Post-tattoo treatment

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When the artist has completed your tattoo, they will cover the area with cling film.

We do not use nor advise the use of second skins or adhesive's.

Wash your hands and remove the film after about 2-3 hours to clean your tattoo.

You will notice excess ink, ointment, plasma and perhaps even a little blood within the wrapping. This is normal and desired so that all the excess fluid is not trapped inside the skin which will cause excessive weeping heavy scabbing.

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The first night after your tattoo session

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Bathe your tattoo in hot water (not scalding, but as hot as you would normally wash your hands ignoring the sensitivity of the area), this will be uncomfortable but is for the first wash only. The hot water is a dermatology trick that will open the pores and drain any remaining excess fluid or dirt within the skin.

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Lather up a pea-size amount of soap on your hand and gently massage and clean the area thoroughly. You should try and use a soap that is free from perfume or high alcohol content. Shower gels have lots of harsh chemicals so reframe from using these on the tattooed area. Try finding a natural soap or the brand 'Simple" soap which is basic, kind to skin and cheap.

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Rinse the area well with cold water to close the pores and remove all soap residue. Once you have successfully removed all the plasma, blood and excess ointment dry the tattoo using a single-use paper towel and pat gently. Do not rub or scrub the tattoo. Allow a few minutes for the tattoo to breath and ensure it is dry.

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You will now rewrap with cling film before bed after you finish cleaning the area. Do not apply any tattoo ointment at this stage. It is also important to note that this will be the only time we recommend wrapping the tattoo in cling film. For the duration of the healing process after night one you should not wrap your tattoo.

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Daily tattoo aftercare for the next 2 weeks

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For the next 2 weeks you will repeat the following process about 3-4 times a day, kind of like changing the dressing of a wound, except instead of a bandage you will apply a thin layer of your recommended tattoo ointment. 

I would also like to take this time to mention you should use the ointment recommended by your artist and not a moisturiser or butter or some description. This is not dry skin, this is a wound and should be treated as such.

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• Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo

• Rinse the tattooed area well with lukewarm water

• Lather up your soap of choice and gently massage the area removing any dirt, fluid or old ointment from previous application.

• Once you are satisfied the area is clean you may rinse the area off to ensure there is no soap residue on the tattooed area and pat dry with a paper towel preferably.

• Give the area a few minutes to air dry and ensure it is in fact dry and letting the tattoo breath a little.

• Finally apply a thin even layer of the ointment over the tattooed skin ensuring it is rubbed in well enough and not caked on or clumped on top.

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Do not excessively apply ointment to the area as this will suffocate the tattoo and cause heavy scabbing and pigment loss. Always wash off old ointment and complete the steps in their entirety. Dont be lazy and just slap a layer of ointment on the tattoo and go.

Repeat this process 3 - 4 times per day for the next two weeks.

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How will i know when to repeat the process?

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This will be part pre planned and part using your own best judgement. You should repeat the process:

• every morning and night before bed

• Do the process after exercise or any activity that may cause you to sweat or get the area dirty.

• If the skin feels tight or feels/looks dry and you are questioning whether or not it needs more care.
   

Do not

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• Do not pick any scabbing or scratch your tattoo. If the tattoo is excessively itchy you may try tapping the area with 2 fingers to relieve the sensation.

• Avoid solariums and sun exposure for at least six weeks

• Do not allow pets in contact with your tattoo or sleep in your bed for at least two weeks

• Do not use any other ointments other than what has been recommended

• Do not share or use someone else's aftercare

• Do not submerge your tattoo in water, i.e. bath, swimming pool, sauna etc. for at least three weeks. Showering is fine of course because the water just runs off the skin however do not take too long in the shower and avoid using shower gels or perfumed soaps on the actual tattooed area.

• Do not wear tight clothing over your tattoo and avoid wearing materials that may irritate your healing tattoo.

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We would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for trusting us with your tattoo and remind you that we are always here for you throughout the healing process and beyond should you have any concerns.