TATTOO AFTERCARE

Thank you for choosing me to do your tattoo. Once you leave the studio, it is your responsibility to ensure that your new tattoo is cared for. Remember your new tattoo is an open wound, so it’s important that you follow these guidelines to avoid the chance of infection and to ensure your tattoo heals the best it can.

If you have any questions during the healing process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

AFTERCARE PRODUCTS

You will need an aftercare moisturiser and an unscented antibacterial soap. I always recommend using Palmer’s Cocoa Butter or Aquaphor for healing and Sanex or Dove soap for cleaning. Remember that less is more, do not saturate your tattoo. All products can be purchased from a pharmacy or supermarket. Please avoid using Vaseline, Savlon or Bepanthen as some of their chemical additives can damage your tattoo during the healing process.

KEEP IT COVERED - SECOND SKIN OR PLASTIC WRAP

Your tattoo is kept covered to avoid airborne bacteria entering your body. This will be done either with traditional plastic wrap like cling film, or with medical grade waterproof bandaging like Dermalize or Saniderm.

PLASTIC WRAP

Remove the plastic wrap no sooner than three hours after being applied. Wash with lukewarm water to gently remove any blood and/or plasma. Do not use any soap until the following day. Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Gently pat dry the area with a clean bath towel or paper towel. Follow with your choice of aftercare moisturiser.

SECOND SKIN

Keep the first applied bandage on for anywhere between 3 - 24 hours, depending on the build up of blood and/or plasma underneath. Remove the second skin in the shower as water will assist with loosening the adhesive and relaxing the skin. Dry removal will cause added trauma to the skin. Gently pat dry the area with a clean bath towel or a paper towel. Follow with your choice of aftercare moisturiser. If using a second bandage, ensure the area is clean and dry before reapplication. Keep this second bandage on for 3 - 6 days. If the skin appears irritated, if there is fluid build up or if the bandage is peeling off, remove the bandage entirely. Do not reapply any more bandages when the scabbing phase of the healing process has begun.

CARING FOR YOUR TATTOO

Once the plastic wrap or second skin has been removed, continue to care for your tattoo by gently washing it with soap and pat dry with a clean bath towel or paper towel. Apply your choice of aftercare moisturiser a maximum of twice a day for two weeks, or until the tattoo is no longer dry or scabbing. You can and should shower with a new tattoo and it’s ok to get your tattoo wet, just don’t soak it. Submerging your tattoo in a bath, hot tub, swimming pool or any body of water should be avoided until the tattoo is fully healed as this will cause damage during the healing process. Avoid any physical exercise that causes excess sweating as this will cause bacteria to enter the healing tattoo and will increase the chance of infection. During the healing process, ensure your tattoo isn’t exposed to direct sunlight or sunbeds. Even when healed you should always protect it from UV rays as these can damage and fade a tattoo quickly. I recommend a minimum of 30 spf sunscreen at all times.

Disclaimer - an infected tattoo can be serious and should always be handled by a doctor. They will prescribe antibiotics or an antibiotic cream along with the correct advice to cure an infection at home.