IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Looking after your tattoo is just as important as the tattooing process.
if you would like yours to heal well, please follow these instructions depending on which healing method you have chosen:
Clingfilm:
- Keep the clingfilm on for at least 2 hours or until you are home.
- After this time remove cling film, use clean hands, warm water and antibacterial soap to remove excess ink.
- Always use a shower, never soak in the bath.
- Allow to air dry or use a clean towel (no sharing) – make sure the tattoo is completely dry.
- Clean your tattoo every 3/4 hours if possible. Add a thin layer of aftercare and then re-wrap with fresh clingfilm for the first 1 or 2 nights.
- If you are going to work where your tattoo will be exposed to any dust or dirt then please regularly clean and re-wrap your tattoo to keep it clean.
- Following this apply a thin layer of aftercare or cocoa butter for the next two weeks - please do this 3/4 times a day with clean hands, do not smother the tattoo with cream, only a thin layer is needed.
- If you have any excessive redness/heat or swelling in this time, remove the dressing & contact me or your gp to check for allergy/infection.
- Do not use hot tubs, public swimming pools, suntan saunas or soak your new tattoo in the bath as all of these will cause damage and potential infection to your new tattoo.
Saniderm / Second Skin.
This one is a bit easier as there is less to remember. However this is all still really important if you want the best results. It works by trapping your bodies natural plasma with the tattoo to help promote faster healing.
- Leave the bandage on for 24 hours after the tattoo.
- Remove the bandage, then with clean hands and antibacterial soap clean the tattoo then air dry.
- Apply a second piece of Saniderm/Second Skin, this can be left on for up to 5 days.
- Do not pick at the edges.
- If you notice any gaps in the bandage where it is no longer air tight it needs to be removed, cleaned and replaced.
- If you have any excessive redness/heat or swelling in this time, remove the dressing & contact me or your gp to check for allergy/infection.
- Apply aftercare cream to the new tattoo 3/4 times a day for a few days after you remove the bandage as the skin will be dry.
Removing Saniderm.
The best and easiest way to remove the Saniderm bandage is to take it off as you would a command strip. Instead of puling it back on itself like a wax strip, pull parallel your skin to stretch it and make it easier to remove.
It is also suggested to warm the outside of the saniderm in the shower under warm water before removing as it helps to loosen the adhesive.
Clean any residue that may be left gently, with clean hands and antibacterial soap.