Tattoo aftercare
Once you leave the tattoo studio it is your responsibility to look after your new tattoo. Please follow these simple guidelines carefully alongside the instructions given to you by your artist to ensure that your tattoo will heal in the best possible conditions.
You must always wash your hands before touching your new tattoo. This is extremely important!
1. Protective film
At the end of your appointment your artist will have covered your new tattoo with a protective film. Your new tattoo is an open wound and it is therefore a breeding ground for bacteria and infections. The film will keep bacteria and dirt away, it is waterproof and breathable, so you can shower as normal but do not soak in it.
2. Cleaning your tattoo
After two to three days, remove the protective film (if it hasn’t come away naturally) and dispose of it. Making sure your hands are clean, wash your new tattoo and any adhesive residue left behind using warm water and the soap we have provided. Use the palm of your hand to gently but thoroughly clean away any plasma or ink. Once you’re done, pat your new tattoo dry with a clean piece of kitchen paper and moisturise it (see section 3). Your tattoo now no longer needs to be covered.
Please be conscious of keeping your tattoo away from the dirt and dust over the next few days. You can wear loose natural clothing to further protect it if necessary.
3. Moisturising your tattoo
With clean hands, take a small amount of the cream provided and apply a very thin layer to your new tattoo. Repeat this twice a day for the first two weeks. After this you should only apply more cream when the tattoo feels dry. You do not need to clean your tattoo every time you moisturise it, this may cause it to dry more than usual.
4. Showering and bathing
Good personal hygiene is highly recommended during the healing process. You should shower as normal, however it's very important that you do not soak or submerge your new tattoo for the first 2-3 weeks. Bathing, swimming and saunas can cause serious damage to your new tattoo.
5. Scabbing and peeling
After a few days your new tattoo could start to scab a little and begin to itch, this is perfectly normal. Do not itch or scratch as this could cause a loss of pigments and uneven healing. Instead, use a thin layer of the cream provided to soothe the area but otherwise keep your hands away.
6. Protection from the sun
The sun is the number one enemy for your new tattoo, as it's very fragile in its infant stage. The sun can blister and cook the new epidermal cells trying to heal over the pigment. It can cause you extreme discomfort and damage your tattoo. Please keep your new tattoo away from direct sun exposure and sunbeds for at least 3 weeks and thereafter always wear 30SPF sunblock on your tattoo if you want it to stay vibrant for years to come.
7. Sports
Avoid strenuous sports for the first 2-3 weeks as sweat can lead to infections which would compromise the healing of your new tattoo.