Small guide to tattoo care
Some tips and suggestions directly from the experts.
G-Club
April 8th, 2025
April 8th, 2025
It's that time of the year when the sun starts to show, the days get longer, and there’s a sense of renewal in the air. When this craving for something new arrives, I usually treat myself to a trip or a new look with a fresh haircut. This year, however, I went for tattoos. While getting tattooed, I had an interesting conversation with the tattoo artists from Tana dell'arte, who explained some key aspects of tattoo aftercare. Here’s what they shared!
Tattoo care: let’s start with the basics
Tattoo done and dusted, now what? Your tattoo artist will have surely applied a protective film. Always follow their instructions on when to remove it, usually after a few hours. Once you’re home, it’s recommended to rinse the tattoo with lukewarm or cool water and gently wash it with neutral soap, using clean hands. Keep cleaning it until it becomes matte. To dry it, pat it with absorbent paper, never rub it to avoid irritation. Remember, treat the tattoo as if it were an open wound: with care and gentleness. Afterward, reapply the protective film. Kitchen wrap works fine, as long as the inner side is in contact with the tattoo to prevent bacteria or other impurities from touching the freshly tattooed skin. The next day, you can begin applying cream.
Which cream should you use for tattoo care?
According to most tattoo artists, the best choice is Bepanthenol Tattoo: a protective and soothing cream specifically formulated for tattoo care. This cream creates a protective barrier while still allowing the skin to breathe. Some tattoo artists also recommend shea butter because it’s hydrating and soothing, as long as it’s pure without additives. Never use alcohol-based creams during the healing period, as alcohol can dry out the skin and slow the healing process of the tattoo, as well as irritate the skin, causing redness, itching, and possible infections.
What not to do right after getting a tattoo
There are several precautions to keep in mind once you’ve had a tattoo. First, sweat: it’s one of the main enemies during the healing phase. Sweat can irritate the freshly tattooed skin, causing friction and creating a humid environment that promotes bacterial growth. This not only causes discomfort but also increases the risk of infections, slowing the healing process. To avoid problems, it’s recommended to avoid intense physical activity that might cause excessive sweating, especially in the first week. Of course, no spas, hot springs, saunas, or pools. If you make the crazy decision to get tattooed in the summer, forget about going to the beach for at least two weeks, and as for the sun, another tattoo enemy, we have an entire article dedicated to this topic.
Most tattoo artists recommend avoiding a full shower in the first few days to protect the tattoo and ensure optimal healing. In extreme cases, just cover the tattoo with a film to prevent shampoo and conditioner from coming into contact with the tattooed area, and avoid hot water. Wear loose clothes, as tight clothing can rub against the tattoo, irritating it. Also, opt for 100% cotton garments, which allow the skin to breathe and help prevent excessive sweating. During the healing process, you’ll notice scabs forming, and I know it’ll be hard to resist the temptation to peel them off, especially since they’ll itch. But avoid it—I know you can do it!