Stay consistent but do not over-apply.

Resuming Light Activities

• Light physical activity is okay if the tattooed area isn’t under stress or friction.
• Avoid tight clothing, straps, or anything that rubs against the healing skin.

Sun Protection

• Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight during healing.
• Once healed, always use sunscreen — Tattoobull Sunscreen is a good option because it provides UV protection and also contains ingredients beneficial in tattoo aftercare.

4. Full Healing & Long-Term Care

• Even though the surface may appear healed after 2–4 weeks, deeper layers can take longer (several more weeks or even months) to fully stabilize.
• Continue moisturizing regularly and protecting the tattoo from sun exposure.
• Avoid prolonged UV exposure to maintain the vibrancy of your tattoo.
• If any areas fade or look uneven, a touch-up may be needed.

 When to Contact Us or Seek Medical Help

Reach out immediately if you observe:

• Redness that worsens or spreads
• Marked swelling or throbbing pain
• Yellow or green discharge, pus, or foul odor
• Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms
• A rash beyond minor irritation, hives, or blistering

By following this guide — and any extra direction your artist gives you — you’re giving your tattoo the best shot at healing beautifully. If you have any doubts or questions at any stage, feel free to message us or visit the studio.