Aftercare instructions.
Things you will need:
Aftercare balm/cream.
Antibacterial soap.
We recommend any antibacterial hand soap that's not heavy with fragrances or unnecessary ingredients. Foam hand washes work great and are gentle on your fresh tattoo.
Paper towel.
Drying your tattoo after washing it is important. Bath towels hold a lot of bacteria so we recommend using paper towels when drying your tattoo to avoid contamination or infection.
Common sense.
This is by far the most important thing you need when caring for your new tattoo. Follow these instructions carefully and if you have any questions, just get in touch and we can talk you through the process.
How to care for your new tattoo.
When you leave the studio, your new tattoo will be covered with a plastic wrap. Leave this on for approximately 2 hours while your tattoo settles and you have time to get home and clean it in a safe clean environment.
When you remove the wrap you want to immediately wash your tattoo with warm soapy water using your antibacterial soap. This can be done in the shower if needed for larger pieces. Be gentle and try to remove any dried blood or plasma from the tattoo.
Gently pat your tattoo dry using fresh paper towel and let it air dry for the rest of the day.
Daily routine.
In the morning give your tattoo its first clean for the day using the method mentioned above. Keep it clean and dry throughout the day giving it a wash at least 3 times when you feel it needs it. It's important to always make sure your hands are clean before touching your tattoo.
Avoid any clothing that will rub against the tattoo harshly (denim is like sandpaper on a fresh tattoo). Wear loose clean clothing if you need to have something to cover the tattoo.
Two days into the healing process, you can start applying a small amount of aftercare balm/cream halfway through your day to give it moisture and give you some relief. Avoid using too much as it can slow down the healing process.
Continue to wash your tattoo multiple times a day.
The healing process.
After roughly 3 - 4 days your tattoo will start to flake and peel. This is perfectly normal and an important step in the healing process.
Be very gentle with the tattoo through this stage when cleaning and applying aftercare balm and avoid trying to speed up the peeling process by picking at the peeling skin. Let it peel naturally in its own time.
If any small scabs appear on your tattoo, don't worry. This is quite common. Just be very delicate with them and avoid picking or bumping those areas.
After your tattoo is done peeling, it is practically healed but the fresh skin on the surface will still be sensitive and dry. Keep cleaning and applying your balm for 2 weeks.
If you fear at any point your tattoo has become infected, contact your artist with a photo and they will give you the best advice for your situation. Signs of infection can be excessive redness/swelling after the first 4 days of the healing process or small pimple-like sores on the area.
Things to avoid for the full 2 weeks of the healing process.
Exposing your tattoo to the sun.
Pet hair.
Dirty environments.
Harsh tight clothing.
Pools, spas or baths.
Excessive aftercare balm/cream.
Picking or scratching the tattoo.
Listening to your friends' advice over your artists.
If at any point you are unsure of what to do or have any questions, please contact us or your artist and we can talk you through it. If after the healing process is finished and you feel the tattoo might need a touch up in some areas, please contact your artist directly within the first 3 months. Touch ups are only free during the first 3 months of receiving your new tattoo.