Symbiosis with your tattoo
ALCOHOL
Alcohol consumption dilates the circulatory system, which can cause heavier bleeding during tattooing and result in poorer tattoo quality. An alcoholic “shot for courage” before tattooing is not a good idea. Heavier bleeding can also occur in the first few days after tattooing if large amounts of alcohol are consumed.
ALLERGIES
Allergies to black tattoo ink are extremely rare. People prone to allergic reactions may potentially react to red or green ink. A dot test can be done before tattooing to test sensitivity.
DOCTORS
Most people still imagine tattoo studios like in American action movies: a shabby basement where a guy in a white tank top tattoos a gang member, without gloves, while smoking. The lack of legal regulation in the tattoo industry means anyone can open a legal tattoo studio, order a “tattoo starter kit” from eBay, and start tattooing without knowing anything about the profession, cross-contamination, sterilization, or bloodborne diseases. People don’t go to the doctor to show off their beautifully healed tattoo – they go if it becomes infected. Because of all that, it’s no wonder doctors sometimes view us as walking sources of every possible bloodborne disease.
Even if you are sure you were tattooed in proper hygienic conditions and have no problem with the tattoo itself, there is still a possibility you’ll encounter a doctor who cannot separate personal opinion from professional judgment and attributes every health issue to tattoos or piercings. If you believe this is the case with your doctor, seek a second opinion.
COSMETICS
A fresh tattoo is a superficial wound and must not come into contact with cosmetics for at least 10 days after tattooing. This includes classic perfumed shower gels and body lotions.
Before tattooing, avoid using cosmetics that contain glitter or self-tanning creams because they are very difficult to remove from the skin, and if they enter the dermis through the needle during tattooing, infection may occur.
SWIMMING / BATHING
Avoid swimming/bathing for at least 4 weeks after tattooing to prevent infection from microorganisms in the water. Chlorine and sea salt can also be very irritating to a fresh tattoo. For this reason, avoid baths, jacuzzis, pools, rivers, lakes, and the sea until the tattoo is fully healed.
Submerging a fresh tattoo under water can cause ink blowouts and poorer tattoo quality. Showering is not a problem, but the tattoo may burn or become irritated if you shower with very hot water.
TRAVEL
A tattoo requires proper aftercare during the first ten days, which can be very demanding or even impossible if you are traveling, at a festival, etc. If possible, schedule your tattoo at least a week before your trip or after you return.
SUN AND TANNING BEDS
Avoid sun and tanning beds for two weeks before and after tattooing. Heavily sun-exposed skin loses its natural elasticity, which can result in poorer tattoo quality. The new skin that grows over the tattoo during healing is very delicate and thin, and burns quickly and easily in the sun, causing the tattoo to fade.
For the first two weeks after tattooing, cover the tattoo with clothing if possible. After two weeks, protect it with SPF50 or higher, and continue to apply sunscreen every summer to preserve the color intensity.
PREGNANCY
We do not tattoo pregnant or breastfeeding women because tattooing creates a superficial wound and introduces foreign pigment into the dermis. Although the risk of serious complications is very low, tattooing weakens the immune system, which is extremely important during this sensitive and turbulent period – for both mother and child.
Pregnant women with existing tattoos on the stomach, breasts, buttocks, lower back, inner upper arm, or thighs – during pregnancy, pay extra attention to skin stretching in these areas, as the appearance of stretch marks may damage the tattoo. You can tattoo over stretch marks, but just like with scars, the lines will appear uneven and ink blowouts are possible. Potential removal of stretch marks does not guarantee that the tattoo will regain its original appearance.
SWEAT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
During the first two weeks after tattooing, try to reduce physical activity so that sweat does not irritate the fresh tattoo. If it is a small tattoo in an area where we don’t sweat much (e.g. wrist), physical activity will not be a problem with regular aftercare. However, if it is a larger tattoo and/or placed on areas such as the chest, stomach, or inner upper arm, you should avoid heavy sweating or rinse the tattoo more frequently with cold water.
Your tattoo won’t be harmed if you sweat a little while running for the bus on a sunny day, but if three days after tattooing you spend 2-3 hours at the gym, it could negatively affect healing. Keep in mind that air does not reach the wound under the protective wrap. If you sweat heavily, immediately remove the wrap, wash the tattoo, and leave it exposed to air without contact with fabric.
