TATTOO AFTERCARE
Tattoo Aftercare: How to Care for Your New Tattoo
The tattoo is done. The care begins.
Care for the skin that carries your tattoo.
A new tattoo temporarily disrupts the skin’s protective barrier. Good tattoo aftercare keeps the area clean, limits unnecessary irritation and gives your skin time to recover without interference.
The essentials are simple: follow your dressing instructions, wash gently, use very little recommended product and avoid soaking, direct sun, scratching and friction.
Every tattoo and every person heals differently. Your artist may give you instructions specific to the size, placement and style of your tattoo. Always follow those instructions where they differ from this general guide.
New Tattoo Aftercare: The Quick Guide
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Follow the dressing instructions given by your Palm Black artist.
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Always wash and dry your hands before touching your tattoo.
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Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
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Pat it dry with clean, single-use paper towel. Do not rub.
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Once the first 24 hours have passed and the tattoo is uncovered, apply a very thin layer of PALM BLACK TATTOO CARE / 01 HEALING BALM once daily.
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Do not scratch, pick, soak or expose the healing tattoo to direct sunlight.
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Once the surface is fully healed, switch to PALM BLACK TATTOO CARE / 02 TATTOO BODY BUTTER for ongoing skin conditioning.
Which Tattoo Dressing Do You Have?
Your Palm Black artist will tell you whether your tattoo has been covered with a standard dressing or a clear adhesive film commonly called Second Skin.
Only follow the instructions for the dressing you received.
Standard Tattoo Dressing
Leave the dressing on for at least eight hours, unless your artist gives you a different removal time.
When it is time to remove it:
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Wash and dry your hands.
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Remove the dressing slowly and gently.
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Wash the tattoo using lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free soap.
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Use only your clean fingertips or the palm of your hand. Do not use a sponge, facecloth, brush or exfoliating glove.
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Rinse away all soap.
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Pat the area dry with clean towel.
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Allow it to finish air-drying before applying clothing or aftercare product.
Never scrub a new tattoo.
Second Skin Tattoo Aftercare
Second Skin is a transparent adhesive film that protects a new tattoo while allowing you to see the area beneath it.
Leave the film in place for the period specified by your artist. Different film brands have different wear and replacement instructions, so there is no universal wear time that applies to every product.
A pocket of blood, plasma, clear fluid and excess ink can collect underneath the film. This can look concerning, but it is generally normal while the film remains completely sealed.
Remove Second Skin early if:
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Fluid begins leaking from beneath the film.
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The film tears or develops a hole.
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An edge lifts far enough to expose the tattoo.
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Water gets underneath the film.
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The surrounding skin develops significant itching, burning, redness or irritation.
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Your artist instructs you to remove it.
Once the seal has broken, the film is no longer protecting the tattoo effectively.
How to remove Second Skin
Remove the film slowly under lukewarm running water. Peel it back over itself, keeping it close and parallel to the skin. Do not pull it sharply upwards or rip it off.
After removal:
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Wash the tattoo gently with lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap.
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Pat it dry with a clean towel.
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Allow it to air-dry completely.
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Begin your open-healing aftercare routine.
Do not reapply Second Skin unless your Palm Black artist has specifically supplied another piece and instructed you to use it.
Do not apply Healing Balm beneath Second Skin.
How to Wash a New Tattoo
Wash your hands before every contact with the tattoo.
Use lukewarm – not hot – water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Gently move your clean fingertips or palm across the surface to remove dried fluid, excess ink and residue. There is no need to scrub or wash the tattoo for a fixed number of minutes.
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. The tattoo should be clean and dry before applying balm or allowing clothing to touch it.
Wash gently once or twice daily while the tattoo is healing, unless your artist gives you different instructions. Wash it again if it becomes visibly dirty or comes into contact with an unclean surface.
Avoid fragranced body washes, harsh antibacterial cleansers, exfoliants, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and household antiseptics unless a healthcare professional specifically instructs you to use them.
TATTOO CARE / 01
The tattoo is done. The care begins.
PALM BLACK TATTOO CARE / 01 HEALING BALM is intended for the initial tattoo aftercare stage.
Every Palm Black client receives a 5ml Healing Balm with their tattoo.
When to begin using Healing Balm
Begin after the first 24 hours, once the tattoo is clean, dry and no longer covered by a dressing.
If you are using Second Skin, begin only after the final film has been removed.
How to apply Healing Balm
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Wash and dry your hands.
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Make sure the tattoo is clean and completely dry.
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Take a very small amount of balm with a clean fingertip.
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Warm it lightly between your fingertips.
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Spread a very thin layer across the tattoo.
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Apply once daily until the tattoo has healed, or as directed by your artist.
The tattoo should not look heavily coated or feel greasy. Applying more product does not provide better care.
Do not share your balm, return used product to the container or touch the balm with unwashed hands.
Stop using the product and contact Palm Black if you develop persistent irritation. Seek medical advice if the reaction is severe or continues to worsen.
What Is Normal While a Tattoo Heals?
Healing varies according to tattoo size, placement, saturation, technique, your skin and your general health.
Most tattoos take approximately two to four weeks to appear healed at the surface. Larger or heavily saturated tattoos may take longer, and deeper layers of skin continue recovering after the surface looks settled.
The first few days
It can be normal for a new tattoo to be:
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Mildly red
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Slightly swollen
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Warm or tender
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Shiny
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Lightly weeping clear fluid, blood or excess ink
These symptoms should gradually improve rather than become more intense.
The following one to two weeks
As the surface settles, you may notice:
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Dryness
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Tightness
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Itching
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Light flaking
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Small scabs
Allow flakes and scabs to come away naturally. Do not scratch, peel or pick them.
When the tattoo appears healed
The surface should be closed and comfortable, with no:
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Open or raw areas
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Scabs
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Active flaking
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Weeping or discharge
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Persistent heat
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Significant redness
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Ongoing tenderness
Do not move to long-term body care solely because a certain number of days has passed. Use the condition of the skin as your guide.
What to Avoid After Getting a Tattoo
Do not soak it
You may shower, but do not submerge your tattoo in:
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Baths
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Swimming pools
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The sea
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Hot tubs
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Spas
Wait until the tattoo is completely healed.
A waterproof dressing does not make a new tattoo ready for swimming.
Keep it out of direct sun
Do not apply sunscreen to broken or actively healing skin unless a healthcare professional specifically recommends it. Keep a healing tattoo out of direct sunlight and cover it with clean, loose clothing when necessary.
Once fully healed, use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher whenever the tattoo will be exposed.
Do not scratch or pick
Itching and flaking can be part of normal healing. Scratching, peeling and picking can damage the recovering surface and affect the appearance of the tattoo.
Tap lightly around the area if necessary, keep fingernails away from it and apply only the very small amount of recommended balm.
Avoid friction
Wear clean, loose and breathable clothing. Avoid tight waistbands, bra straps, socks, shoes or other garments that continuously rub against the tattoo.
Take additional care with tattoos around joints and other areas that move frequently.
Avoid heavy sweating initially
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy sweating and movements that stretch or rub the tattoo for at least the first 24–48 hours.
When you return to training, keep the tattoo away from shared gym mats, benches and other high-contact surfaces. Consider the tattoo’s size and placement before resuming your usual routine.
Avoid unsuitable skincare
While the tattoo is healing, do not use:
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Exfoliating scrubs
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Retinoids
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Alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids
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Fragranced lotions
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Self-tanning products
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Shaving products
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Unapproved oils, creams or ointments
Do not shave or wax over the area until it is completely healed.
Tattoo Aftercare in Cape Town: Sun, Sea and Swimming
Cape Town’s sun and coastal lifestyle require extra patience during tattoo healing.
Do not swim in the ocean or a pool while your tattoo is healing, even if it feels dry or is covered with adhesive film. Sand, seawater, chlorine, prolonged moisture and friction can all irritate recovering skin.
Keep the tattoo out of direct sun during healing. Once fully healed, protect it with clothing or broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher.
Reapply sunscreen according to its directions, particularly after swimming, sweating or towelling off.
PALM BLACK TATTOO BODY BUTTER is a skin conditioner. It is not a sunscreen and does not provide UV protection.
Can You Exercise After Getting a Tattoo?
Avoid heavy sweating and strenuous exercise for at least the first 24–48 hours.
You may need a longer break if:
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The tattoo is large or heavily saturated.
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Clothing or equipment rubs against it.
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The tattoo is near a frequently moving joint.
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The activity stretches the tattooed area.
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The tattoo could touch shared or unclean surfaces.
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Exercise causes increased pain, swelling or weeping.
Return gradually and keep the tattoo clean. If an activity irritates the area, stop and give the skin more time.
Signs That Your Tattoo May Need Medical Attention
Mild redness, tenderness, swelling, itching and clear fluid can occur during normal healing. The important question is whether these symptoms are improving or becoming worse.
Seek medical advice if you experience:
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Redness that spreads or becomes darker
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Increasing heat or swelling
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Pain that becomes worse instead of improving
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Yellow or green discharge
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Pus or an unpleasant smell
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Red streaks extending from the tattoo
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Open sores
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Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
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A painful or spreading rash
Seek urgent medical care for difficulty breathing, dizziness, widespread hives or severe swelling.
Palm Black can help clarify aftercare instructions, but a tattoo artist cannot diagnose or treat an infection or allergic reaction. Contact a qualified healthcare professional if you are concerned.
TATTOO CARE / 02
The tattoo is done. The care continues.
Once the tattoo is fully healed, switch to PALM BLACK TATTOO CARE / 02 TATTOO BODY BUTTER.
This concentrated post-healing skin conditioner is made for tattooed and everyday skin. Coconut oil, cocoa butter, beeswax, propolis and vitamin E help leave dry skin feeling soft, supple and well cared for.
When to begin using Tattoo Body Butter
Use 02 only when the tattoo’s surface is completely healed, with no:
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Scabs
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Flaking
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Open or broken skin
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Weeping
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Persistent redness
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Heat or tenderness
If you are uncertain, continue following your artist’s healing instructions and wait before switching products.
How to use Tattoo Body Butter
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Take a small amount with clean, dry fingertips.
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Warm it between your fingers.
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Massage it into clean, dry skin.
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Use daily or whenever the skin feels dry.
A little goes a long way.
Tattoo Body Butter can also be used on untattooed areas as a concentrated general body conditioner.
Long-term tattoo care
For well-cared-for tattooed skin:
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Moisturise whenever the skin feels dry.
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Avoid unnecessary scratching and harsh exfoliation.
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Use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher when exposed to sunlight.
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Reapply sunscreen regularly.
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Pay attention to new or persistent skin reactions.
TATTOO CARE / 02 does not contain sunscreen.
The Palm Black Tattoo Care System
TATTOO CARE / 01
The tattoo is done. The care begins.
A 5ml Healing Balm for the initial tattoo aftercare stage. Included with every Palm Black tattoo.
TATTOO CARE / 02
The tattoo is done. The care continues.
A 30ml Tattoo Body Butter for fully healed tattoos and everyday skin. Available from Palm Black Tattoo.
Care for the skin that carries your tattoo.
Tattoo Aftercare Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I leave my tattoo dressing on?
Leave a standard dressing on for at least eight hours unless your artist gives you a different time. For Second Skin, follow the exact wear time provided by your artist because instructions differ between film brands.
Is fluid beneath Second Skin normal?
A mixture of plasma, blood and excess ink can collect beneath an intact film. This is generally normal while the seal remains secure. Remove the film if it leaks, tears, exposes the tattoo or allows water underneath.
Can I shower after getting a tattoo?
Yes. Use lukewarm water and avoid directing high-pressure water onto the tattoo. Do not soak it in a bath, pool, hot tub or the sea until it is fully healed.
How should I wash a new tattoo?
Wash your hands first. Use lukewarm water, mild fragrance-free soap and clean fingertips. Rinse thoroughly, pat dry with clean paper towel and allow the tattoo to finish air-drying.
When can I start using Palm Black Healing Balm?
Begin after the first 24 hours, once the tattoo is clean, dry and uncovered. If you have Second Skin, begin after the final film has been removed.
How much Healing Balm should I use?
Apply a very thin layer once daily. The tattoo should not look heavily coated or feel greasy.
How long does a tattoo take to heal?
Most tattoos take approximately two to four weeks to appear healed at the surface. Large, heavily saturated or high-movement areas can take longer.
Can I exercise after getting a tattoo?
Avoid strenuous exercise, friction and heavy sweating for at least 24–48 hours. Return gradually and consider the tattoo’s size and placement.
When can I swim after getting a tattoo?
Wait until the tattoo is completely healed, with no scabs, flaking, open skin, weeping or persistent tenderness.
When can I use Tattoo Body Butter?
Use PALM BLACK TATTOO CARE / 02 only once the tattoo is fully healed. Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin as needed.
Does Tattoo Body Butter stop tattoos from fading?
Tattoo Body Butter conditions the skin but does not provide UV protection. Sun exposure can affect the appearance of tattoo ink, so use broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher once the tattoo has healed.
What should I do if my tattoo looks infected?
Seek medical advice if redness, swelling, heat or pain becomes worse; if you see pus or red streaks; or if you develop fever or chills. Contact Palm Black if you also need clarification about the aftercare instructions you were given.
Questions About Your Tattoo?
If you are uncertain about your dressing, Healing Balm or normal tattoo aftercare, contact the Palm Black team.
For symptoms of infection, a severe allergic reaction or any medical concern, contact a qualified healthcare professional.
PALM BLACK TATTOO
16B Kloof Nek Road
Gardens, Cape Town
South Africa
Last updated: 31 August 2026