Tattoo aftercare guide (Healing film)
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. Gentle hand soap
2. Healing cream
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 tattoo session, a healing film will be applied to your fresh tattoo. This film acts as a protective barrier for the first 3–5 days after the session. You do not need to remove or replace it during this time. It’s okay to get it wet, but avoid soaking the skin in hot water for extended periods.
Important: During the first 1–3 days, you may notice ink collecting under the film. This is a normal part of the healing process as excess pigment is expelled from the skin. Don’t worry — if any parts of the design fade, they can be corrected during a touch-up session.
It’s important to monitor the condition of the film. Do not puncture or cut it. If water gets under the film, it must be removed. If a small piece of the film starts to lift but the tattoo is still covered, you can carefully trim the loose edge with scissors. If you’re unsure whether the film is still okay to wear or how to proceed, please contact us.
After 3–5 days, the film must be removed. With clean hands, gently stretch the skin and slowly peel the film back at a low angle, close to the surface of the skin. To remove it properly, pull it horizontally along the skin — not upward like a band-aid.
Video instructions:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTEmQi_rBuU&t=141sDo not rip the film off quickly or pull it vertically from the skin. Once the film is removed, wash the tattoo with warm (not hot) water and gentle soap. Do not scratch, exfoliate, or pick at the fresh tattoo.
Apply a thin layer of healing cream to the tattoo with gentle motions, without pressing into the skin.
Wash and moisturize your tattoo 4–6 times per day until it is fully healed (typically around 3 weeks).
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!
