Each and every tattoo will have a different healing process. The usual healing time for a tattoo is around 4 - 6 weeks (and can take longer, it will depend on size, placement and if it has colour). Some tattoos have quick and easy healing, but that's not the case for everyone. The first week is the most critical one for your tattoo to heal well. The healing process is a big part of how your tattoo will look in the future. So to ensure the best results it’s important to know the do’s and don’ts for your aftercare quest!
Below are our recommendations and remember to always wash your hands before touching the tattoo!

It’s best to keep the second skin bandage on for the first night if you can. Minimum is two hours and maximum is 48 hours. Fluid under the bandage is completely normal! (that’s the forbidden juice..)  If the “forbidden juice” should escape the impenetrable fortress that is the second skin then it is best to take it off. For if juices can get out, bacteria can get in. And that will increase the chance of infection marginally!

Some people are sensitive to the second skin bandages, redness and swelling on the tattoo is normal but if you notice those symptoms on the edges of your second skin then you might be having an allergic reaction to the adhesive. We recommend you remove the second skin immediately if you experience some abnormal irritation. Listen to your body, the second skin should not be causing any discomfort normally.

To take the bandage off, it’s best to do so in the shower or with some running water. It’ll help the bandage come off easily without causing irritation to the skin. Pull gently on the edges of the bandage to loosen it. Do this slowly and keep it under water. Don’t pull it off dry!  After taking the bandage off you should wash the tattoo carefully with warm water and unscented, antibacterial soap. It may feel a little bit like a sunburn under the warm water and that's okay. After washing just let it air dry, do not rub it dry with a towel as that can leave behind dust and fibers in the tattoo. The most important thing in the healing process is keeping the new tattoo clean and dry, cleaning it regularly to avoid infections.

Your new tattoo needs to be able to breathe for a good healing. We recommend an unscented moisturizer or a specific tattoo cream to aid the healing process. Avoid creams made up of mostly or only petroleum, e.g. vaseline and A&D ointment. We at Feyrún Tattoo use and sell aftercare products from Recovery Aftercare. Using aftercare products on your tattoo will help soothe itching when your tattoo is going through that ‘ugly itching phase’. Be careful of over-creaming your tattoo tho! Too much cream could clog your pores and cause pimples. Thin layers of cream a few times a day is perfect.

Be careful of tight clothing/shoes rubbing against your tattoo, it could delay the healing process and potentially damage the tattoo. It’s best for your tattoo to be able to breathe while healing so we recommend loose fitting clothing on the tattooed area for a week minimum.

Avoid all workouts for the first 2 weeks. Your body needs this time to start healing, and sweating or friction can irritate the fresh tattoo.
No heavy lifting, and long intense cardio sessions.

Try to keep sweating to a minimum. Excess sweat can irritate the tattoo and increase infection risk.
Avoid exercises that stretch or rub the tattooed area (for example: squats for thigh tattoos, bench press for chest tattoos).

Wear clean, loose clothing to prevent friction.

After 2 weeks:
You can slowly return to normal training, but always listen to your body. If the tattoo feels sore, irritated, or overly stretched, give it more time.

Always clean the tattoo after a workout with lukewarm water and mild soap, then apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare ointment.