Proper Tattoo Care

1. The bandage: The first few days

Depending on the tattoo, placement, and your skin type, we probably used our preferred method in the studio, the shower patch (Second Skin), for you. Here you’ll find all the info on it and the alternatives.

Option A: Second Skin / shower patch (our standard)

This is the most modern and comfortable way to protect the wound. It’s a breathable but waterproof film that sticks to the tattoo like a second skin.

• Duration: You can leave the patch on your skin for 3 to 5 days (or as instructed by us).

• The “ink sack”: It’s completely normal for plasma, blood, and excess ink to collect under the film. It often looks blurry and dark—don’t panic, that’s part of the healing process!

• Removal: It’s best to remove the film under lukewarm water (e.g. in the shower). Important: Don’t rip it off like a bandage! Instead, stretch the film lengthwise to release the tension and peel it off carefully.

Option B: Wrap bandage / dry pad

In some cases (e.g. if you’re allergic to adhesive or the wound is weeping heavily), we use a classic absorbent dressing (e.g. Suprasorb P or dry pads).

• Duration: This bandage usually stays on only until the next morning, or a maximum of 24 hours.

• Removal: Remove carefully. If the bandage sticks to the wound, soak it with lukewarm water first. Then wash thoroughly right away (see point 2).

Option C: Cling film (for info – we don’t use it!)

Classic cling film is still often used in “old-school” aftercare. We don’t use this method, because it isn’t breathable.

• Background: Under the film, body heat and moisture create an ideal breeding ground for germs (greenhouse effect). Anyone using this method has to wash the tattoo and rewrap it every few hours. That isn’t necessary with our modern methods.

2. Washing & moisturizing: The routine

As soon as the bandage is off, the actual care phase begins. Repeat this process 2–3 times a day for about 2–3 weeks.

1. Wash your hands: Never touch your fresh tattoo with unwashed hands!

2. Clean: Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and a pH-neutral, fragrance-free soap until all residue of plasma and ointment is removed.

3. Dry: Pat the tattoo dry with paper towel (Zewa). Do not use a towel, as it can contain bacteria and lint. Please don’t rub!

4. Moisturize: Apply a paper-thin layer of aftercare cream. The tattoo should be able to breathe and not “drown” in cream.

Our product recommendation: Believa Tattoo

In the studio, we rely on products from Believa Tattoo, because they were developed specifically for the needs of tattooed skin, are vegan, and contain no synthetic colorants or fragrances.

• For daily care, we recommend the Believa Tattoo Professional Butter or the Aftercare Cream. They optimally support wound healing and relieve itching.

  • 👉 Find Believa Tattoo aftercare creams here

3. The no-go’s: What you need to avoid

To avoid infections and color loss, the following are off-limits for the first 3 to 4 weeks:

• Sports & sweat: Avoid heavy sweating and movements that stretch the skin at the tattooed area excessively. Sweat can irritate the fresh wound and carry bacteria.

• Water: Showering is allowed (and important!), but bathing is not. No baths, no swimming pool, no sea, and no hot tub. If the tattoo gets waterlogged, the scab (silver skin) can come off too early and “pull out” color.

• Sauna & heat: Heat opens the pores and promotes bleeding and ink washout. Also, saunas are places with a high germ load.

• Clothing: Wear loose cotton clothing. Avoid wool or synthetics directly on the fresh tattoo, as they can shed lint or rub. If clothing sticks to the wound: Don’t pull! Soak with water and loosen carefully.

4. Sun: The final boss for tattoos

Sun is your tattoo’s biggest enemy—both fresh and healed.

During the healing phase (the first 4–6 weeks)

As long as the tattoo isn’t fully healed (as long as there’s still silver skin), no direct sun and no tanning bed should reach the area. Your skin no longer has natural UV protection there.

• Solution: Cover the tattoo with loose clothing when you go outside. Please don’t apply sunscreen to open/fresh wounds!

Long-term care (forever)

UV radiation breaks down the color pigments under the skin. The result: Black lines get wider and lighter, and colors fade faster.

• Solution: Once your tattoo is healed, you should always use a high SPF (SPF 50+) in summer.

• We recommend the special Believa Tattoo Sunprotect, which offers high protection without making the colors look dull.

  • 👉 Get Believa sun protection here

5. Extra tips & FAQs

• Help, it itches! That’s a good sign—it’s healing. Please never scratch or pick! If you pick off the scab, you’ll create holes in the design. If it’s unbearably itchy, gently pat the area with a flat hand or cool it slightly (not ice-cold!).

• Bedding: Change your bedding before sleeping with a fresh tattoo to avoid contact with bacteria or pet hair.

• Nutrition & water: Your body is working hard to heal. Drinking plenty of water and eating healthy speeds up the process.

When should you see a doctor or come to the studio? If you notice extreme redness, severe swelling, throbbing, heat, or pus, please contact us immediately or see a doctor. Mild redness on the first day is normal, but it shouldn’t get worse.