TATTOO BEFORECARE & AFTERCARE GUIDE

Your Healing Journey

Before and Aftercare Information

Aftercare

Keep the plastic film on for a maximum of 3 hours after getting tattooed.

Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo during the healing period.

To clean your new tattoo, use a neutral or antibacterial pH-neutral soap.

Always wash your tattoo carefully and gently using the palm of your hand and light movements.

After washing your tattoo, dry it gently by lightly dabbing it with a soft towel.

Do not rub your tattoo.

Do not let other people touch your new tattoo.

Do not scratch the scabs that form. They must fall off naturally.

Do not apply creams that have not been recommended by your tattoo artist.

Let your tattoo breathe.

To help your tattoo heal over the next few days, leave it exposed to the air.

Do not apply a bandage or new plastic film.

Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably cotton, to reduce friction.

Do not use swimming pools, take baths, or expose your tattoo to hot water.

Do not swim in the ocean or immerse your tattoo in water during the healing period.

Do not let the shower water run over your tattoo for a long time.

Do not go swimming with elephants during the healing period.

The sun is your tattoo’s number-one enemy.

Avoid sun exposure for at least one month.

Do not participate in sports or gym activities that put stress on the tattooed area.

Do not carry heavy loads or wear backpacks over your tattoo.

Your tattoo requires daily maintenance to preserve its beauty.

Your tattoo artist will give you advice on how to look after your tattoo.

Some redness, swelling, soreness, and light oozing can be normal during the first few days of healing,
especially with large tattoos or areas with heavy shading.

These symptoms should gradually improve.
Seek medical advice if they become worse instead of better, or if you notice pus, red streaks, severe pain, or fever.

If you have any concerns about the healing of your tattoo, contact a healthcare professional.

How Painful Is Getting a Tattoo?

Getting a tattoo can be a unique experience for everyone, and the level of pain can vary depending on several factors.

The most important thing to remember is that tattoo pain is usually manageable, and our team is here to make the process as comfortable as possible.

Pain levels can differ depending on the body area being tattooed.

Areas such as the head, face, neck, inner arm, wrist, hands, fingers, feet, and ankles may feel more sensitive.

Areas such as the outer arm, outer thigh, shoulder, upper back, lower back, and buttocks are often considered more comfortable.

The chart above provides a general guide to tattoo pain levels by body area.

However, everyone experiences pain differently, and the same area may feel more or less sensitive depending on the individual.

Other factors can also influence how you experience tattoo pain, including your personal pain tolerance, sleep, diet, hydration, and stress levels.

To help reduce discomfort, we recommend getting enough rest, eating a healthy meal, drinking enough water, and avoiding unnecessary stress before your appointment.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our team.

tattoo-pain-chart-bangkok-thailand

Before Tattoo

Make sure you relax, get a good night’s sleep, and stay well hydrated and well-fed.

It is important to have enough energy, so we recommend eating a healthy meal before your tattoo session.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and aspirin, especially before long tattoo sessions.

Yes, it is important to eat a healthy meal before your tattoo session.

Having enough energy is essential. We do not recommend coming to your appointment without eating.

For long tattoo sessions, bring something to eat or drink in case you experience a drop in energy.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and aspirin.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, preferably made of cotton and not white, to avoid staining.

We want you to feel relaxed during your tattoo session.

The level of pain varies from person to person, but we work carefully and gently to help ensure your comfort.

Try to get a good night’s sleep before your tattoo appointment and arrive well-rested and relaxed.

Do not consume alcohol, drugs, or caffeine before your tattoo appointment.

No. We do not recommend getting tattooed after using marijuana, as it may make the pain feel more intense.

No. We do not recommend getting tattooed while under the influence of alcohol.

Alcohol does not help with pain.
It can make the process more difficult for both you and the artist and may increase the risk of complications.

Other drugs, pills, medications, and aspirin are also not recommended before your appointment.

Yes, you are welcome to bring one or two friends, but please do not bring a large group.

Our studio is not large enough for groups.

No.

If you have a massage before your tattoo session, your skin may be covered in oil.

This can make it difficult to apply the stencil correctly.

Even if the oil is cleaned off beforehand, it may already have been absorbed by the skin.

This can make the tattooing process longer and more difficult, and the stencil may not stay in place.

Do not apply body cream or any other cream before your tattoo session.

We use Unigloves Pearl nitrile gloves, which are 100% latex-free and powder-free.

If you have any allergies, please let us know before your appointment.

We do not recommend getting tattooed while pregnant or breastfeeding because of the potential risks to your health and your baby’s health.

You must be at least 18 years old to get tattooed at our studio.

All clients must present a valid government-issued photo ID.

We do not tattoo anyone under the age of 18, even with parental consent.

Do not stop taking any prescribed medication without consulting your doctor.

Please inform us before your appointment about any allergies, medical conditions, skin conditions, bleeding
disorders, medications, or previous fainting episodes.

Please let us know if you often experience fainting or drops in blood pressure during medical procedures,
such as injections at a hospital or dental treatment.

Your body can react to stress by releasing hormones.

These hormones can increase alertness, tense your muscles, and raise your heart rate.

Stress can also cause discomfort or make you feel faint.

If you have hemophilia, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo to make sure it is safe for you.

Please inform your tattoo artist, and avoid tattooing areas with a high concentration of blood vessels.

Ask your doctor before getting a tattoo, and please inform us about any skin condition or skin problem you may have.

Please follow our advice for proper tattoo healing.

To ensure proper healing and a beautiful result, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions given by your tattoo artist.

Your tattoo artist is there to help you look after your new tattoo.

Listen carefully to their advice to support a safe healing process and achieve the best possible result.

Every tattoo is unique, and your tattoo artist can give you personalized advice based on the placement and size of your tattoo.

It is important to follow these instructions for the best results.

Following your tattoo artist’s advice can help reduce the risk of complications and infection and help your new tattoo heal properly.

We strongly encourage you to follow the aftercare instructions for the best possible result.

Below are the most important instructions to follow.

no-use-numbing-cream
No Numbing Cream
“We do not use numbing cream.”

Why?
Numbing creams may cause allergic reactions or other skin reactions.

They may affect the skin and the final appearance of the tattoo after healing.

Clients who use numbing cream before their appointment do so at their own risk.

Our studio is not responsible for allergic reactions, skin damage, or tattoo-related problems resulting from the use of these products.

Please inform us before your appointment if you have used or plan to use numbing cream.

Link Faq:

Marineagency.com

Numbedink.com

protect-tattoo-film
Protective Tattoo Film
MADE IN USA

This protective film can be useful during a long flight home.

It helps protect your tattoo from contact with bacteria during transport
and while you are travelling to your home or hotel.

We do not recommend keeping plastic wrap on your tattoo in Thailand.

Do not use plastic wrap at the beach or by the pool.

The heat in Asia can be intense, so your tattoo needs to breathe.

It is best to clean it with a pH-neutral or antibacterial soap and
moisturize it with a specialized tattoo healing cream.

This is just one example of a brand. There are many different brands available for purchase.

tattoo-goo
Tattoo Goo
MADE IN USA

This durable, easy-to-carry tin contains powerful natural ingredients that
help support healing and protect your tattoo.

Made with premium olive oil, this balm is formulated to mimic the natural oils found in your skin.

It applies smoothly and absorbs easily, helping keep your skin moisturized and your tattoo looking vibrant.

Website: Tattoo Goo

Bepanthen
Bepanthen First Aid
MADE IN USA

From the first sting to the scars that may follow, Bepanthen helps your skin recover from minor wounds and scars with products for every stage of the healing process.

Website: Bepanthen Thailand

homeoplasmine
Homeoplasmine
Cream

Homeoplasmine is a soothing ointment that can help comfort irritated skin during the healing process.

Its formula helps soothe discomfort and support the skin’s natural recovery.

Website: Boiron Asia

vaseline
Vaseline Intensive Care​
MADE IN USA

Original Vaseline® Petroleum Jelly is clinically proven to help heal dry, damaged skin.

It helps relieve dry skin and protect minor cuts.

Made with 100% pure petroleum jelly, Vaseline® Jelly is triple-purified to ensure purity.

It can be used on dry, stressed, and sensitive skin.

Website: Vaseline

aquaphor-healing-ointment
Aquaphor Healing Ointment
MADE IN USA

One essential solution for many skincare needs: Aquaphor Healing Ointment® is specially formulated to help restore smooth, healthy-looking skin.

Unlike a lotion or cream, this multipurpose ointment helps protect and soothe extremely dry skin, chapped lips, cracked hands and feet, minor cuts and burns, and other skin irritations, helping you stay comfortable throughout the day.

Website: Aquaphor Healing Ointment

aloe-vera
Aloe vera
Natural

100% Aloe Vera Gel
Pure aloe vera can be used to moisturize your tattoo once it has fully healed.

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, it helps hydrate the skin.

This is just one example of a product you can use. Many different brands are available.

coconut-oil
Coconut Oil 100%
Coconut Oil – Natural Tattoo Care

Pure coconut oil is a natural product that helps moisturize the skin and maintain the appearance of healed tattoos.

Rich in fatty acids, it helps prevent dryness and provides long-lasting hydration.

Use coconut oil only once your tattoo has fully healed.

soap-dove
Dove Antibacterial Soap
Antibacterial

Dove Antibacterial Soap is one example of a product that can be used to clean your tattoo.

This is just one example of a brand. Many different brands are available for purchase.

eucerin-ph-wash-lotion
Eucerin
pH5 wash lotion

Eucerin pH5 Wash Lotion is one example of a product that can be used to gently clean your tattoo.

This is just one example of a brand. Many different brands are available for purchase.

dettol-soap
Dettol Antibacterial Soap
Antibacterial Soap

Dettol Antibacterial Soap is one example of a product that can be used to clean your new tattoo gently.

gel-shower-dettol
Dettol Antibacterial Body Wash
Antibacterial

Dettol Antibacterial Body Wash is another example of a product that can be used to gently clean your new tattoo.

© 2014–2026 Bangkok Tattoo Studio 13. All Rights Reserved.