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Tattoo Aftercare: The Complete Healing Guide (Day by Day)

How to heal your new tattoo perfectly: washing, creams, what to avoid and when to worry. Advice from a Brasov tattoo artist.

A great tattoo is 50% the artist and 50% how you heal it. Here is exactly what to do.

Days 1–3: Protect and clean

• Keep the wrap on for the time your artist told you (usually 2–4 hours, or 3–5 days for second-skin film).
• Wash gently with lukewarm water and unscented soap, using clean hands only.
• Pat dry with a paper towel, never rub.
• Apply a very thin layer of aftercare cream 2–3 times per day.

Days 4–14: Peeling and itching

Your tattoo will flake like a sunburn. This is normal.

• Don't scratch or pick the flakes.
• Keep moisturising lightly.
• Wear loose, clean clothes over the area.

What to avoid for 2–3 weeks

• Swimming pools, sea, sauna and baths
• Direct sun and solariums
• Heavy gym sessions that stretch or rub the tattoo

When to contact your artist

Increasing redness after day 3, heat, swelling, pus or fever are not normal. Message us right away, or see a doctor.

Long term: SPF 50 on your tattoo every summer keeps lines sharp for decades.