Caring for your tattoo
Caring properly for your tattoo is crucial for the healing of your tattoo and to making sure it does not get an infection. Your tattoo is an open wound whilst it is healing so it is imperative for it to be kept clean!
Leave the covering of your tattoo on until you get home and have a shower. The covering can be left on until the evening unless it is a particularly hot and sweaty day then it is advised to shower sooner if possible. The tattoo has been cleaned and sterilized throughout the session and the covering will prevent any dirt or germs getting into the tattoo, with this in mind please be careful removing the covering, make sure you have clean hands.
- Once you have unwrapped the tattoo you will need to wash it straight away. Use unperfumed soap (carex or dove etc) and warm water. It is best to clean your tattoo in the shower, making sure you remove all excess ink and plasma.
- Do not scrub the tattoo, but gently brush away any excess ink and plasma with a clean hand.
- Each time you wash your tattoo be sure to remove any excess plasma and ink from the tattoo as this will form a heavy scab if not removed It is normal for ink and plasma appear for the first few days.
- DO NOT SOAK THE TATTOO - Do not have a bath whilst your tattoo is healing wash only in the shower.
- Once the tattoo has been cleaned, allow the tattoo to dry by air, or you can gently pat it dry with either a clean towel or some kitchen roll. Do not allow it to become in contact with any pets, pet hair, clothing or furniture whilst it is drying.
- Once the tattoo is dry, re apply cling film to the tattoo, making sure that you apply the inner side of the cling film to the tattoo as this is the side that hasn't been exposed to anything. You can then apply a very thin layer of cream to the tattoo or you can leave it dry whilst it is wrapped in cling film as too much cream can lead to irritation. I recommend Cocoa butter or tattoo specific aftercare brands such as Yayo or Hustle butter.
- KEEP YOUR TATTOO COVERED -The tattoo should be washed and cling film applied 2 - 3 times a day for the first 2 full days after the tattoo, this is to keep the tattoo clean and avoid infection, ensuring the tattoo heals as best as it can.
- On the third day the tattoo will need to be washed but cling film no longer needs to be applied
- KEEP YOUR TATTOO CLEAN - For the next 2 weeks the tattoo will still need to be washed 2 - 3 times a day and once dry a thin layer of cream should be applied (make sure it is rubbed in properly as it can harm the tattoo to apply too much cream.) Cream can be applied up to 5 times a day if needed, if it feels dry, irritated or itchy, always making sure that you use clean hands to apply the cream.
- WEAR LOOSLEY FITTED CLOTHING - for the next 2 weeks (or possibly longer if it is still healing) whilst your tattoo is healing to ensure the tattoo doesn't become irritated. Avoid wearing jeans, leggings, tights, a bra or boots that will rub against the tattoo. Make sure to always wear clean clothes over the tattoo.
- DO NOT EXPOSE TO SUNLIGHT - Whilst your tattoo is healing, do not expose to sunlight until fully healed, be sure to cover with clothing if venturing outside, even if it is classic moody British weather. If it is particularly hot and sunny try to avoid going out at all.
- Once the tattoo is healed it is best to apply factor 50+ sun protection to your tattoo as sun exposure can break down pigment of the tattoo and fade significantly.
- DO NOT GO SWIMMING - for at least 2 weeks or until the tattoo is fully healed.
- DO NOT USE A SUNBED - for at least 2 weeks or until the tattoo is fully healed, also bare in mind that a sun bed can cause tattoo pigment to break down quicker, much like the sun.
- When you leave the shop your tattoo is cleaned, sterile and has not been exposed to any kind of bacteria or dirt, this means anything you do to the tattoo after you leave is your responsibility. Infections caused by poor aftercare or badly healed tattoos are not our responsibility and we cannot offer touch up’s for free in this circumstance so please look after your tattoo as best as you can! If you have any questions about aftercare or how your tattoo is healing, please message me!