Aftercare
Look after the first month.
A tattoo heals only as well as it's cared for. This is the guide Hugo gives you at the end of the session — keep it.
In the first hours
- Keep the dressing/film Hugo applied for the time recommended (usually 2–24h, depending on the wrap).
- Wash your hands before removing it. Take it off gently under warm water.
- Wash the tattoo with warm water and a fragrance-free soap, without scrubbing. Pat dry with clean paper towel.
First 2–3 days
- Wash 2–3 times a day, always with clean hands.
- Apply a very thin layer of the recommended healing cream. Less is more — the skin needs to breathe.
- Some redness, warmth and a little ink/plasma weeping is normal. Increasing pain, pus or fever is not — if that happens, contact Hugo.
Week one to three
- A thin scab forms and the area will flake and itch. Don't scratch or pick — tap gently if you need to.
- Keep moisturising with a thin layer, 2–3 times a day.
- Wear loose clothing over the area to avoid friction.
Sun, sea & pool — important in Madeira
- No beach, pool, jacuzzi or soaking baths until fully healed (around 2–4 weeks).
- No direct sun during healing. Once healed, always protect with SPF 50 — sun is what fades ink the most.
- If your trip includes levada walks or the sea, mention it when booking so we can plan the dates around it.
Avoid
- Scratching, picking scabs, exfoliating or using scented creams.
- Intense gym sessions and heavy sweating in the first days.
- Tight clothing and fabrics that shed fibres over the area.
Questions during healing? Message Hugo on WhatsApp — reply within 24h.