Aftercare

NB: New tattoos are open wounds. The golden rule is to keep them clean, dry, and away from bacteria. Avoid touching them unnecessarily and they will heal faster, with less risk of infection or irritation. Less is more.

If you suspect your tattoo is infected, or have any urgent queries about the healing of your tattoo, please email me ASAP with a photo and I will advise.

Signs of infection include: aggravated redness/swelling lasting several days or increasing in intensity, rashes, cream/green oozing liquid, extreme soreness. If you follow these instructions, there should be a very minimal risk of infection. Please follow the guidance for the type of bandage you have been given (clingfilm or second skin method).

First 24 hours - CLINGFILM

Keep the bandage on your tattoo for two hours; if it takes you longer to travel home, leave it on until you have reached your destination. Only remove it when you are in a clean environment, ideally a bathroom.
Wash hands with antibacterial soap, then wash the tattoo with the same soap and lukewarm water to remove any plasma/ink. Pat dry with paper towel or a clean towel (tattoo ink may stain), then follow instructions for Initial 3-4 days below.

First 24 hours - SECOND SKIN

This type of bandage can stay on for up to 24 hours. During this time, avoid getting the bandage wet by keeping it out of the water in the shower. No swimming/bathing.
If the bandage starts to peel off a significant amount during that first 24 hours, remove it completely.
To remove, get the bandage soaking wet with lukewarm water (10 min + in shower). Peel it off like a sticker - the water will break down the glue. Sometimes the bandage is hard to remove; be patient and keep getting it wet. If some glue residue remains, wash it with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water, and leave it to come off naturally. Do not pick or scrub.
Wash the tattoo with antibacterial soap and lukewarm water to remove any plasma/ink that has leaked. Pat dry with paper towel or a clean towel (tattoo ink may stain), then follow 3-4 day instructions below.

Initial Healing - 3-4 days

Gently wash the tattoo as needed, but no more than 2-3 times a day, to remove any stickiness/plasma. Pat dry with paper towel or clean towel.
Otherwise, keep the tattoo clean and dry, wear breathable clothing that allows the air to get to it and protects from the sun.
Do not apply aftercare cream (or any other moisturiser), to the tattoo while it still feels 'wet' during the initial healing.
Keep pets away from new tattoos.
If you are doing anything dusty/dirty you may want to wrap the tattoo with clingfilm and micropore tape to protect it. Wash it afterwards in the same way that you did initially.
Washing/showering is fine, but do not bathe or swim or do anything that causes your tattoo to soak in water for two weeks after the appointment. Soaking will damage the tattoo and cause it to heal badly. After getting the tattoo wet in the shower, please dry it gently with paper towel again.
Keep the tattoo covered from direct sunlight for two weeks while it is healing. This includes sunbeds, avoid them forever.
Do not apply moisturiser, self tan or perfume near the tattoo whilst healing.

After Day 4, up to two weeks

When the tattoo feels dry, apply a very small (pea sized) amount of aftercare cream. I recommend any plain cocoa or shea butter, Palmers Cocoa Butter (tub), or a designated tattoo aftercare cream e.g. Tattoo Goo, Butterluxe. I strongly advise against using Bepanthen or any other first aid cream/moisturiser, these creams are too strong and can pull ink out of the tattoo.

DO NOT PICK, ITCH or SCRATCH your new tattoo. Leave it alone.

Only swim/bathe after two weeks if your tattoo is fully healed (no scabbing/skin renewal or soreness). The majority of my tattoos should feel healed by this point, but use your personal judgement.

I advise against going on a sunny holiday or sea swimming until at least one month after your tattoo, to protect it from sun/water damage and bacteria.

Once your tattoo is fully healed, always use SPF 50+ to protect the ink. Regular moisturising will also keep the tattoo looking great.

Touch-ups

I’m happy to offer free touch-ups if something has healed imperfectly; please contact me with a photo of the tattoo via email within three months of your initial appointment. A standard touch-up only involves relining/shading the existing design, any additions or extensions should be booked as a new tattoo appointment.

Touchups as a result of a client negligence (swimming too soon etc) will be charged for.