Care for the Work You Wear
Your new tattoo is finished, but the healing process has only just begun. Tattooing creates a wound in the skin. Giving the tattoo time to recover and following the correct aftercare routine will help protect both the skin and the finished result. Depending on the tattoo and your individual healing process, the wound can take up to six weeks to heal. Your artist will explain how to care for your tattoo before you leave the studio. Always follow the instructions provided for the specific dressing applied to your tattoo.
Remove the Dressing
The correct removal time depends on the type of protection used by your artist. If your tattoo has been covered with a sterile dressing or household film, follow your artist’s instructions regarding when to remove it. If a self-adhesive transparent film has been applied, this should remain in place according to the instructions provided for that product and your tattoo. The official Dutch aftercare guidance treats these coverings differently. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching the dressing or tattoo. Remove the covering carefully. Do not pull it away forcefully or continue using a dressing that is leaking, excessively loose or causing unexpected irritation. Contact the studio if you are unsure what to do.
Clean the Tattoo
Once the tattoo is uncovered: Wash your hands before touching the tattoo. Gently wash the tattoo twice a day using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Do not scrub the skin or use a sponge, washcloth or exfoliating product. Rinse away any remaining soap carefully. Pat the tattoo dry using a clean towel or disposable paper towel. Alternatively, allow the tattoo to air-dry in a clean environment. The RIVM advises washing an uncovered tattoo twice daily with mild, fragrance-free soap and gently patting it dry afterwards.
Apply Aftercare
Once the tattoo is completely dry, apply a thin layer of the aftercare product recommended by your artist.
Always use clean hands and avoid applying a thick layer. More product does not mean better healing. The skin should feel comfortable without remaining heavily covered or greasy.
At Dodeka, we work with Balm Tattoo aftercare products, which are also available in the studio.
Continue washing and caring for the tattoo according to the instructions given by your artist until the skin has recovered.
Do's
Always wash your hands before caring for the tattoo.
Keep the tattoo clean and gently dry it after washing.
Apply only a thin layer of the recommended aftercare product.
Wear clean, loose and breathable clothing over the area.
Keep bedding and clothing that touch the tattoo clean.
Allow the skin time to recover.
Contact Dodeka if you are uncertain about the healing process.
Avoid
Do not scratch, rub or pick at the tattoo. Do not remove flakes or scabs, even when the skin feels itchy. Do not cover the tattoo with tight or dirty clothing. Do not apply plasters or bandages unless specifically instructed. Avoid baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, saunas and steam rooms while the tattoo is healing. Keep the tattoo away from direct sunlight and tanning beds. Do not apply disinfectants, antibiotics or other medicinal products unless advised by a medical professional. Avoid heavily fragranced skincare products on or around the tattoo.
Protecting Your Tattoo From the Sun
Keep a fresh tattoo out of direct sunlight while it is healing. Even after the skin has healed, tattooed skin remains sensitive to ultraviolet exposure. Protecting the area with clothing and suitable sun protection helps support the long-term appearance of the tattoo. The RIVM recommends continuing to use sunscreen on tattooed skin after healing. Do not apply sunscreen directly to an open or unhealed tattoo unless specifically advised by an appropriate medical professional.
Questions About Your Tattoo?
Healing should never feel like something you have to navigate alone. If you are unsure about your dressing, aftercare routine or the appearance of your tattoo, contact Dodeka and send a clear photograph taken in natural light. We can help determine whether a studio check-up would be appropriate.
Correct tattoo aftercare helps support the skin while a new tattoo heals. At Dodeka Ink in Tilburg, every client receives aftercare instructions based on the tattoo and the type of dressing applied.
Keep the tattoo clean, minimise unnecessary contact and use only the aftercare products recommended by your artist. Avoid scratching, swimming, saunas, tight clothing and direct sunlight during healing. If the tattoo does not appear to be healing as expected, contact the studio for guidance or seek medical advice when symptoms are severe or worsening.
Whether you have chosen a fineline, blackwork, American traditional or Viking traditional tattoo, careful aftercare helps protect both the skin and the artwork you will continue to wear.