Tattoo aftercare, step by step
Follow this and your tattoo will heal the way it was drawn. Anything unclear — send us a photo on WhatsApp.
Day 0 to day 2
Keep the protective film on for the time your artist tells you — usually 2 to 24 hours for cling film, up to 4 days for a second-skin dressing.
After removing it, wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap using your fingertips only. Pat dry with a clean paper towel; never rub with a bath towel.
Apply a very thin layer of the ointment we give you, two to three times a day. Thick layers suffocate the skin and pull ink out.
Sleep on clean sheets and avoid tight clothing over the area.
Peeling and settling
From around day four the tattoo starts to flake. This is normal and it means the surface is closing. Do not pick, scratch or exfoliate.
Switch from ointment to a light fragrance-free moisturiser once the flaking starts, two to three times a day.
No swimming, sauna, hammam or long baths for at least three weeks. Showers are fine.
Keep it out of direct sunlight; once fully healed, sunscreen (SPF 30+) is what keeps the tattoo sharp for years.
When to message us
Spreading redness, heat, yellow-green discharge or fever are not part of normal healing — contact us immediately and see a doctor.
Small patches where ink did not hold are common and get fixed in the free touch-up session, usually four to six weeks after the tattoo.
Tattoo aftercare FAQ
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
The surface heals in two to three weeks; the deeper layers settle over two to three months. Colours look their final tone after about a month.
Can I go to the gym or swim?
Light movement is fine after a couple of days, heavy sweating after a week. No pools, sea, hammam or sauna for at least three weeks.
My tattoo is peeling — is that normal?
Yes. Flaking between day four and day twelve is normal. Do not pick or scratch; keep it lightly moisturised and let it fall off on its own.
Book a free consultation at our Istanbul tattoo studio
Tell us your idea, reference images and placement. We reply with an honest plan, session length and pricing — no obligation.