Tattoos and Aftercare

Chirinkito is your away from home go-to destination for professional tattooing, creative artistry and unique experience in body art.

With our great holiday location, we bring a diverse range of styles and tattooing traditions to life in the heart of Gran Canaria.

At Chirinkito we take pride in offering a welcoming, hygienic and professional environment where creativity thrives. From bold traditional work to fine-line minimalism, from powerful maorí to lifelike portraits, our studios cater to all styles and ideas. Visit our Gallery to view our work.

We offer Custom and flash tattoos to ink your holidays, your stories and ideas. We are happy to take your bookings in advance as well as welcoming you for casual walk-ins. Our artists from around the world offer great expertise, creativity and different cultural flavours.

All Chirinkitos follow strict hygiene protocols and safety standards for your peace of mind.

Ready to get inked?

New to tattoos? Not sure what tattoo style suits you best? No problem, we have put together the ultimate Chirinkito tattoo guide for you to learn all about the main styles out there.

Got a new ink? Want to know how to look after your fresh tattoo? Check out the officials Chirinkito tattoo aftercare guidelines.

After approximately 2 hours your brand new tattoo is ready to be unwrapped! Make sure your hands are clean and use only unscented (with no fragrance) antibacterial soap. Carefully remove the bandaging, BE GENTLE! Make a lather in your hands with neutral soap and warm water (in the absence of neutral soap only use water), gently clean the tattoo until blood, ointment and plasma are removed. Rinse the tattoo throughly. Pat dry with a paper towel then let it air dry fully. DO NOT SCRUB. Once the tattoo is dry apply a small amount of specific tattoo ointment on the tattoo. Repeat the cleaning process once or twice a day for the first 2-3 days. Apply the tattoo aftercare ointment for 2 weeks. Your tattoo should be completely healed within 2-4 weeks. After the first few days your tattoo may become itchy and some flaky scrubs may begin to form. It´s normal and they will fall off on their own, DO NOT PICK OR SCRATCH THE TATTOO.

NO SUN, NO SWIMMING OR SOAKING FOR 2 WEEKS.

Second skin

The term «second skin» is referred to a breathable, waterproof, and transparent adhesive bandage applied over a fresh tattoo to aid in the healing process. It creates a protective barrier that keeps out bacteria and dirt while locking in the skin’s natural moisture and fluids, which can reduce scabbing and itching. This medical-grade bandage is used as an alternative to traditional plastic wrap, reducing irritation from friction and allowing the user to shower normally (although submersion in pools or hot tubs should be avoided).

How to use it

After the tattoo is finished, the artist will clean the area and apply the first layer of second skin. Leave the first bandage on for the amount of time your artist advises, typically around 24 hours. The film will collect plasma and ink and may look «gross» under the bandage, it’s normal. When removing, use warm water to help the adhesive come off more easily. Do not rip it off. Gently peel the bandage away, or let the shower water help you work it off. Gently wash the area with a mild, fragrance-free soap and pat it dry with a clean paper towel. Apply a thin layer of recommended ointment or lotion, following your artist’s specific instructions. 

Important considerations 

Monitor for irritation: While rare, some people can have an allergic reaction to the adhesive. If you experience excessive irritation, remove the bandage and contact your artist.

Avoid submersion: Do not submerge the area in baths, hot tubs, or pools, as this can cause the bandage to lose its seal and can increase the risk of infection.

Always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your tattoo artist for the best results. 

Is getting a tattoo painful?

Yes, getting a tattoo is generally painful, however it’s not going to be anything extraordinary that you can’t handle. The level of pain can vary depending on the individual’s pain tolerance and the location of the tattoo. Some people describe the feeling of getting tattooed as a hot scratch. Others describe it as annoying. You might feel stinging or burning when the artist outlines or details your design. Or you might feel a vibrating sensation if you’re getting a bony spot inked, . The most common feeling, however, is a low-grade pain that’s moderate enough for you to be distracted from by talking, watching a film or listening to music. In any case, most people say the discomfort was not nearly as bad as they feared—and entirely worth it. For most people that get a tattoo, the anticipation and stress of the potential pain is worse than the actual pain.

If you are worried about painful spots for your next tattoo, check out our Tattoo pain chart below.

Is getting a tattoo dangerous?

While tattoos are generally safe when done by a professional in a clean environment, there are potential risks involved. These include skin infections, allergic reactions, and the transmission of bloodborne diseases if proper hygiene and sterilization practices are not followed.

To minimise the risks choose a reputable and experienced tattoo artist who operates in a clean and sterile environment. At Chirinkito we follow strict health and safety guidelines to give you peace of mind so you can plan your next ink with confidence.