Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

I recommend that you assemble an aftercare kit for after your appointment, especially if you plan on, or get tattooed frequently.

Please make sure you buy brand new items that have not been used for cleaning or food preparation purposes to avoid any nasty bacteria getting into your tattoo. Aftercare balm is good to use for up to 12 months if you only use it for healing tattoos. 

Here is everything you will need to ensure a clean, hygienic healing process. 

• Kitchen Roll

• Cling Film

• Antibacterial soap (to wash hands). 

• Aftercare balm: 

- You can purchase Ink Doctors balm during your appointment for £5. This is made especially for healing tattoos and works wonders!

or

- Palmers Cocoa Butter. It must be the tub version and not the lotion/bottle. The lotion is petroleum jelly based and can trap harmful bacteria. 

You can buy from most stores including Asda, Boots, Superdrug, Bodycare etc. Here is an Amazon link incase you don't have the time to shop around: 

 Buy Palmers Cocoa Butter Here!

Optional:

• Nitrile gloves for handling tattoo. 

• Green soap bar (Butterluxe brand).

•Saniderm/Second Skin - if you like using this to heal, then buying your own is handy as back up!

 

If I have applied second on your tattoo, please read the below instructions.

Days 1-5

• After application of the saniderm, I advise that you keep the dressing on for 4-5 days. In the event that the saniderm accidentally comes off within 48 hours of your tattoo appointment, you can either reapply the dressing (if provided), or skip straight to standard healing procedure (see,,,).
• After 24 hours, you may notice blood, plasma & ink pooling on top of your new tattoo. This is completely normal. 
• After day 4-5, you can remove the saniderm in the shower by pulling the dressing upwards, rather than peeling away from the skin. Peeling it off like a sticker may result in parts of your tattoo coming off with the adhesive so please be careful. 
• Click the link below to see how to correctly remove your dressing

• How to Remove Second Skin - Youtube

• Whilst in the shower, use your fingers to gently rinse away any excess blood/ink with warm water. Do not use any soaps, shower gels or products during this stage. 
• Once out of the shower, let your tattoo air-dry, or you can pat dry with a new, clean kitchen roll. Do not dry with a towel, as the fibers harbour bacteria, and can potentially infect your tattoo.
• Now that the tattoo is fully dry, you can apply an appropriate amount of aftercare balm. Start small with a peasized amount, add more if needed. Applying an excessive amount will overmoisturise the tattoo, which could affect the healing time and increase the risk of infection.

 Days 7-14

• For the next 2 weeks, apply the aftercare balm 1-2 times a day. If the tattoo is very dry, apply up to 3 times a day.
• Once your tattoo starts flaking (around 7 days after your appointment), please do not peel any of the flakes. As tempting as it is, peeling or picking at the flakes will cause parts of your tattoo to fall out, and potentially break the skin leading to an increased risk of infection and scarring. The flakes will fall off naturally once it is ready. 
• Your tattoo will probably become itchy after a week or so. It is important that you do not scratch under any circumstances. You can itch around the tattoo, or pat to relieve the itching. Do not apply any soothing ointments such as bepanthem.

• After 2-3 weeks, as long as there are no flakes, scabs or open skin on your tattoo, you will be able to carry out life as normal. You made it! Enjoy showing off your new piece.

Really Important Info: 

• Saniderm can cause allergic reactions or irritation which manifests as redness or a rash. This will normally crop up 24-48 hours after application. You will know that the issue is with the saniderm if you get a red 'halo' around the dressing and underneath on non-tattooed skin. Itching can also occur. I will have asked if you have an allergy to plasters or medical tape before applying, as it is a similar adhesive.  
• If a reaction occurs, remove the saniderm as instructed above and aftercare as normal. If you are really concerned, it is always best to see your GP. I am happy to advise, however I am not medically trained so I can only guess, not diagnose. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so please contact a medical professional if needed. 
• Please be aware that in the first 72 hours of getting your tattoo, you will naturally experience redness and swelling, which is not necessarily a saniderm reaction. You are welcome to send a photo over to me, and I can advise from there.

 

• Despite the tattoo being covered, you cannot go swimming, or bathe with a fresh tattoo. Water is full of bacteria, and can be dangerous to your health if trapped under the dressing. 
• If the saniderm is peeling to a point that your tattoo is exposed, please remove and aftercare as normal. Especially if you have pets as their dander can get tarpped beneath the dressing.

 

 

 

 

If I have applied cling film on your tattoo, please read the below instructions.

After your appointment:

• A couple of hours after your appointment you can remove the cling film. 
• Before touching the tattoo, thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap & head into the shower.
• Whilst in the shower, use your fingers to gently rinse away any excess blood/ink with warm water. Do not use any soaps, shower gels or products on your tattoo during this stage. 
• Once out of the shower, let your tattoo air-dry, or you can pat dry with a new, clean kitchen roll. Do not dry with a towel, as the fibers harbour bacteria, and can potentially infect your tattoo.
• Re-wrap your new tattoo with a new roll of clingfilm, ensuring the entire area is covered.
• Repeat this process on Day 2, but do not re-wrap. Ensure enough air gets to the tattoo so it becomes fully dry.

• Now that the tattoo is fully dry, you can apply an appropriate amount of aftercare balm. Start small with a peasized amount, add more if needed. Applying an excessive amount will overmoisturise the tattoo, which could affect the healing time and increase the risk of infection.

 Days 2-14

• For the next 2+ weeks, apply the aftercare balm 1-2 times a day. If the tattoo is very dry, apply up to 3 times a day.
• Once your tattoo starts flaking (around 7 days after your appointment), please do not peel any of the flakes. As tempting as it is, peeling or picking at the flakes will cause parts of your tattoo to fall out, and potentially break the skin leading to an increased risk of infection and scarring. The flakes will fall off naturally once it is ready. 
• Your tattoo will probably become itchy after a week or so. It is important that you do not scratch under any circumstances. You can itch around the tattoo, or pat to relieve the itching. Do not apply any soothing ointments such as bepanthem.

• After 2-3 weeks, as long as there are no flakes, scabs or open skin on your tattoo, you will be able to carry out life as normal. You made it! Enjoy showing off your new piece.

 

 

 

 

Days 1-2 - Open Wound

The first couple of days after your appointment are crucial. Your tattoo is at its most vulnerable and prone to infection. Keep the tattoo wrapped as per instructions.

You will notice a build up of plasma, ink & blood on your tattoo. It'll look pretty grim, but is perfectly normal.

During this timeframe, please do not:

•Excercise - sweat will hinder the healing process.

•Have close contact with pets (even with second skin please be cautious).

Days 2-5 

You will notice your tattoo form a 'crust'. It should feel dry to the touch. As long as there is no part of your tattoo that is bleeding, leaking etc, you can start moisturising with the aftercare balm. Apply just enough to moisturise the tattoo 1-3 times a day for the next 3 weeks. Smaller pieces should be fine once a day, whereas bigger pieces need a little more TLC.

Days 5-10 Peeling Means Healing (and itchiness)

You may notice dry flakes forming on your tattoo. This is a sign that it's healing as it should! Do not peel or pick at these under any circumstances. Picking will pull ink out, cause scarring & open the wound back up. Leave it to shed naturally. 

You will also experience itchiness around the 7 day mark, and it can be the worst part of healing. Do not scratch or itch the tattoo. You can lightly pat it, or itch the area surrounding the tattoo. 

Days 14-21+ Healed & Shiny

Congratulations! You've healed your tattoo. The flakes should be all gone by this point, revealing a fresh shiny tattoo. For tattoos with colour, you may not notice a full heal until 3-4 weeks. Allow time for the colours to properly come through. 

Your tattoo will be fully healed & ready for continuation or a touch up in 6 weeks to allow the lower layers of skin to heal & regenerate. 

For your safety, hygeine and to ensure you get a nicely healed tattoo, under any circumstances please do not:

• Exercise for the first 48 hours of getting a tattoo.
• Allow any pets to make close contact with your tattoo during the first week. Take precautions until fully healed.
• Go swimming within the first 4 weeks.
• Use sunbeds, or sunbathe. If you will be out in the sun, please cover your tattoo with an item of clothing. 
• Overload the tattoo with aftercare balm. Less is more!
• Pick at the tattoo flakes or 'scabs'
• Scratch - only scratch around the area.