Tattoo aftercare guide (compress method)
Congratulations!
You’re now the proud owner of a new tattoo, and we hope it brings you joy for many years to come — both with its aesthetic beauty and the meaning behind it.
To ensure your tattoo heals well and retains its original look, the Linka Tattoo team has put together a set of important aftercare guidelines.
If you have any questions or experience any difficulties during healing, feel free to contact us — we’re always here to help.
In some cases, a touch-up session may be required after the initial healing process to achieve the best result. This will be discussed with your artist within a month of your session.
What you’ll need for healing:
1. Disposable absorbent pads (baby changing pads work well)
2. Gentle hand soap
3. Healing cream
4. Tape, paper tape, or elastic bandage to secure the compress
Recommended healing creams:
• Bepanthen
• D-Panthenol
• Dex-Panthenol
Note: Panthenol spray should not be used.
Alternatively, you can use:
• Skin oil
• Coconut oil
• Baby cream
• Specialized tattoo aftercare cream
The first 3 weeks after getting your tattoo are crucial. The way your tattoo looks in the long term depends on how well you care for it during this time.
After your session, your tattoo will be covered with petroleum jelly and food wrap to protect it while you travel home. This film should be removed after 1–2 hours.
After removing the wrap, wash the tattoo with warm (not hot) water and gentle soap. Do not scratch, scrub, or pick at the tattoo.
Apply a thin layer of healing cream to the tattooed area. Then cover it with a clean disposable absorbent pad. To properly protect your tattoo, use a pad that’s about 30% larger than the tattoo. Secure the pad with tape, paper tape, or an elastic bandage. Change the compress every 3–4 hours. At night, you can leave it on for the duration of your sleep.
Continue using the compress for about 4–6 days, or until no more ink or lymph fluid appears on the pad.
Once there is no more discharge, you can stop using the compress and focus on moisturizing.
Continue applying cream for another 2–3 weeks, or longer if the skin still feels dry or flaky.
How to moisturize correctly:
Moisturize the tattoo often — around 5–6 times per day.
If the skin feels tight, dry, or starts flaking, apply a thin layer of cream as needed.
Avoid the following during the healing period:- Do not engage in intense physical activity during the first week, as increased blood pressure can push out the pigment.
- Avoid excessive sweating.
- Avoid soaking the tattoo in hot water — take warm showers only.
- Do not scratch, pick at, or peel scabs.
- Keep fresh tattoos away from household cleaners and cosmetic products.
- Avoid saunas, hot tubs, tanning beds, and swimming in open water until the tattoo is fully healed (usually around one month).
- Do not drink alcohol for at least 7 days after the session (8–10 days for large tattoos).
Additional tips:- To preserve the brightness of the pigment, use SPF 50+ when the UV index is 4 or higher. You can check the UV level in your weather app — it may vary throughout the day.
- Two weeks after your session, please send your artist a photo of the tattoo so they can determine if a touch-up is needed. This is often necessary for fine-line tattoos, tattoos in hard-to-heal areas (like ribs, hands, feet, fingers), and especially tattoos done with red pigment, which tends to fade more — sometimes over 30%.
We wish you smooth healing and look forward to seeing you again at Linka Tattoo!
