Pro Advice vs Random Advice
Hello Everyone! Today’s blog is inspired by a recent observation about the difference between reliable advice and random tips. Even though, in most cases, advice from FRIENDS , family or co-workers is given with the best intentions (and it’s wonderful that people love to share experiences), I always recommend double-checking such information. Many things can be outdated, or — while situations may seem similar on the surface — your specific case could be different. Now I’ll write about the HEALING process and aftercare of a tattoo, but the same principle applies to many areas of life. Enjoy!
“After 1 week it’s healed.”
Wow! It’s just one day after Halloween, and that sentence scared me more than The Shining by Stephen King. Unfortunately, unlike King’s book, this kind of statement is still a reality. Even recently, someone asked me if it’s okay to swim and sunbathe a week after a tattoo session. It was a genuine question — because that was the common belief in his circle of friends and family. By coincidence I was there and explained how it actually works — and why it’s not possible to swim during the entire healing process, which takes around 4 weeks. Another tattoo enthusiast saved!
Awareness Is Rising
Luckily, thanks to many professional tattoo artists, BLOG like this one, and PODCAST — awareness among clients is improving. That’s a wonderful thing, and I’m truly grateful for it. Since tattoos are now widely respected as a form of art and self-expression, it’s our job as artists to build proper standards for every stage of the process — from the very beginning (design discussions and preparation) to the aftercare phase. The challenge of every tattoo artist is that we work with a real, organic canvas — skin. We can design and tattoo, but the final result always depends, to some degree, on how the client takes care of the FRESH tattoo (and years after) as well as the unique characteristics of each person’s skin.
I call this the 50/30/20 RULE:
50% depends on the artist’s work,
30% on the client’s aftercare,
20% on individual skin factors and healing.
Simple Rules for Great Healing
It may sound complicated, but in fact, it’s not.If you follow professional advice from reliable sources, you’re always on the safe side. Is it really so hard to:
Avoid swimming for 4 weeks?
Avoid exposing fresh ink to the sun for 4 weeks?
Avoid scratching?
Apply the recommended cream?
Avoid heavy exercise and sweating?
What are four weeks compared to a lifetime of enjoying your tattoo? If you want to have a beautiful tattoo — not just a tattoo — you need to take care of it. Isn’t that true for everything meaningful in life? Whether it’s relationships, health, work, or what we call a “good life,” consistent care always matters.
Thank You to My Clients
Here I want to thank all my wonderful clients at Vadelma Tattoo — you are the best! The way you prepare and care for your tattoos is amazing. Great job! As one of my favorite quotes says “Tattoos that matter – for people who care.” It’s so true. Getting a tattoo is a unique COLLABORATION between the artist and the client, and mutual understanding is essential. So one last reminder today: always verify your information. Double-check, stay curious, and keep your critical thinking switched on.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for your time — I hope this blog was both enjoyable and informative. Every professional has their own set of rules or guidelines for a reason — they’re based on experience and real results. In the case of tattoos, it’s similar to a surgeon performing an operation: once the procedure is done, it’s the patient’s responsibility to handle the rehabilitation. The healing process is a kind of rehabilitation for your skin and tattoo. Please don’t underestimate it.
Much love,
Simon
Hello Everyone! Today’s blog is inspired by a recent observation about the difference between reliable advice and random tips. Even though, in most cases, advice from FRIENDS , family or co-workers is given with the best intentions (and it’s wonderful that people love to share experiences), I always recommend double-checking such information. Many things can be outdated, or — while situations may seem similar on the surface — your specific case could be different. Now I’ll write about the HEALING process and aftercare of a tattoo, but the same principle applies to many areas of life. Enjoy!
“After 1 week it’s healed.”
Wow! It’s just one day after Halloween, and that sentence scared me more than The Shining by Stephen King. Unfortunately, unlike King’s book, this kind of statement is still a reality. Even recently, someone asked me if it’s okay to swim and sunbathe a week after a tattoo session. It was a genuine question — because that was the common belief in his circle of friends and family. By coincidence I was there and explained how it actually works — and why it’s not possible to swim during the entire healing process, which takes around 4 weeks. Another tattoo enthusiast saved!
Awareness Is Rising
Luckily, thanks to many professional tattoo artists, BLOG like this one, and PODCAST — awareness among clients is improving. That’s a wonderful thing, and I’m truly grateful for it. Since tattoos are now widely respected as a form of art and self-expression, it’s our job as artists to build proper standards for every stage of the process — from the very beginning (design discussions and preparation) to the aftercare phase. The challenge of every tattoo artist is that we work with a real, organic canvas — skin. We can design and tattoo, but the final result always depends, to some degree, on how the client takes care of the FRESH tattoo (and years after) as well as the unique characteristics of each person’s skin.
I call this the 50/30/20 RULE:
50% depends on the artist’s work,
30% on the client’s aftercare,
20% on individual skin factors and healing.
Simple Rules for Great Healing
It may sound complicated, but in fact, it’s not.If you follow professional advice from reliable sources, you’re always on the safe side. Is it really so hard to:
Avoid swimming for 4 weeks?
Avoid exposing fresh ink to the sun for 4 weeks?
Avoid scratching?
Apply the recommended cream?
Avoid heavy exercise and sweating?
What are four weeks compared to a lifetime of enjoying your tattoo? If you want to have a beautiful tattoo — not just a tattoo — you need to take care of it. Isn’t that true for everything meaningful in life? Whether it’s relationships, health, work, or what we call a “good life,” consistent care always matters.
Thank You to My Clients
Here I want to thank all my wonderful clients at Vadelma Tattoo — you are the best! The way you prepare and care for your tattoos is amazing. Great job! As one of my favorite quotes says “Tattoos that matter – for people who care.” It’s so true. Getting a tattoo is a unique COLLABORATION between the artist and the client, and mutual understanding is essential. So one last reminder today: always verify your information. Double-check, stay curious, and keep your critical thinking switched on.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for your time — I hope this blog was both enjoyable and informative. Every professional has their own set of rules or guidelines for a reason — they’re based on experience and real results. In the case of tattoos, it’s similar to a surgeon performing an operation: once the procedure is done, it’s the patient’s responsibility to handle the rehabilitation. The healing process is a kind of rehabilitation for your skin and tattoo. Please don’t underestimate it.
Much love,
Simon
