Let me be direct: the most beautiful tattoos I've ever seen ruined weren't ruined in the studio. They were ruined in the two weeks after. Bad preparation, wrong behaviour post-session — or simply no care once the tattoo looked healed.

So let's talk about it. Honestly, from start to finish.

Phase 1 — Before the Session

This is the phase that gets the least written about — and the one I find most impactful in my practice.

Drink enough water. Sounds basic, but it makes a real difference: well-hydrated skin takes ink more evenly, responds more calmly to the needle, and bleeds less. In my experience as a tattoo artist in Munich, I put that at a minimum of 10% better quality — from hydration alone.

Eat a proper meal before your session. A full meal with carbs and some sugar keeps your blood sugar stable. That means less shaking, less bleeding — and you can stay still, which directly affects the precision of the lines.

No alcohol — at least 24 hours before. Alcohol thins the blood. Thin blood means the ink literally gets washed out of the puncture. Lines can blur — and you'll see it.

Same goes for medications that affect your blood pressure or clotting. If in doubt, mention it beforehand.

Phase 2 — The First Days

After the session there are two paths — depending on what your artist uses.

Path 1 — SecondSkin Film (4–5 days): The film stays on the tattoo and protects it completely. You'll see plasma and some ink collecting underneath — it looks like a small smoothie and is completely normal. That's lymph fluid the body produces to heal the wound. After 4–5 days: peel the film off carefully under warm water, don't tear it. Apply cream — and the tattoo is essentially healed.

Path 2 — Classic Bandage (same day): At home, remove the bandage and wash under lukewarm water with mild soap. You'll be surprised how much blood and ink comes out — that's normal. Pat dry, apply Bepanthen immediately. Cover the tattoo with a fresh bandage for the first two nights so you don't stain your bed. After that: moisturise regularly, wash regularly — and never let it dry out.

Note: 1–2% of clients have a mild skin reaction to SecondSkin film. If the skin feels strange or the film comes loose — remove it and message Kisha.

The Scab Phase

After 2–3 days the tattoo starts to peel and itch. That's healing — no reason to panic.

The golden rule: don't scratch. Instead, lightly tap the tattoo — like a gentle, loving reprimand for the itching. Sounds odd, but it actually works. Never pick the scab. Ever. There's ink underneath — it comes off with the scab if you pull.

Keep pets away. Yes, I mean it — no fur on a fresh tattoo.

If you see signs of inflammation — redness, warmth, swelling after day three — message Kisha. Send a photo. Better to ask once too often than once too few.

Phase 3 — Long-term Care

This is the easy part. Your tattoo is healed — and you really only need two things.

Sunscreen: SPF 50 on any tattoo that gets sun exposure. UV rays fade colour faster than anything else. That applies not just in summer — but all year round.

Friction protection: If your tattoo sits on elbows, knees, ankles or ribs — cover it when you know it's going to rub.

That's it. No complicated ritual. Moisturise, protect from sun, don't scratch.

For the complete step-by-step guide with all product recommendations: Tattoo Aftercare Guide →