Caring for Your Tattoos
At Colour Core Tattoos, we believe every tattoo is more than just ink it’s a permanent piece of art and part of your story. To keep your tattoo bold, vibrant, and beautiful for years, proper aftercare is essential. That’s why we’ve created our own Colour Core Tattoo Aftercare product, designed to protect, nourish, and heal your skin the right way.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your tattoo heals perfectly:
- 1. Bandage Care
Your artist will carefully bandage your tattoo once it’s complete. This bandage protects your skin from dust, bacteria, and friction in the first few hours — when your tattoo is at its most sensitive.
- Keep the bandage on for the exact time your artist recommends.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
- If someone else helps you clean your tattoo, they must wear gloves to prevent infection.
Think of this step as giving your tattoo a safe “shield” until your skin is ready to breathe.
- 2. First Cleaning
Once it’s time to remove the bandage, the very first wash is crucial.
- Use only mild antibacterial liquid soap (such as Dettol or Savlon liquid soap). Avoid Dettol liquid solution, as it’s too harsh on the skin.
- Gently wash your tattoo with normal temperature water for at least 5 minutes, using only your clean hands.
- Do not scrub — let the water and soap do the work.
The cleanliness of your tattoo in these first few washes will directly influence how smoothly it heals.
- 3. Drying the Tattoo
After washing, never rub your tattoo with a towel. Towels may harbor bacteria and rough fibers that can damage healing skin.
- Instead, gently pat dry with clean tissue paper.
- Let the tattoo breathe by keeping it exposed to the air for at least 5 minutes.
- Avoid applying any lotion, cream, or ointment for the first 48 hours. This allows the skin to settle naturally.
- 4. Hydration Matters
After the initial two days, your tattoo will need regular hydration to prevent dryness and cracking.
- From Day 3 onwards, apply the aftercare lotion recommended by your artist. At Colour COre Tattoos, we provide our in-house aftercare product — specially formulated to nourish and protect tattoos during healing.
- Apply a thin layer of lotion at least 3 times daily, or whenever your tattoo feels dry.
- Do not over-apply, as heavy layers can clog pores.
Moisturizing is essential to keep the tattooed skin flexible and reduce itching.
- 5. Your Daily Routine
Caring for your tattoo is part of your daily hygiene.
- Rinse your tattoo gently with water once a day.
- Skip soap directly on the tattoo for the first 10–12 days (except for the first cleaning).
- Share updates with your tattoo artist every 2–3 days so they can guide you through the healing progress.
- 6. Resist the Urge
Itching, peeling, and scabbing are normal parts of the healing process — but how you handle them makes all the difference.
- Do not pick at scabs. They will fall off naturally when the skin is ready.
- Avoid scratching, rubbing, or wearing tight clothing that may stick to or irritate the tattoo.
- Remember: picking at scabs can pull out ink and leave scars.
Patience here ensures your tattoo heals evenly.
- 7. Shield from the Sun
Your tattoo is extremely vulnerable to sunlight in the early stages.
- For the first 2 months, avoid applying sunscreen or petroleum jelly directly on your tattoo.
- Keep the tattooed area covered with loose, breathable clothing whenever you’re outdoors.
Sun exposure during healing can fade colors and damage the skin, so protection is a must.
- 8. Pause on Swimming
Water bodies such as pools, lakes, or even bathtubs can expose your tattoo to bacteria and chemicals that cause infection.
- Avoid swimming and long baths for at least 2–3 weeks.
- Quick showers are fine, as long as you don’t soak the tattoo.
- 9. Food Note
Some foods may slow down healing or irritate the body.
- Avoid sour foods like tamarind, vinegar-based dishes, or citrus-heavy meals for 3–4 days after getting tattooed.
Keeping your diet simple during this time helps your body focus on recovery.
- 10. Long-Term Care
Healing doesn’t stop after the scabs are gone — keeping your tattoo fresh is a lifelong habit.
- Once fully healed, moisturize daily to maintain brightness and clarity.
- Shaving over the tattoo is safe after a month, but avoid waxing as it can damage the skin and pigment.
- Protect your tattoo from harsh sun exposure with sunscreen once it’s fully healed (after 2 months).
- Our Aftercare Promise
We at Colour Core Tattoos don’t just give you a tattoo — we guide you through the healing journey. That’s why we offer our in-house aftercare product, designed to keep your tattoo safe, hydrated, and vibrant. We recommend it to all our clients because we know it’s the best care your skin deserves.
Remember: Your tattoo will only be as beautiful as the care you give it. Trust your artist, follow these steps patiently, and let your new tattoo become a proud part of your story.