Aftercare

Professional tattoo aftercare guide by Shamack Tattoo. Learn how to heal your new tattoo using second skin, cling film, or overnight pad methods.

🩹 Tattoo Aftercare Guide

(Updated July 2024 — by Shamack Tattoo)

Proper tattoo aftercare is the key to ensuring your new piece heals beautifully and keeps its colour and definition. Every tattoo heals slightly differently depending on skin type, size, and placement — but following these steps will give you the best results.

✳️ If Your Artist Applied a Second Skin (Derm Shield)

The first Derm Shield application should stay in place for up to 24 hours, depending on how much plasma or fluid your skin produces.
It’s normal for a small amount of blood and fluid to collect under the film — this is part of the healing process.

• After 24 hours, gently remove the film and wash the tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
• Carefully pat the area dry with a clean kitchen towel.
• Apply a very thin layer of a recommended tattoo aftercare cream.

You may apply a second piece of Derm Shield, which can stay in place for several days, and even a third application if needed.
Always clean and dry the skin between applications.
Do not wear any piece for longer than one week.

If a second skin dressing remains intact, it can be safely worn for 24 hours to 5 days, or until any part of the tattoo becomes exposed.
During this time, fluid buildup under the film is completely normal.

When removing the dressing:

• Peel it slowly from the edges, pulling it back over itself (never straight upward).
• It’s best removed in the shower under warm water.
• Once removed, rinse away any built-up fluid, clean gently, and apply a thin layer of aftercare cream.

👉 Important: If you notice any irritation, extreme redness, or discomfort, remove the film immediately and switch to the standard cling film healing process below.

🧼 If Cling Film Was Applied

1. Remove the cling film 3–4 hours after your tattoo is finished.
2. Wash the area gently with warm water and mild antibacterial soap.
3. Pat dry with kitchen towel (never toilet paper or cloth towels).
4. With clean hands or disposable gloves, apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare cream.

Reapply the cream every 4–6 hours for around 10 days — only a small amount each time, as too much cream prevents skin from breathing and can push pigment out.

Avoid all alcohol-based products, hydrogen peroxide, gauze, Vaseline, lanolin, or petroleum-based creams.

After 5–14 days, the tattoo will begin to peel and flake like a sunburn — this is completely normal. Do not pick or scratch it. Let the skin fall away naturally during washing or moisturising.

🌙 Overnight Pads or Absorbing Dressings

Some clients may receive absorbing pads to wear overnight.
These are designed to soak up any excess plasma or ink that may surface during the first night.

• Keep the pad on overnight.
• In the morning, remove gently and clean the tattoo with warm water and soap.
• Apply a small amount of aftercare cream and leave the tattoo uncovered unless advised otherwise.

Do not rewrap unless specifically instructed by your artist.

🕐 General Healing Timeline (First 2–3 Weeks)

• Keep your tattoo clean and lightly moisturised.
• Apply cream 2–3 times a day, only when your skin feels tight or dry.
• Wear loose, clean cotton clothing. Avoid synthetics and tight fabrics.
• Always use fresh bed sheets the first few nights.
• Keep your tattoo away from pets and dusty or dirty environments.
• Light flaking and peeling are normal — do not scratch.

🚫 What to Avoid

• Do not pick, scratch, or peel your tattoo.
• Do not expose it to direct sunlight or tanning beds.
• Avoid baths, saunas, hot tubs, swimming, or soaking for at least 2 weeks.
• Avoid contact with unclean surfaces or materials that may irritate the tattoo.
• Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs 1 day before and 4 days after your tattoo session — both can affect healing.

🌞 After Healing

Once healed (after about 3–4 weeks):

• Protect your tattoo with high SPF sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) anytime it’s exposed.
• Continue to moisturise regularly to maintain healthy, vibrant skin.
• Avoid overexposure to UV light; this is the biggest cause of fading.

Long-term care tip: moisturise your tattoo once a week with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion.

⚠️ Important Information

Your tattoo was completed in a sterile, professional environment.
Aftercare is now your responsibility — please treat your tattoo like an open wound until it fully heals.

If you experience:

• Persistent redness or swelling,
• Pus or fluid that smells unusual,
• Bubbling, rash, or increasing pain,

👉 Contact your artist immediately and consult a doctor.

🧴 Recommended Aftercare Products

• Tattoo Mousse
• Easy Tattoo
• Palmers Cocoa Butter / Shea Butter
• Studio-stocked creams: Think Ink and Tattoo Goo

(Available for purchase in-studio or at your next session.)