Color floral tattoo aftercare: the first two weeks decide everything
A color tattoo that ages well is decided during healing. Clear day-by-day protocol.
The essential rules
No bathing for 1 week (sea, swimming pool or bathtub). If there are no complications, you can rinse briefly with water. Wait until all scabs and peeling skin have gone before spending longer in the water.
Avoid very hot showers, steam rooms and saunas until the scabs have fallen off. Steam may open the pores and cause ink loss.
Do not apply sunscreen for 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, cover the area with clothing when you are in the sun.
After that, always protect your tattoo in the sun with SPF 50+ for life.
Do not scratch or pick off dead skin.
Strictly avoid clothing, belts, bags or bras that could rub against your tattoo while it heals.
Leave your tattoo exposed to the air as much as possible, or wear loose clothing over it.
Do not let your pet lick or scratch your tattoo.
Feel free to ask me any other questions by email or at the studio.
Healing, phase 1
I will apply a temporary cling-film dressing. Keep it on for at least 1 hour and no later than bedtime.
Rinse away any excess fluid (lymph, ink and blood) with water before going to bed.
Your tattoo may still weep during the first 48 hours and stain or stick to your pyjamas or sheets. If this happens, wet the fabric and remove it gently. Never pull off fabric that is stuck to your tattoo!
Healing, phase 2
The next morning, rinse thoroughly with water again, then repeat in the evening.
Start applying cream in very thin, well-spread layers, two to three times a day for at least 3 weeks. I recommend Eucerin Aquaphor.
After 4 weeks
After 4 weeks, we can assess healing and whether a touch-up is needed. Email me photos so we can decide together and estimate how much time it will take.
Touch-ups
Touch-ups can only be done once the tattoo has fully healed, after a minimum of 4 weeks. If you contact me within the first two months, your touch-ups are free, even if the appointment takes place much later. If you travel from far away, I will give you enough time to arrange another visit.