TATTOO AFTERCARE

Keep it clean, keep it relatively dry, and do not smother it in cream.

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A Quick Note About Dressings

I will no longer be routinely using second skin dressings to cover fresh tattoos.

Over the last few months I have seen a noticeable increase in customers having reactions to these dressings, to the point where it was becoming a regular occurrence. Because of this, I have decided to go back to the tried and tested method of ointment and cling film.

Second skin can still be used if specifically requested, but otherwise I will be sticking to the aftercare method I know works well and will not be introducing any new dressing products.

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First Few Hours

• Your tattoo will be covered with ointment and cling film before you leave the studio.

• Keep the original dressing on for 1 to 2 hours.

• Remove the dressing, preferably in the shower.

• Gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm soapy water, ideally using antibacterial soap.

• Carefully wash away any blood, fluid or excess ointment.

• Do not scrub the tattoo.

• Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel.

• Leave the tattoo uncovered and allow it to air dry for 1 to 2 hours.

• As the tattoo begins to dry, the skin should start to feel slightly tighter.

• Using clean hands, apply a very thin layer of the ointment provided or recommended by your tattooist.

• The ointment should only leave a thin, transparent sheen over the tattoo.

• A good rule of thumb is, if you can still clearly see the cream sitting on the skin, you have used too much.

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Clothing

• Wear clean, soft, loose-fitting clothing over the tattoo for the first few days.

• Avoid thick or stiff work clothing, heavy seams, pockets or anything that may continually rub or irritate the tattoo.

• Wear loose clothing to bed that will not stick to or rub against the tattoo.

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From Day Two

From day two onward, this is your daily routine until the tattoo is fully healed.

• Have a quick shower in the morning and gently wash the tattoo again.

• Do not soak the tattoo.

• Keep washing brief and gentle.

• Pat the tattoo dry and allow it to air dry until the skin begins to tighten again.

• Apply another very thin layer of ointment using clean hands.

• Repeat the washing, drying and creaming process again around one hour before bed.

• Your tattoo should generally be washed no more than twice a day.

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Important

• Do not re-cover the tattoo with cling film after removing the original dressing.

• Do not use any creams, ointments or products that have not been provided or recommended by your tattooist.

• Do not allow pets to lick, rub against or come into contact with the tattoo.

• Do not sleep in the same bed as pets during the initial healing period.

• Do not go swimming or use saunas or hot tubs while the tattoo is healing.

• Do not spend time in direct sunlight while the tattoo is healing.

• Do not use the gym or do strenuous exercise while the tattoo is healing.

• Do not pick or scratch the tattoo as it flakes or scabs.

• For leg tattoos, elevate the tattooed leg where possible, particularly if you experience swelling.

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Keep It Simple

Your body already has everything it needs to heal your tattoo.

A tattoo that is kept clean and allowed to remain relatively dry will generally heal much better than one that is constantly soaked or smothered in cream.

Do not soak the tattoo in the bath, spend prolonged periods under the shower or apply excessive amounts of ointment.

Quick, gentle washes and a very thin layer of ointment are all that is needed.

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IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ

A HEALING TATTOO SHOULD BE KEPT CLEAN AND RELATIVELY DRY, WITH AS LITTLE OINTMENT AS NECESSARY. MORE CREAM AND MORE WASHING DOES NOT MEAN BETTER AFTERCARE.

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If a tattoo is kept too wet, over-washed or covered in too much ointment, the skin can become overly moist, soft, weeping and very sore, sometimes with deep, soft or pitted scabbing.

If your tattoo starts to look or feel like this, stop applying ointment and keep washing extremely quick, literally a few seconds, just enough to gently clean the area. Pat it dry and then leave it alone.

Bacteria thrive in warm, damp environments, so repeatedly soaking the tattoo or covering an already wet, weeping tattoo in more cream can make matters worse and may increase the risk of infection and damage to the finished tattoo.

If this happens, the tattoo may feel uncomfortable for a while and there may be areas that require touching up once it has completely healed. The best thing you can do is stop messing with it. Do not pick it, rub it, constantly check it, wear tight clothing over it or do anything that repeatedly irritates the area.

For normal healing, keep things simple, a quick wash, a quick dry and an extremely thin layer of the ointment provided by the studio. If you can clearly see a layer of cream sitting on the skin, you have used too much.

This advice comes from over 20 years of tattooing experience. If you are ever unsure about how your tattoo is healing, you are always welcome to contact me for advice.

However, if you develop increasing redness, heat, swelling, worsening pain, pus or unusual discharge, red streaking, fever, or you feel generally unwell, seek medical advice promptly. A doctor or other healthcare professional can assess whether treatment, including antibiotics where appropriate, is required.

Every effort is made within the studio to provide a clean, hygienic and suitable environment in which your tattoo is carried out. Once you leave the studio, however, the ongoing care of your tattoo becomes your responsibility.

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PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THE AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. ADVICE AND HELP WILL ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE, BUT I CANNOT LOOK AFTER THE TATTOO FOR YOU ONCE YOU HAVE LEFT THE STUDIO. GOOD AFTERCARE IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND PLAYS A MAJOR PART IN HOW WELL YOUR TATTOO HEALS.