Healing Is Half the Tattoo (And Most People Get It Wrong)

we believe that a great tattoo doesn’t stop when you leave the studio. In fact, how you heal your tattoo plays a huge role in how it will look for the rest of your life. Sounds intense? It kind of is. But don’t worry — we’ve got your back.

Why Aftercare Matters So Much

Think of your tattoo like a tiny open wound (because, well, it is). The way your skin heals directly affects the lines, the color, and the overall crispness of your piece. No matter how skilled your artist is, poor aftercare can mess with the final result.

We've seen it too many times: someone gets a stunning tattoo and then loses detail or vibrancy because they skipped or misunderstood the healing process. We don’t want that to happen to you.

The Big Mistakes People Make

Let’s break down some common aftercare myths and habits that can ruin your tattoo:

• Over-washing or under-washing – Yes, you should clean your tattoo, but obsessively scrubbing it or forgetting it altogether can lead to infections or scabbing.

  
  

• Using the wrong products – Coconut oil, alcohol-based creams, or super heavy balms can suffocate the skin or irritate it. Stick to what your artist recommends.

  
  

• Picking at scabs or peeling skin – It’s tempting, we know. But pulling at healing skin can pull ink out too.

  
  

• Soaking in water – Long baths, swimming pools, and saunas are off-limits while your tattoo heals.

  
  

• Too much sun – UV rays are ink’s worst enemy, especially during healing. Even later, SPF is your best friend.

Our Healing Philosophy

We guide every client through a proper, balanced aftercare routine. It’s not about babying your skin or overloading it with products. It’s about keeping it clean, protected, and supported while it does what it naturally knows how to do: heal.

We’re fans of breathable healing — using products that allow your skin to breathe while helping it recover fast and cleanly. That means no heavy ointments, no plastic wrap for days, and definitely no TikTok hacks. Just science, experience, and a lot of love for your skin.

If you want a good, not expensive and reliable tattoo aftercare, we totally recommend the BALEA TATTOOCREME from DM. You can find it here.

Your Tattoo, Long-Term

A well-healed tattoo looks better, lasts longer, and feels more “yours” — because you cared for it as much as we did when we created it. When you follow proper aftercare, you protect the time, money, and trust you invested in your ink.

So, next time you get tattooed, remember: the session is just the beginning. Healing is half the tattoo. And you’ve got the power to make it amazing.

text by Ricardo Valle (@ink.by.martins.tattoo) inspired on this post from ESTP Berlin