Learn From Tattoo Care Experts
Discover practical guides, aftercare routines, ingredient breakdowns, and professional recommendations designed to help you protect, heal, and maintain your tattoos with confidence.
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Aftercare Guide - Sorry Mom
THE FIRST 2 DAYS Approximately 2-3 hours after your tattoo-session, you must remove the foil (unless your tattooist has recommended otherwise).Wash the tattoo gently but thoroughly using Sorry Mom Foam Soap. This way you wash off surplus ink, fluid and blood. Dip your tattoo dry with a paper towel or a clean towel. Apply a thin layer of Sorry Mom Tattoo Balm on the tattooed area. It is extremely important not to use too much balm, as the tattoo must be able to breathe. You have applied just enough, if you are unable to see the balm after it has been applied. When you are going to bed, you can apply a new coat of foil to your tattoo. This is particularly recommended if you sleep in white linen. Just remember to lubricate your tattoo before. Wash, dry and lubricate with each foil change. THE NEXT 10 DAYS Your tattoo should be kept moist, so that there is no ulceration. If you get a wound, there is a risk that the color will fall off with the wound. Therefore, it is important, that your tattoo is kept moist all the time.In some cases, a crust is formed which during the treatment period falls off. This is a natural process.During this period, the wash-dry-apply is called for about 3-5 times a day.Your tattoo still needs to be washed gently but thoroughly, with Sorry Mom Foam Soap – and it should still be dipped dry with a kitchen towel or a clean towel.Then apply a thin coat of Sorry Mom Tattoo Balm on the tattooed area. It is normal to experience itching during this period, but be aware that you do not itch or peel in the tattoo as this may damage the colors. It is extremely important that your tattoo is not exposed to sun / solar, chlorine and saltwater until your tattoo is healed and preferably longer. SUBSEQUENT AND CONTINUED CARE Just as you look after your body and your skin, you also need to take good care of your tattoo. Among other things, it also involves the use of sunscreen. The rays of the sun are harmful to the skin – and they make the colors of your tattoo fade if you don’t use sunscreen. We highly recommend Sorry Moms Sunscreen SPF 30. It protects your tattoo (and the rest of the body) from the sun, is water resistant and rich in beta-carotene and vitamin E.Lubricate your tattoo regularly with lotion. If you have very dry skin, your tattoo will look less sharp and “whitish”. We recommend using Sorry Mom Tattoo Lotion when you need it. The lotion is rich in vitamin E and keeps colors and lines sharper for longer. Should you experience extreme redness, itching and pimples in the tattooed area, stop using the cream and contact your tattoo artist. You are also welcome to contact us, if you have any questions. We are happy to help on mail and Facebook.Good luck with your new tattoo!
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Can You Put Sunscreen on a New Tattoo? - Sorry Mom
One of the first thoughts that come in mind when getting a new tattoo is, “Hm, I wonder if I should be putting sunscreen on it?” Spring is approaching and is show-off time. The last thing you want is for your new piece of art to become infected, fade prematurely, or for your skin to get more irritated than it already was. So, can you put sunscreen on a new tattoo? It's not recommended to put sunscreen on a new tattoo until it’s completely healed, which could take 4-6 weeks. Sunscreen can pose many problems for fresh ink, all the way from slight skin irritation to harmful infections and ink fade. After the healing period it is strongly recommended to use sunscreen on our tattoos when exposed to sunlight Keep reading to find out all about the dangers of using sunscreen on a tattoo wrongly, and how to avoid them. Why Should I Avoid Putting Sunscreen on a New Tattoo? Putting sunscreen on a new tattoo puts your skin at risk of infection, irritation, and keeps your skin from healing properly. You wouldn’t intentionally put sunscreen on an open cut, so don’t put it on a new tattoo. Long-term damage can permanently alter or ruin your ink’s look, which would be a massive bummer after making the investment. The healing stage is crucial to make sure it lasts forever. When Can You Put Sunscreen on a New Tattoo? After your tattoo is completely healed (4-6 weeks), it is recommendable the use of sunscreen when the tattooed area is exposed to the sun. 3 Things You Should Know About Tattoos & Sunscreen: #1 Generic sunscreens are not designed for tattoo care. It’s very important to choose the right sunscreen type when our tattoo is completely healed, as many of the options out there can be full of harsh chemicals to our skin. These harmful chemicals can cause some significant skin irritation to sensitive areas (you know, like a new tattoo). Think rashes, itchiness, and possible ink fading. New tattoos are already itchy and irritated enough; the last thing we want is to make it worse. TIP: Use sunscreens that are specifically designed for it, as they don’t contain harsh chemicals that will affect your fresh tattoo - and skin -. #2 Your skin needs oxygen Your skin desperately needs oxygen to heal and regenerate. After all, a tattoo is a literal flesh wound. Therefore, it's important to stay away from sunscreens until your tattoo is healed. Sunscreens are notoriously thick creams that can suffocate the wound and keep it from getting the air it needs. Traditional sunscreens are sticky and can also pick up and hold on to small dirt particles. These little can damage your skin and the new tattoo with tiny cuts and scrapes. Hello, infection. By sitting as a barrier on the skin, sunscreen can cause the perfect little environment for bacteria to breed. Gross, right? #3. Most generic sunscreens contain added color and fragrance - pick the right one. Yet another way sunscreen can cause irritation to the skin surrounding a new tattoo. Generic sunscreens often contain artificial fragrances and color to make them more appealing, but it just spells bad news for your new ink. Try to avoid those, and find sunscreens specifically designed for tattoos. Many people are sensitive to fragrances and dyes anyway, so adding a new tattoo to the mix only makes it worse. What Should You Do Instead? Until your tattoo is completely healed, we recommend keeping it out of the sun altogether. - Use loose clothing For those long two or three weeks of scabbing and peeling, make sure you cover the area with a loose layer of clothing. Nothing too tight, as you still want it to be able to breathe. Remember that oxygen thing we talked about? - Get inked in colder months If you live in warm areas, it might be a good idea getting your new ink during the colder months, and you’ll be good to go by summertime. You already have to avoid water anyway; why make summer even more miserable by having to avoid the sun, too? Either way, it is vital to keep your new tattoo protected and out of the sun while it’s healing. Unless you want permanent damage to your ink and to deal with some crazy itchy skin. No? That’s what we thought. Can I Put Sunscreen On A Healed Tattoo? Once your tattoo is completely healed (4-6 weeks), you should go back to wearing a sunscreen whenever your skin is exposed to sunlight. The sun and our tattoos don't go well together. Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before heading out, and make sure to reapply frequently while in the sun to keep your healed ink protected. TIP: Use sunscreen that is an SPF of 30 or above and waterproof to make sure you don’t sweat or swim it off. Why is it So Important to Protect My New tattoo From the Sun? UVA and UVB rays are not only harmful to the skin in general but can also cause some significant damage to your beloved tattoos. Sun damage can cause ink fading, blisters, and a longer healing time. None of which sounds like a fun time. It’s not just new tattoos, either. Old tattoos are also susceptible to fading and sunburning faster when exposed to the sun for an extended period of time. What Do I Do if My New Tattoo Gets Sunburned? If you didn’t heed the warning and went out into the sun unprotected and ended up with a nasty burn on your brand new tattoo, you can’t say we didn’t try to warn you. If your new tattoo gets sunburned, you’ll need to go back to your artist for a touch up if the sunburn was bad enough and caused any premature damage or ink fading. If there's any signs of infection, don’t be afraid to call or pay a visit to your doctor if you think something may be wrong. All of this can be avoided by simply keeping your new tattoo safe and shaded from the sun. Sunburns can prolong the healing process, so be prepared to keep up your aftercare instructions for longer than initially anticipated. Final Thoughts The bottom line of this is that sunscreen is not good for NEW & HEALING tattoos. Avoid. 0/10 would recommend. Until your tattoo is completely healed, you should avoid sunscreen and sun exposure altogether. We know it’s annoying, but it’s what’s best for your skin. BUT, once the tattoo is completely head, we MUST use sunscreen. We want to ensure that those nice tattoos will shine and our skin will be protected. After all, getting a tattoo, though a safe cosmetic procedure, causes trauma to the skin. You want to protect it during this fragile healing stage. Once it has completely scabbed, peeled, and no longer has a sheen to it, you are safe to enjoy the sun again while wearing an SPF. We hope you found this article helpful in your quest for knowledge of tattoo aftercare! Remember to follow all of the instructions your artist gave you and don’t lather on the sunscreen. See you in the next one!
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Professional Tattoo Aftercare Instructions: Step by Step Guide – Sorry Mom
Now that you’ve got an awesome, brand new tattoo, what comes next? Taking good care of it for the years to come. You might be surprised to know that aftercare is the most important part of getting a tattoo. Although a tattoo is just a cosmetic procedure, its effects go much deeper than your skin. For this reason, aftercare is essential not only for keeping your tattoo looking fabulous, but also for your overall health. How fast your tattoo heals depends on your age, health, hygiene, and where on your body you get it. There is a lot of misleading information out there about tattoos and aftercare, so we’ll go through what is true and false. Navigating the steps of tattoo aftercare doesn’t have to be overwhelming and committing to your artist’s instructions will ensure your tattoo looks fantastic for years to come. Follow this complete tattoo aftercare guide for a stunning, healthy tattoo. 5 Important Tips Before Getting a Tattoo Sleep well. No alcohol/drugs before or - especially - during the session. Eat well. Bring food if it’s going to be a long session. Stay hydrated. Tattoo Aftercare Instructions (Day by Day) Your tattoo artist will provide you with exact instructions about how to care for your tattoo. They are the experts, and you should always listen to them when it comes to caring for your new tattoo. These tattoo aftercare instructions are for your own good and will keep your new piece of art clean and looking radiant. Here are the basics, day-by-day tattoo aftercare instructions: Day 1 3-4 hours after leaving the tattoo shop, gently remove the bandage your tattoo artist put on. Your new tattoo needs to breathe. If you are using cling film -which we don't recommend-, have it on 3-4h after getting the tattoo. Before going to sleep, take it off and put a new one after washing it properly. If your artist used specialized tattoo film, keep it on for the first 24h. Read also: Protective tattoo film vs cling film Remember to make sure the wrap is well placed, to avoid it being exposed on your sleep. When changing bandages, wash gently only with Sorry Mom Foam Soap or lukewarm water and neutral soap. The main reason some artists might recommend you keep the initial bandage on for the first night is to prevent rubbing or leaking. If you plan to have your tattoo covered, just be sure that you use tattoo film that is breathable. TIP 1: Use clean sheets & towels when sleepingUse clean old sheets you don’t care much about in case you move on your sleep and stain them. For your health and for the sheet’s sake! Read also: How to Sleep With a New Tattoo TIP 2: Don't dry your tattoo with a towel -if you do, don't share it!-It’s also good practice not to dry your tattoo with a shared towel. It's good practice to pat your tattoo dry with kitchen paper. But if you opt for a regular towel, please use only one. The first 2-3 days the tattooed area should be treated like an open wound, so you have to be extra careful to avoid infection. Day 2 If using a plastic bandage, remove it and don't use it anymore. At this point, you can start with the washing and moisturizing routine. If using protective tattoo film: remove the bandage, clean the area, apply a thin layer of moisturizer and put a new layer of protective film on for the next 2-3 days. WASHING & MOISTURIZING ROUTINE: wash 2-3 times a day, and apply moisturizer on the tattooed area when it's completely dry. Day 3 Wash the tattoo with Sorry Mom Foam Soap or lukewarm water and neutral soap 2-3 times a day - depending on your skin. After your tattoo is clean and dry, moisturize it with regenerative balm. Some people heal faster, and their skin dries rapidly; in that case, you can apply the balm more often. We recommend balm with regenerative, protective, and anti-bacterial qualities, and also soothes itchy skin. TIP: When applying ointment, don’t use excessive amounts.A thin, consistent layer should be enough. Rub it in so that it isn’t clumped on; you should have a very thin, even layer on your tattoo. Example of thin, consistent layer: Example of too much ointment: Gently wipe off any excess with kitchen paper. Days 4 to 15 Repeat the same washing routine as the days before. Keep applying balm after washing the tattooed area. NOTE: Bigger tattoos might require longer to heal, therefore increasing the washing routine one week more is recommended. REMEMBER: Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo. You should treat it like an It’s an open wound for the first two days, susceptible to all sorts of germs and bacteria, so you should always practice good hygiene. Use cold to lukewarm water when washing your tattoo. Hot water could potentially harm the tattooed area. Use only your hands to wash your tattoo. Towels, washcloths, or loofahs are too harsh and will exfoliate your raw skin. Do not scrub. If you are going to dry your tattoo, make sure you use kitchen/towel paper. Use one balm for one tattoo, so there won't be crossed infection between different tattoos. Read also: Infected tattoos & how to avoid them IMPORTANT: Your tattoo is not safe from germs or bacteria until after it’s scabbed and peeled, and even then, it is still important that you keep up with aftercare. Things You Need to Know About Tattoo Aftercare - Your tattoo might be swollen When you first remove the bandage your tattoo artist put on, you should expect your new tattoo to look swollen, red, bloody, and sometimes bruised. These are normal, temporary, bodily reactions to trauma, so don’t worry! Tattoo machines pierce the skin up to 3,000 times per minute, so yes, a little bit of blood and swelling should be expected. - Expect the area to get a bit messy Your new tattoo will ooze all sorts of fluids the first few days including blood, clear plasma, lymphatic fluid, and ink. These are signs your body recognizes the trauma, and is sending cells to repair it. Your tattoo might not look so great the first few days, but you’ll have to trust the process. - Expect scabbing and itching Expect scabbing, itching, and flaking. Scabs are a protective layer that covers a wound on your skin, aka, the tattoo. It keeps out debris, bacteria, and germs. If scabs are forming, that’s a sign that your tattoo is healing properly and your body is doing what it can to repair itself. The downside to this protective layer is that it may itch a bit, but this should only last a few days. Read also: How long do tattoos itch? - You might feel under-the-weather Your body may feel under-the-weather for a couple days, especially if you got a bigger tattoo. You might even feel like you’ve got a cold, which is surprisingly normal. The stress that you’ve put your body through can affect your immune system, and increase your chances of getting sick, but in a few days you should be feeling good as new! Keep in mind, the more often you get tattooed, the easier the process will be. Stages of Tattoo Healing Everyone’s healing process looks a little different, depending on their age, hygiene, and tattoo placement. Some places like your ribcage, where there isn’t a lot of fat or muscle, might take longer to heal than say, a bicep. Either way, everyone goes through similar healing processes. This is an outline of a typical tattoo healing process: Days 1-6: Your fresh tattoo will look red, swollen, and will still be oozing blood, plasma, lymphatic fluid, and ink. This is the messiest time during the healing process, but the oozing should subside after a few days. Scabs will begin to form over your tattoo. Days 7-14: The scabs might become itchy, and your skin will start to flake off. This is one of the most important parts of the healing process, because scabs and dead skin falling off will reveal new, healthier skin underneath. Your tattoo will appear dry and dull during this time. Keep it moisturized. Days 15-30: After the scabs and dead skin have flaked off, your tattoo is now fully healed. You shouldn’t experience any more swelling, bleeding, or ink leaching. Don’t fret if your tattoo still doesn’t look very crisp and bright; the deeper layers of your skin still need to repair themselves, which is why aftercare is still important even after your tattoo is healed. Read also: Dry healing could potentially ruin your tattoo. Help Your Tattoo Heal With These Tips Here are some tattoo tips you can follow to help your healing process along: Plasma that oozes from your new tattoo is what causes wounds to scab. Gently pat away wet plasma to keep it from forming big scabs that could dry out and crack. Use cold to lukewarm water to wash your tattoo. Water that is too hot can open up your pores and cause ink to leach out. If your skin is extra sensitive and hurts to pat dry after washing, you can use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry your tattoo instead. Use old clean bed sheets that you don’t care about the first few nights after getting your tattoo. Your new tattoo will probably leak blood and ink, and stain your sheets. Make sure your tattoo is completely dry before you apply ointment. If not, it could trap moisture between your skin and the ointment, causing scabs to swell or become gooey. If your tattoo is really itchy, you can apply a cold compress. It’ll take away the itchiness immediately, without having to scratch. This should only be done after your skin’s top layer has completely healed. Drink LOTS of water. Your tattoo only looks as good as your skin. The more you hydrate, the better, and more vivid your tattoo will look. Do NOT listen to the advice of friends or family. A lot of people might say they know ways to quicken your tattoo’s healing process, but always stick to your artist’s instructions. Tattoo Myths Busted Although tattoos are becoming more commonplace, there are still troubling myths out there. It’s important to identify what is fact and fiction when it comes to tattoos: “Donating blood with a tattoo is not allowed” FALSE - You CAN donate blood one year after being tattooed. “You can’t get an MRI with a tattoo” FALSE - Modern ink no longer has high levels of metals that used to react in MRIs. “Applying more ointment makes a tattoo heal faster” FALSE - Applying more ointment can actually hurt the healing process because your skin won’t breathe properly. “Getting in a chlorinated pool fades your new tattoo” FALSE - Chlorine cannot cause the colors to leak or fade, because the ink is not in the top layers of your skin. The issue with chlorinated pools is that they expose your new tattoo to bacteria and germs that could cause infection. Read also: 5 Main causes of tattoo fading “Drinking alcohol or taking aspirin before a tattoo will help with the pain” FALSE - These will thin your blood and cause even more bleeding while being tattooed. “The tattooing process ends when your artist finishes the tattoo” FALSE - Aftercare is one of the most important parts of getting a tattoo. Skipping steps can cause the tattoo to lose color, shape, or get infected. “Tattoos will turn green and blue when you’re old” FALSE - This used to be the case because of the quality of ink that was used decades ago. Now, inks are much more high-quality and durable. It’s still important to get touch-ups, though. What NOT to Do After Getting a Tattoo There are many ways that tattoo healing can go wrong, and it could result in an infection or even a ruined tattoo. You should avoid the following to maintain a healthy, fabulous-looking tattoo: Do NOT... Scratch, peel, pick, rub your tattoo Let your tattooed skin dry out Soak in a hot tub or go swimming Expose your tattoo to the sun for the first 2-3 weeks Wear tight clothing over your new tattoo, like bra straps or waistbands Exercise the first few days Shave on or near your new tattoo Wait to see a doctor. If your tattoo feels or looks infected, see a doctor ASAP Signs of Infection Differentiating what is normal tattoo healing versus what you should seek medical attention for can be tricky. Lucky for us, infections from tattoos are very rare these days, with only 0.5-6% of tattooed adults experiencing one. However, they are still a real possibility. If you experience the following, seek medical attention and contact your tattoo artist. Here is a list of things that are NOT normal: Intense pain Worsening swelling Pus draining Firm bumps (granulomas) Excessive bleeding Photosensitivity (sunlight is painful) Fever, chills, sweats How to Avoid Infection To avoid the risk of infection from bacteria or a virus, it starts with picking the right tattoo shop. Only trust places that are fully licensed, hygienic, and experienced. Do-it-yourself kits, stick and poke tattoos, or improper aftercare products could all cause serious infections, especially if they’re not done in the safety of a hygienic facility. Cheaper is not always better, and sometimes paying a few extra bucks can make a big difference. If you have a preexisting condition like eczema, diabetes, HIV, Hepatitis, or Hemophilia, you should disclose this information to your tattoo artist. These conditions could increase your risk of complications or infection. This isn’t to say the tattoo artist will turn you away, but they’ll need to take extra safety precautions when tattooing you. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to assessing the risks of getting a tattoo and avoiding infection. If you’re on medications like Accutane or blood thinners, consult with a doctor beforehand. Final thoughts Tattoo aftercare can seem daunting and overwhelming at first, but if you can sit through the pain of a tattoo, you can pretty much conquer anything. Follow your tattoo artist’s instructions diligently, and don’t skip on washing or moisturizing. Staying committed to your tattoo aftercare is essential for maintaining a healthy, spectacular-looking tattoo. Follow this step-by-step guide and tips, and you’ll be healed and showing off your fresh ink in no time!
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The people behind Sorry Mom.
All are more or less tattooed but 100% passionate about helping fellow tattoo artists and tattoo enthusiasts like ourselves
Rasmus Cort
Co-Founder
Hawaro Juul Petersen
Co-Founder
Myke Chambers
Co-founder
Martin Rolfsted
Head of Sales
Madalin Stancu
Head of Creatives