Dark Tattoos Sweden AB | Reg. No. 559256-8025 | Alidebergsgatan 10, 506 31 Borås

1. The First Few Hours

Always keep your hands clean when touching your new tattoo! Leave the protective film on for 2–3 days. Remove it gently, then wash with antibacterial soap/shampoo or fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Dry with clean paper towel or let it air dry — never use a towel (it can harbour large amounts of bacteria).

2. The Healing Process

Day 1–3

Redness, swelling and tenderness are normal.

Day 3–7

The skin peels and itches — the scabs must not be picked.

Week 2–4

The flaking stops, and the colours may look temporarily faded.

Surface healing takes 2–4 weeks; the deeper layers of skin aren't fully restored until 2–3 months. Hand poke tattoos often heal faster but require the same aftercare.

3. Daily Care

Cleaning

Wash 1–2 times a day with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Use clean hands, never a washcloth. Dry gently with clean paper towel.

Moisturising

Apply a thin layer of tattoo aftercare ointment recommended by your tattoo artist — Bepanthen also works well — 2–3 times a day. A thin layer is enough — the skin needs to be able to breathe.

Avoid

Scratching or picking at scabs.
Direct sunlight (use SPF 50+ once the tattoo has healed).
Swimming in the sea, lakes, pools or hot tubs for the first 3–4 weeks — showering is fine.
Tight clothing against the tattoo.
Makeup, perfume and skincare products directly on the tattoo.
Saunas and steam baths for the first 2–3 weeks.

4. Special Advice by Body Zone

Hands and Fingers

The skin renews quickly and is exposed to friction. Extra moisturising is needed; a touch-up may be required.

Feet and Lower Legs

Avoid tight shoes and socks. Keep the leg slightly elevated if swelling occurs.

Inner Elbow and Knee

Areas that bend — avoid strenuous movement for the first few days. Extra moisturising is needed.

Stomach and Ribs

Avoid tight trousers and belts. Be thorough about reaching the entire tattooed area when cleaning.

Neck and Head

Thin, sensitive skin. Keep hair away from the area. Avoid washing your hair directly over the tattoo for the first few days.

Back and Shoulder Blades

Ask someone to help with cleaning and applying ointment. Avoid backpacks and bra straps rubbing against the tattoo.

5. Sun Protection and Long-Term Care

Sun exposure fades pigment. Always use SPF 50+ on tattoos that are exposed to sunlight, even in overcast weather. Regular moisturising with fragrance-free products keeps the skin supple and the pigment vibrant.

6. Touch-Up Included

A free touch-up is included within 12 months, provided the aftercare instructions have been followed. Uneven pigmentation and minor gaps that appear during healing are corrected at the touch-up appointment. This is carried out no earlier than 4 weeks after the treatment — feel free to book a time in the booking system for whichever city you'd like to visit.

7. Warning Signs – Contact Us

Increasing redness and warmth spreading beyond the tattooed area after day 3.
Yellow, green or foul-smelling discharge — a sign of infection.
Fever or nausea in connection with the tattoo.
Raised rashes or intense itching — may indicate an allergic reaction to the pigment.
Allergic reaction to the protective film — some customers develop an allergic reaction to the adhesive in the protective film. If the skin turns red across the entire area under the film, remove the film and clean and apply ointment as instructed above.
Fluid forming under the film — those who sweat heavily or exercise may get fluid under the film. If this happens, remove the film. Tattoos, like all other wounds, heal poorly in moisture. Take care of your new tattoo as instructed above.

Note: Normal redness and tenderness in the first few days should not be mistaken for infection. Contact us if you're unsure.

Limitation of liability. The studio is not responsible for results caused by failure to follow the aftercare instructions, or by the customer's skin type or individual healing ability. These instructions do not replace medical advice. If you suspect an infection or allergic reaction, seek medical care.

Aftercare Instructions – Tattoo & Hand Poke