AFTERCARE // FINE-LINE TATTOOS — PADS ONLY

Your tattoo is covered with an absorbent pad.
The pad absorbs plasma, blood and excess ink during the first hours of healing.

Fineline tattoos release some fluid during the first hours, but usually very little and it stops quite quickly.

FIRST BANDAGE:

Keep the pad on for 3–6 hours.
Your tattoo may leak plasma and ink.
This is normal.

After 3–6 hours, remove the pad and wash the tattoo.

FIRST WASH:

Wash your hands.
Wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap.
Gently remove plasma and ink.
Do not scrub.

Pat dry with paper towel or allow it to air dry.

Avoid using regular towels for the tattoo drying about 2–3 days, because they may contain bacteria and fibers.

FIRST NIGHT:

After washing the tattoo, apply a clean absorbent pad for the first night.
Remove it in the morning and wash the tattoo again.

After the first night the tattoo should usually remain uncovered, unless:

• clothing is rubbing the tattoo
• the tattoo is still leaking fluid
• you work in a dirty environment and tattoo will be exposed

If there is still fluid, use the extra pads I gave you and change them every ~6–8 hours until leaking stops.

For the first 2–3 days wash the tattoo twice per day and dry with paper towels.
After that, normal daily showering is enough.

Apply a very thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer after washing.

Use thin layers only.
Skin should look moisturized but not shiny or greasy.

Moisturize the tattoo 2–3 times per day for about 10–14 days, or until the skin stops peeling, looking dull and feels like your usual skin again.

After that, regular body lotion use is optional, but keeping tattooed skin moisturized helps the tattoo heal evenly and age better over time.

Over-moisturizing during healing can slow healing and cause pimples.

small white pimples:

Small white bumps around your tattoo can appear if:

• the cream is too heavy in fat
• too much cream is applied

Switch to a moisturizer with less fat content and/or apply less.

swimming (pools, lakes, sea, hot tubs) — 2 weeks
sauna — 2 weeks
direct sun exposure — 3 weeks
tight clothing rubbing the tattoo — 7–10 days
shaving the tattoo area — 2 weeks
soaking the tattoo — 2 weeks
perfumed skincare products — 2 weeks

EXERCISE

0–24 hours

Rest.
Normal walking is fine.

Avoid:

• gym training
• sweating
• stretching the tattooed area
• friction from clothing or equipment

24–48 hours

Light activity allowed:

• walking
• light cycling
• gentle stretching
• mobility work

Avoid sweating heavily.

3–5 days

Moderate training allowed if it doesn’t involve the tattoo area.

Examples:

• upper body training if tattoo is on legs
• legs if tattoo is on arms

Avoid:

• rubbing clothing
• contact with gym equipment

7 days

Most normal workouts are fine.

Still avoid:

• heavy friction
• mats or surfaces touching the tattoo

10–14 days

All exercise is normally safe.

The tattoo is considered healed when:

• the skin feels smooth
• no flakes or scabs remain
• the skin no longer feels sensitive

This usually takes about 2 weeks for fineline tattoos.

week one

The tattoo may:

• peel
• feel itchy
• look slightly dull

This is normal. Do not scratch or pick the skin.

week two

Peeling may continue.

Keep moisturizing when the skin feels dry.
Avoid shaving until the skin feels smooth again.

Sun exposure is the main cause of tattoo fading.

Once healed, always use sunscreen (50 SPF or up is best) when the tattoo is exposed to sunlight.

Contact a doctor if you experience:

• excessive swelling
• strong pain
• skin that feels very hot
• yellow or green discharge
• fever above 38°C

In most cases things feel worse than they are or it just gives anxiety. Most times worried clients send pictures of something they think is wrong - I’m able to guide you on what is happening and you don’t need to visit or contact a doctor in most cases. It’s usually temporary reactions, rashes, irritations, but nothing serious or anything that the doctor would help with and it just needs course correction and time.

But if you feel anxious about it or wanna make sure - please, of course do! And if I have even the slightest feeling that I’m not sure what is happening or I think you should go to the doctor just in case - I will tell you so immediately. Dm me in instagram or e-mail.

I checked brands against the BDS-safe list (https://bdsmovement.net/what-bds),
but please, let me know if you think it’s not a brand that should be supported.

These are usually considered vegan-friendly and cruelty-free brands.

good fragrance-free creams:

• LV Moisturizing Cream / Perusvoide
• L300 Sensitive Face & Body Cream
• Miniderm Cream
• Aqualan L Cream
• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors
• Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Cream

good fragrance-free soaps:

• LV Sensitive Liquid Soap
• Sebamed Liquid Face & Body Wash
• Erisan Sensitive Liquid Soap
• The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser

whatever product you choose:

• fragrance-free
• no essential oils
• thin layers only
• skin should look moisturized, not greasy