• Keep the second-skin dressing on for up to 48 hours. Some ink and plasma usually collect underneath, but this does not mean your tattoo has spread.
• Remove the dressing gently, ideally after a longer shower. Then:
  • wash the tattoo with water and mild soap
  • pat it dry with a clean towel, preferably a paper towel
  • apply a thin layer of tattoo cream (e.g. Neba or Bephanten Baby)
• Repeat washing, drying and applying cream 2–3 times a day for a week. In the following weeks, continue using a moisturising cream or ointment to keep your skin cared for and your tattoo looking fresh. Don't overdo the amount: an overly thick layer will slow down healing.
• Avoid physical activity for at least 5 days: don't let the tattoo become sweaty or damaged.
• Swimming pools, saunas, baths, lakes, the sea or even puddles must wait at least 3 weeks.
• Alcohol slows the body's recovery, so avoid it for at least 24 hours after our session.
• Your skin will peel while healing. Don't scratch it, as this can cause ink loss and scarring.
• Protect your tattoo from the sun: research shows that UV rays are particularly harmful to it. While it heals, cover it with clothing; after 3–4 weeks, use sunscreen.
• Swelling, redness, itching and small scabs are normal during healing. However, if anything worries you, message me straight away, ideally with a photo attached.

Initial healing usually takes around 2–3 weeks. The outer layer of skin takes a month to fully regenerate. A lot depends on the tattoo: a delicate linework piece can look healed after a week, while a tattoo with more solid fills, shading and thicker lines needs longer. It may itch and peel during this time.

Yes, some ink loss is completely normal: your body treats ink as a foreign substance and tries to expel it. If too much is lost, a touch-up is needed. That's why I ask you to send photos of your healed tattoo a month after the session. This lets me assess whether it has healed properly or needs a touch-up.