Tattoo Aftercare: What’s Best and When?
A tattoo is more than ink on skin. It is a story that becomes part of you. How you care for it in the first weeks determines how it heals, how bright it stays, and how it looks years from now.
With our balm and below intuitive phase-by-phase
we keep things clear and simple.
Phase 1: First 48 hours (open wound)
The tattoo artist will wrap the tattoo to protect it. Follow their advice on when to remove the film. At this stage, your skin is still an open wound that needs hygiene and protection.
Wash the tattoo daily, gently with lukewarm water. Leave the scabs alone as they protect the healing process.
Use the Soft Healing Balm (tube) of Healing Balm (jar) to create a protective layer without touching the wound directly. It supports at this stage, provided you apply it with clean hands and only a very thin layer.
Use it also as a breathable “second skin” that allows showering and reduces friction in the first few days.
Phase 2: Day 2–7 (scabbing and peeling)
The surface begins to close, forming a natural barrier. Too much occlusion now can soften scabs and slow recovery. The goal shifts from sealing to light, breathable hydration. This is where a thin layer of balm works best.
The stick applies evenly, with shea butter and rice wax to soothe and protect without over-sealing. Use sparingly; just enough to keep the area supple, but not greasy.
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Let the scabs stay in place as long as possible. |
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Phase 3: Week 2 onward (settled skin)
Any of the My Kinda item (stick, tube or jar) are perfect for this phase. Choose the one that fits your lifestyle.
Apply the balm consistency and re-apply when it feels dry or tight.
Care checklist
A tattoo is a skin wound. Normal reactions include some pain, light bleeding, redness or swelling, and scabs that may itch.
- Leave the tattoo untouched for the first few hours.
- Remove the film gently if it sticks; loosen with lukewarm water.
- Wash once daily with mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Pat dry, avoid rubbing.
- Let the scabs fall off naturally.
- Apply a thin layer of balm two to four times a day for 10–15 days, or whenever skin feels dry.
- See a doctor if swelling, redness, or heat persists.
Avoid:
Scratching or picking • Swimming or soaking • Direct sunlight • Tight clothing on the tattoo • Heavy sweating until healed • Cleaning with alcohol.
Existing tattoos: keeping them fresh
A tattoo looks its best when the skin is nourished.
Shea butter smooths and softens.
Shea oil brings a natural radiance.
Rice wax adds a protective shield that helps colours stand out.
Always use a broad-spectrum of at least SPF 30+ on tattoos. UV light breaks down pigments, and colours fade faster. Mineral sunscreens with zinc or titanium oxide are gentler for sensitive skin.
Apply only once the skin is fully closed, usually after three to four weeks.
No product can bring back faded ink, but consistent hydration prevents dullness and supports the skin for years to come.
And unlike single-purpose tattoo products, My Kinda Balm is multifunctional. Beyond tattoo care, you can use it for more than ten different needs.
One simple product, many uses.
Hygiene FAQs
Is a stick unhygienic? Once the skin has closed, no. In fact, a stick is often more hygienic, since nothing touches the skin directly.
Do I need tattoo-specific creams? What matters most is that the formula is fragrance & alcohol-free, hydrating, and applied in a thin layer. A multifunctional balm, like My Kinda, does the job without extra products.