First 7-14 days post tattoo:
Remove the cling film within 4 hours of it being applied. If you have been given tattoo pads then please scroll down for the aftercare information.
once the cling film has been removed gently wash the blood and the plasma off the skin, using a gently alcohol and fragrence free soap. We recommend dove or sanex 0%. Pat dry the tattoo with a clean towel, one that that will be used for looking after the tattoo, one thats not to be shared with someone else. Sharing towels, soaps and creams can be a cross contamination risk which could cause your tattoo to become infected. Apply your chosen cream 24hrs after your tattoo, we wont recommend applying cream to an open wound. we reccomend palmers coco butter, tattoo goo. please check with myself if youre unsure if youre chosen cream might effect the healing process of the tattoo. Cleaning and creaming your tattoo should be done twice daily until all of the scabs have fallen off. once the scabs have dropped off your skin might look shiny, we call this silver skin and is just your new layer of skin growing over the top of your new tattoo. I recommend you continue to cream your tattoo even once its healed. This will keep the skin hydrated and your tattoo looking fresh.
After care when using pads:
If a tattoo pad has been applied to your tattoo instead of cling film then this bit is for you. Leave the pad on the tattoo for 24hrs, once the 24hrs is up remove the pad and clean the skin with warm soapy water. unfragrenced and alcohol free soap, then pat dry with a clean towel only yourself is going to use to care for the tattoo with. once the tattoo is free from blood and plasma and the skin is bone dry, apply the second pad onto the skin for another 24hrs, i would of shown you how to do this. But if you have frogotten i will try explain. The side with the small holes/ scratch marks should be the side that is on the tattoo. Use medical tape to keep the pad onto the skin. Dont put the pad whilst the skin is wet. Do not cream the tattoo before applying the second pad. After the second day and the second pad (the one you applied) has been reomved then follow the instructions above.
Things to remember:
- Do not let your tattoo soak under water, whilst your tattoo is healing please avoid getting into a bath of water. You can get the tattoo wet just dont leave it submerged.
- Do not let your tattoo sit in direct sunlight, even after its healed. Prolonged UV exposer can cause your tattoo to fade or can alter the healing process if not yet healed.
- Avoid heavy alcohol consumption after your tattoo. This can also hinder the tattoo healing process, making you more susceptible to an infection.
- Avoid heavy exercise until the tattoo is fully healed. Over stretching the skin and excess sweating onto your fresh tattoo can cause the scabs to crack which can lead to scaring, ink loss or infection.
- Avoid fake tans, perfumes, jewellery and tight fitting clothing on and around the tattooed skin until the tattoo is fully healed.
- Please do not pick or over touch your healing tattoo. This can cause infection or the scabs to come off before they're ready. If a scab comes off prematurely this will result in ink loss and potential scarring.
Tattoo top ups:
I offer top ups for all my tattoos, these are free of charge for up to 6 months after the tattoo has been done. If i can see the tattoo has not been looked after then the top up will not be free and a minimum of £50 will apply.
If you still have any questions or are still unsure about anything please dont hesitate to contact me.