How to Properly Take Care of Your Tattoo After Getting Inked

Just got your bold, personal tattoo at MaxDuong Tattoo?The first few days of proper aftercare will determine the quality and longevity of the artwork on your body. Discover professional tattoo aftercare tips backed by nearly 10 years of experience at MaxDuong Tattoo.

Why Is Tattoo Aftercare So Important?

A tattoo is essentially an open wound created by needles that puncture the epidermis and deposit ink into the dermis layer. The most important steps right after tattooing are cleaning the area, applying an antibacterial ointment or Vaseline, and covering it with a sterile bandage to prevent infection.

With over 2,500 tattoos done each year, MaxDuong Tattoo has learned that improper care can lead to:

• Serious infection – open skin is vulnerable to bacteria

• Faded ink and loss of detail – compromising the aesthetics

• Unwanted scarring – distorting the original artwork

• Extended healing time – causing more pain and discomfort

What to Prepare for Tattoo Aftercare

Essentials Provided by MaxDuong Tattoo Studio:

• Medical-grade protective film (Tegaderm/Saniderm)

• Detailed aftercare instructions

• Direct consultation with your tattoo artist

Items to Prepare at Home:

• Fragrance-free, antibacterial soap (pH-balanced)

• Alcohol- and fragrance-free moisturizer
  Clean, soft towels

• Vaseline or antibacterial ointment (as recommended)

Hygiene Rules You Must Follow

Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo – the #1 rule we emphasize to every client at MaxDuong Tattoo.

Tattoo Aftercare Instructions by Healing Stage

Stage 1: Immediately After Tattooing (0–72 hours)

What Happens:

Right after the session, your artist will apply a medical-grade protective film (also known as second skin) to shield the tattoo from dirt, bacteria, and friction.

• The area might feel slightly swollen, warm, or red

• Some clear fluid (plasma, excess ink) may leak out

Care Instructions:

• Keep the film on for 24–72 hours, depending on fluid levels and tattoo location

• Avoid strenuous activities; do not touch the area under the film

• If the film leaks excessively, feels itchy or painful, or starts to peel off, remove it and switch to the cleaning routine

Note from MaxDuong Tattoo: The second skin is water-resistant, but direct contact with water should be avoided during the first 72 hours to ensure proper healing.

Stage 2: After Removing the Film (from 72 hours onward)

What Happens:

• The skin may still be a little red and dry

• It might feel itchy or like a mild sunburn
  
  

Care Instructions:

• Gently wash with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap

• Pat dry with a clean towel or let air dry naturally

• Apply a thin layer of unscented, alcohol-free moisturizer 2–3 times per day

• Avoid scratching or picking at any scabs that form

Things You Should Absolutely Avoid

For the first 2 weeks:

• No swimming (pool, sea, lake)

• No soaking in baths

• No saunas or steam rooms

• No intense workouts

• No tight clothing over the tattoo

Throughout the healing process:

• No scratching or peeling scabs

• No direct sunlight on the tattoo

• No alcohol-based products or perfumes

• No improvising your own aftercare methods

Warning Signs – When to See a Doctor

Contact MaxDuong Tattoo or a medical professional immediately if you experience:

• Spreading redness beyond the tattoo

• Increasing sharp pain after 5–7 days

• Pus with a foul smell

• Fever over 101.3°F (38.5°C)

• Red streaks radiating from the tattoo

📞 MaxDuong Tattoo offers 24/7 emergency support via hotline: +84 934 823 837

Nutrition to Support Tattoo Healing

Recommended foods:

• High-quality protein: lean meats, fish, eggs, beans

• Vitamin C: oranges, lemons, guava, green vegetables

• Zinc: oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds

• Water: at least 2 liters per day

Avoid:

• Alcohol (slows down healing)

• Spicy food (can cause inflammation)

• Excess sugar (weakens the immune system)

Long-Term Tattoo Care to Keep It Looking Sharp

Protect against UV rays

Never expose your tattoo to direct sunlight. UV rays fade colors. Use SPF 30–45 sunscreen once the tattoo has fully healed.

Moisturize regularly

• Use a high-quality, unscented moisturizer.

• Avoid products with bleaching agents.

• Light massage can help improve circulation.

Checkups

• Monitor your tattoo’s color and sharpness.

• Contact MaxDuong Tattoo for a free touch-up within 1–3 months if needed.

What Makes MaxDuong Tattoo Different?

Quality Commitment

• Detailed aftercare instructions from experienced artists

• 24/7 support during healing

• Guaranteed quality assurance

• Free tattoo care consultations

International Expertise

With over 90% international clients, MaxDuong Tattoo understands various skin types and global aftercare standards, applying only the highest level of hygiene and care.

Professional Environment

Two studio locations in Da Nang are fully equipped with medical-grade tools to ensure a sterile and comfortable tattooing and consultation experience.

FAQ – Tattoo Aftercare Questions We Get All the Time

How long does it take for a tattoo to fully heal?

The outer skin usually heals in 2–3 weeks, but deeper layers can take 3–4 months. Your tattoo will show its true color and detail after around 3 months.

Can I exercise after getting a tattoo?

Avoid heavy sweating for the first 2 weeks. After that, you can resume light workouts—but keep the area clean after exercising.

When can I go swimming?

Only swim after all scabs have fallen off (around 3–4 weeks), and the tattoo is fully healed.

Is it normal for my tattoo to itch?

Yes, itching is a normal part of healing. But if accompanied by redness, swelling, or heat, get it checked immediately.

MaxDuong Studio – Tattoo & Piercing

📍 Address: 205–207 Le Quang Dao, Bac My An, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang
📞 Hotline: +84 934 823 837
🌐 Website: maxduongtattoo.com
📸 Instagram: @maxduong_tattoo