Tattoo After Care (Packing)- First one consist of the use of Dermalize, This is the best and most effective way of tattoo aftercare.

1. ​As soon as you get your tattoo done, wash it with cold water and put a thin layer of petroleum jelly or An’ D Ointment over it and let it be open for few minutes (at least 20 mins).

2. Clean it again with mild soap, let it dry for a few minutes and apply Dermalize.

3. Keep the Dermalize on for 5 to 7 Days.

4. Remove it carefully. If you find it hard to remove the wrap then please consult your tattoo artist and get it removed by him/her.

5. Wash it with mild soap and let it be open without applying anything for a few hours.

6. Apply Tattoo Ointment or any good moisturizer cream once or twice a day (more than twice a day if your skin is dry) for 4-6 days.

7. If your tattoo feels mild itchiness, do not scratch, gently pat on the itchy area till the itching subsides.

8. Keep away from swimming pool, sunlight and beach water for the first 4 weeks ( also read Life Time After Care)

9. No exercise or gym activity for the first 2 weeks, avoid sweating as much as you can.

10. Eat good food, add more protein in your meal. Avoid food which may cause stomach/digestion issues. Green veggies are the best for good healing of tattoos.

11. Keep yourself hydrated, it keeps your skin moist and healthy.

12. Avoid alcohol and stay away from recreational drugs for at least 3 days, first 3 days are very crucial for better healing.

13. Considering the climate of Assam, India and the lifestyle of Indians we recommend anti-biotic medicine twice a day for 5 days.

14. If you feel that your tattoo is infected, consult your tattoo artist and a doctor.

Follow this timeline for optimal healing and long-term vibrancy of your new tattoo.

Dermalize - It is a thin self-adhesive film that provides a moist healing environment during the initial and the most critical healing stage of a tattoo wound. It is a new solution to the generic cling film, which has been improperly used in the aftercare so far. It protects the new design from friction and provides a waterproof, anti-bacterial barrier that prevents pathogens and external contaminants from entering the wound. The film is breathable, lets oxygen in and allows excess moisture vapour to be released from the wound. It’s light to wear, flexible, and stretchable which allows it to be placed anywhere on the body and stay there for several days. Reduced scabbing, reduced risk of infection, no rubbing clothes or other external factors that will damage the tattoo. Read More about Dermalize.

Tattoo After Care (Without Packing)

I. The First 2-4 Hours (At the Studio)

Immediate Steps

• Leave the bandage on: Typically 2-4 hours (artist's instructions override this)

• Do NOT re-bandage unless instructed by your artist

• Expect slight oozing (blood, plasma, ink) – this is normal

II. First Wash (2-4 Hours After Tattoo)

Preparation

• Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap

• Remove bandage gently

Cleaning Process

1. Use lukewarm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap

2. Gently clean with clean fingertips only – no washcloths or sponges

3. Rinse thoroughly

4. Pat dry with clean paper towel – do not rub

5. Allow to air dry completely (10-15 minutes)

III. Week 1: Initial Healing Phase

Moisturizing Routine

• Apply a thin layer of aftercare product 2-3 times daily

• Recommended products:

  • Fragrance-free tattoo-specific balms

  • Aquaphor Healing Ointment (thin layer only)

  • Unscented lotion (after first 3-4 days)

• Avoid: Petroleum-based products (Vaseline), alcohol-based products

Cleaning Routine

• Wash gently 2-3 times daily with antibacterial soap

• Always pat dry completely before applying moisturizer

Critical DO NOTs (Week 1)

• No soaking: Showers only, no baths, swimming, hot tubs

• No scratching or picking – resist all urges

• No direct sunlight

• No tight clothing over the tattoo

• No gym/sweating for first 48-72 hours

IV. Week 2-3: Flaking and Peeling Phase

What to Expect

• Flaking: Like a sunburn – this is normal

• Itching: May be intense

• Dull appearance: Temporary

Care During This Phase

• Continue moisturizing with fragrance-free lotion

• Never peel or pick flakes – let them fall naturally

• Keep tattoo clean and moisturized

• Continue avoiding soaking and sun exposure

v. Long-Term Tattoo Preservation

• Always apply sunscreen – UV rays are the #1 cause of tattoo fading

• Moisturize regularly to keep skin healthy

• Stay hydrated and maintain healthy diet

• Consider touch-ups every 5-10 years as needed

Remember: Your artist's specific instructions override general guidelines. When in doubt, contact them directly. Proper aftercare is essential for preventing infection, ensuring proper healing, and maintaining the beauty of your tattoo for years to come.

Healing times vary: Simple tattoos may heal in 2-3 weeks, while larger pieces may take 4-6 weeks to fully settle. Be patient!

Important points to remember before and after getting a tattoo:

• Avoid alcohol a day before and stay hydrated as much as you can.

• Eat simple food and make sure you eat healthy and your stomach is full. Avoid food which may cause uneasiness later.

• Keep drinking juices and water, have snacks at regular intervals while getting a tattoo (if your design is big and will take more than 4 hours).

• Do not consume recreational drugs before or after.

• You will experience much lesser pain if you stay hydrated and eat well.

• If you are suffering from any disease, please consult your doctor before getting a tattoo.

• Getting a tattoo from a good artist is very important.

• A tattoo takes approximately 90 days to heal completely from the inside out. However, it looks freshly healed within the first 2 weeks, even if it is going through a lot of healing changes.

• The skin may develop transparent white patches within 7 days of healing. Nothing to worry about, for it is a very sensitive layer of skin which will heal in some days.

• Your tattoo will never look as dark as it looked on day one, there will be at least 20% fading once it is healed. The reason for this is that when you get it done, the ink is filled in all the layers of skin. However, while healing, only the third layer will hold the pigment, and the rest will replace itself with new cells. Newly formed layers are not completely transparent, and that's why you see a difference between a fresh and healed tattoo.