After care

Congratulations on your new tattoo!
You need to take good care of it so that it heals properly and looks good for years to come.

If a fresh tattoo is not taken care of properly, it can become infected.
So here are some vital steps for you to follow, to keep it clean, healthy and looking its best!

TO-DO:

  • Keep the second skin on your tattoo between 24 hours to 3 days. (If there is a build-up of liquid under the film, then remove after 24 hours).
    If any part of the second skin starts to expose the tattoo, please remove it, as the tattoo will heal unevenly.

  • Please remove second skin in the shower under clean running lukewarm water. Start to peel and remove it slowly under the water.

  • If you are using cling film, leave it on for 3-4 hours. Then remove and begin the process below.

  • Rinse in the shower under lukewarm water, gently washing the area with a fragrance free soap.

  • Pat dry with clean kitchen roll/paper towel and let the tattoo air for about an hour. (Sometimes second skin can leave a sticky residue, this will come of naturally, do not pick it!).

  • After that time you should moisturise the tattoo area. For this you can use Hustle butter, InkBalm, Fragrance Free Palmers Coco Butter or all natural coconut butter to nourish the skin.

  • Apply a small covering of the moisturiser over the tattoo. You only need a thin layer (so that the skin can breathe, you should still be able to see the tattoo!).

  • If you initially used cling film, you might want to clean and wrap your tattoo in a new clean cling film piece on your first night, or if anything could risk rubbing/touching the tattoo during the first day. Always make sure to clean after removing old cling film and if replacing, use a fresh piece.

  • From then on, I recommend applying the moisturiser 2-3 times a day (depending on size). After morning showers and before bed in particular. Always wash your hands before application.

  • Continue this process for 2-3weeks, depending on size/style of tattoo and how quickly it heals. After this time apply moisturiser whenever the tattoo feels dry up to 4-6 weeks.

  • You will find your tattoo will form a scab after a day or so and the skin will begin to flake off. This is completely normal, do not pick or peel it off, it will come of naturally as it heals. Generally your tattoo is healed once there is no more scabbing or flaking (it can form a scab more than once in the process). 


DON’T DO:

  • Do not pick the scab!
    This risks removing the ink from the skin, damaging the tattoo and could potentially lead to infection.

  • Avoid strenuous exercis for4-7 days after your tattoo. This can lead to damaging the skin and infection.

  • Avoid any activity where the tattoo is submerged in water (except showering) for 4 weeks after your tattoo.
    This includes but is not limited to: baths, saunas, float tanks, surfing, swimming, spas. These will almost certainly lead to infection and will very likely highly damage your tattoo.

  • Avoid direct sunlight for 4 weeks.
    Of course this is sometimes unavoidable, but do not sunbath with the tattoo uncovered. Try to keep the tattoo covered if being in the sun, definitely do not use a sun bed.

  • Do not apply suncream on your tattoo until it’s fully healed (4-6 weeks).

  • Avoid wearing tight clothing or jewellery on the tattoo for at least 2 weeks.
    This can irritate the skin around and on the tattoo and could lead to infection.

    If you have any questions please get in touch :)