Below you can find your aftercare instructions. Please note that, as per your signed consent form, it is your responsibility as a client to carry out your tattoo aftercare. Any issues occuring from lack of proper aftercare treatment are not the responsibility of your artist. If you do have any questions regarding your tattoo, aftercare, or healing, please speak to your artist directly.
After your tattoo is completed it will either be covered with Second Skin (Saniderm, Dermalize or Dermshield) or clingfilm. Please read the section that applies to you.
Second Skin
Second skin can be left on tattoo for 2-3 days after your appointment, but at any point before this, if it begins to peel/lift and the tattoo becomes exposed, or the area becomes red, irritated or itchy, remove the film immediately. Listen to your body!!
When you remove Second Skin film, start by identifying the grain your hair grows in that area: you want to peel in the same direction or you'll end up with a bald spot (think plasters!).
Keeping tattooed area under a stream of lukewarm/warm running water, start from one corner and peel the film slowly away from the skin (It helps to peel towards your body rather than away from it).
Rinse area with warm water; clean with unscented/anti-bacterial soap (like Sanex) without scrubbing or using your nails, and rinse again with warm water.
Pat dry with clean paper towel (don't wipe!) or let air dry.
24 hours after tattoo, begin moisturising by applying a small amount of cocoa butter or other tattoo cream to the area; rub into skin completely.
Repeat moisturising for minimum twice a day for 2 weeks, or more frequently if skin seems particularly dry.
Read next section on Do's and Don'ts.
Clingfilm
Remove clingfilm 2 to 3 hours after your appointment.
Rinse area with warm water; clean with unscented/anti-bacterial soap (like Sanex) without scrubbing or using your nails, and rinse again with warm water.
Pat dry with clean paper towel (don't wipe!) or let air dry.
Optionally once dry, cover tattoo again with clingfilm if overnight, then remove in the morning and repeat rinsing of tattoo.
24 hours after tattoo, begin moisturising by applying a small amount of cocoa butter or other tattoo cream to the area; rub into skin completely.
Repeat moisturising for minimum twice a day for 2 weeks, or more frequently if skin seems particularly dry.
If at any point skin becomes irritated or red under clingfilm wrap, remove immediately, rinse and let air dry then leave uncovered. Continue with moisturising as normal after 24 hours.
If getting tattooed in hot weather, it is advisable to remove clingfilm earlier in order to prevent sweat and moisture buildup that might irritate your skin or cause healing issues.
Read next section on Do's and Don'ts.
Do's and Don'ts
DO:
Ask your artist at any point after the appointment for advice on aftercare! I am very happy to repeat myself, advise and reassure on any potential tattoo issues/queries.
Keep up with your aftercare for at least 2 weeks, even if your tattoo feels healed.
Apply sunscreen regularly once your tattoo has healed (after the two week aftercare period).
Avoid excessive sweating for the first 2 weeks (gym, hot baths, hot tubs, saunas).
Moisturise Moisturise Moisturise!!!
DON'T:
Excessively drink alcohol 24 hours before or after your tattoo appointment.
Submerge your tattoo at any point during the 2 week healing period (or optimally, up to a month) such as by swimming, taking a bath.
Expose your tattoo to the sun during the 2 week healing period, OR apply suncream to it during the 2 week healing period. No sun for new tats!
Pick at the healing area or do activity that might graze the healing skin until it has healed completely smooth.
Apply perfume or scented products to the area during the 2 week healing period.