TATTOO AFTERCARE

There are no universal tattoo aftercare instructions; each studio sets its own.
Octopus Tattoo Studio is not responsible for any damage to the tattoo if you did not follow our instructions.

Not all tattoos require identical care – some are easier to maintain while others are a bit more complex.

This depends on:

• Type of tattoo – A small tattoo made mostly of lines will heal much faster and is easier to maintain than a large tattoo fully filled with color.
• Skin type and overall health – People with strong immune systems generally heal wounds faster.
• Placement on the body – Tattoos on arm and leg creases require a bit more attention because the skin in those areas is thin and sensitive.

Your tattoo is as individual as your skin, therefore do not listen to the aftercare advice of friends or acquaintances, because what worked for them may not be good for you, i.e. for your tattoo.

Skin is a living organ and a tattoo is a superficial wound. Sometimes during healing the skin may push out ink in certain areas of the tattoo. If you notice that this has happened, you must come in for a check-up and a free touch-up. Octopus Tattoo Studio is not obliged to provide a free touch-up if the damage to the tattoo was caused by not following our aftercare instructions and/or general neglect of the tattoo.

If due to client negligence scabs or pimples form on the tattoo, inflammation occurs, or the tattoo is damaged in any other way, the touch-up will be charged according to the studio’s regular price list. To avoid uncomfortable situations, we kindly ask for honesty in such cases, as our tattoo artists have enough knowledge and expertise to recognize damage caused by improper care.

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TATTOO AFTERCARE

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After tattooing, the tattoo is covered with regular household plastic wrap, and you start this aftercare routine after 3-4 hours. The entire process (wash-dry-apply ointment) should be repeated every 2-3 hours, except while sleeping:

1. WASH

Wash the tattoo with a liquid pH 5.5 antibacterial soap (e.g. Hustle Bubbles Deluxe or similar) under a gentle stream of lukewarm water. Wash the tattoo in the shower or over the sink for the first two weeks after tattooing. Do not submerge it in water (baths, jacuzzi, pool, sea, rivers, lakes) for at least the first 4 weeks. During the first few days the tattoo may sting if washed with water that is too hot.

2. DRY

Dry the tattoo with a paper towel. Do not use a regular towel as it may leave debris on the tattoo (dust, hairs, etc.).

3. APPLY OINTMENT

For moisturizing you can use Hustle Butter Deluxe, Bepanthen ointment (not cream or lotion), or a similar professional tattoo aftercare product.

Always apply in a thin (transparent) layer. A layer that is too thick prevents the skin from breathing, which can cause inflammation or pimples on the tattoo. It is very important to keep the tattoo constantly moisturized so that scabs do not form, as scabs that fall off can pull out some ink and cause damage to the tattoo. If the product you are using absorbs and dries too quickly, switch to another.

4. PLASTIC WRAP

You will need to protect the tattoo with plastic wrap for the next few days (after the surface layer of ink peels off, stop using it). Plastic wrap (regular household wrap) protects the tattoo from external influences (dirt, chemicals, cosmetics) and prevents fabric (clothing or bedding) from sticking to the tattoo.
Because the skin cannot breathe under regular plastic wrap, wearing it too often or too long can cause inflammation. Whenever possible, keep the tattoo exposed to air (without wrap), moisturized, and without contact with fabric or dirt.
When you cannot keep the tattoo open (while working or sleeping), apply the wrap. This is especially important during the first few nights, because if fabric sticks to the lymph and plasma coming out of the tattoo, it will form a scab which, when it falls off, pulls out ink and causes damage to the tattoo.

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TATTOO ITCHING

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TATTOO PEELING

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A few days after tattooing, the surface layer of ink will start to peel. With small or linework designs this process may not be visible, whereas with large designs you may feel like nothing will be left of the tattoo after peeling. In both cases there is no need to worry – this is a normal part of the tattoo healing process.

Refrain from picking at the flakes as this can damage the tattoo; let them fall off on their own.

It is important to distinguish peeling from scab formation – a scab forms in a deeper layer of skin and when it falls off it can pull out ink, resulting in damage to the tattoo.