Getting a tattoo is a commitment to your skin, and the final result depends as much on the tattoo artist's work as on the care you take in the following days. Proper healing ensures vibrant colors, defined lines, and prevents infections or flaws in the design.
In this guide, we explain step-by-step how to properly care for a new tattoo , which products to use, and the most common mistakes you should avoid.
🩸 First few hours after getting a tattoo
Immediately after the session, the tattoo is considered an open wound . Therefore, hygiene and protection are essential.
What to do:
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Keep the protective film applied by the tattoo artist on for the recommended time (usually 2 to 6 hours).
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Wash your hands before any contact with the tattoo.
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Carefully remove the film and wash the area with warm water and mild soap .
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Gently pat dry with disposable paper towels (never regular towels).
👉 Many professionals recommend adhesive protective film ( Derm Defender ) for protection during the first 24–72 hours.
🧴 Hydration: the secret to good healing
Tattooed skin needs constant hydration to regenerate properly.
Recommendations:
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Apply a thin layer of healing cream specifically for tattoos.
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Moisturize 2 to 3 times a day .
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Avoid overdoing it: too much cream can "suffocate" the skin.
❌ Never use products containing:
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Alcohol
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Perfumes
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Common petroleum jelly (non-breathable)
🚿 Daily hygiene (days 2 to 15)
During the healing phase:
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Wash the tattoo once or twice a day .
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Avoid scrubbing or using sponges.
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Do not remove scabs or loose skin; they will fall off naturally.
It is normal for the following to occur:
✔️ Itching
✔️ Peeling
✔️ Sensitivity
All of this is part of the process.
☀️ What to avoid completely
For at least 3 to 4 weeks , avoid:
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❌ Direct sunlight
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❌ Beach, pool, sauna or long baths
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❌ Gym (especially with friction or excessive sweating)
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❌ Tight clothing over the tattoo
The sun is the biggest enemy of a new tattoo; it can cause irreversible fading .
🧼 Essential products for professional aftercare
For professional-level results, the following is recommended:
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Breathable adhesive protective film
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Neutral antibacterial soap
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Healing cream specifically for tattoos.
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Disposable drying paper
👉 Professional tattoo artists should always recommend quality products, as this directly reflects on the final result of the work.
⚠️ Warning signs (when to seek help)
Seek a healthcare professional if you notice:
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Excessive redness after several days
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Intense or throbbing pain
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Yellow or odorous discharge
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Fever
These signs are rare, but important to identify early.
Taking good care of a tattoo means respecting the art that's now on your skin. With the right care, the tattoo heals better, lasts longer, and maintains the quality it had on the first day.
At Enigma Tattoo - Tattoo Supplies , we believe that good materials and good information make for better tattoos — for both artists and clients.