Aftercare

So you've just got your new tattoo, but the job's not done yet… time for some aftercare! Follow these instructions to be sure your new tattoo heals perfectly 💚

If your tattoo is covered in cling wrap…

• Leave the cling wrap on for at least 1 hour (longer than this is fine).
• Upon removing the wrap, it needs to be cleaned immediately, so do not remove it from the initial wrap until you can do this thoroughly.
• To clean the tattoo, follow the cleaning instructions below.

If your tattoo is covered in a second skin bandage…

• Leave the bandage on your tattoo for 3–5 days. If you experience any discomfort or irritation from the bandage, feel free to take it off prior to this time frame.
• If it is a clear bandage, you will notice some bleeding and even excess ink build up under it — this is completely normal, so leave it to do its thing.
• If it is a white gauze type bandage, this will wash through whenever you have a shower, so you won't have that same build up, but it works in the same way.
• When it comes time to removing the bandage, it is generally easiest to do this in the shower, as getting the bandage wet first does make it easier to remove.
• To clean the tattoo, follow the cleaning instructions below.

Cleaning your new tattoo…

Before removing the wrap/bandage be sure to wash your hands.

Remove the wrap/bandage and wash your tattoo under warm water with a liquid soap (something like a body wash is fine) — if you can do this in the shower, that would be ideal. Be sure to only use your hands to do this, as any loofahs or wash cloths can have germs and bacteria on them that you do not want to rub into your tattoo. Wash off any blood, plasma and excess ink from the area.

Once the tattoo has been cleaned, pat dry with a clean towel and allow the area to air dry for at least an hour.

After this time apply a very small amount of fragrance free, oil free body moisturiser (I recommend using Cetaphil or something similar like QV — do not use paw paw, Vaseline, or anything like this!). Only use enough to cover the tattoo and completely rub in; any excess cream can cause heavier scabbing and a longer healing time.

I recommend washing your tattoo at least twice a day, and any time you may have sweat excessively or gotten it dirty (obviously avoid this where possible), being sure to apply cream when dry after each wash.

Things to note — the do's and don'ts…

The healing time of your tattoo will be approximately 7–14 days depending on the size and style of your tattoo. For example, smaller fine line tattoos might take around 7 days, whereas larger shaded or coloured tattoos will take around 14 days.

Within this time you will notice your tattoo flake and/or scab. Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo, as removing any scabbing early could damage your tattoo, causing ink to fall out. If it is itchy, try rubbing it with your palm rather than scratching at it.

During the healing time it's important to avoid any activities that involve prolonged time in water. So this means no swimming, surfing, baths, spas, saunas — you get the idea… This is because whilst your tattoo is healing, it is an open wound and should be treated as such. Any bacteria that gets into your tattoo from these environments can lead to an infection which may need to be medically treated, and of course affect the quality of how your tattoo heals. Less severe than this, soaking your still-scabbing tattoo in water will damage that skin further, and your tattoo is highly likely to have areas drop out and heal poorly.

It is also important to avoid direct sun exposure on the tattooed area. Do not apply sunscreen to your still-healing tattoo — just do your best to be sure it's covered by clothing if you are in the sun for long periods. Once your tattoo is fully healed, I highly recommend using a high SPF sunscreen to protect and ensure the quality of your tattoo for years to come.

If you have any more questions about the aftercare process, please don't hesitate to get in touch!