TATTOO AFTERCARE

DO
  • Drink water and keep yourself hydrated. Drinking enough water is the most efficient way of hydrating your skin.
  • Keep your bandage on for at least 2-5 hours. It can be left on overnight. Dermalize Pro/second skin can be left on for 24 hours.
  • Ensure hands are washed before cleaning or touching your tattoo.
  • When removing your bandage, rinse all plasma and ink with warm water.
  • Wash the tattoo twice a day with warm (not hot) water and a fragrance-free mild liquid soap/liquid handwash. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
  • For first few days, keep the tattoo clean and dry. Wash it if it becomes sticky. Do not apply aftercare cream to the tattoo while it still feels wet, during the initial healing.
  • After the first 48 hours or when the tattoo starts to feel dry, start applying a thin layer of tattoo aftercare ointment 2-3 times a day for 2 weeks.
  • I recommend Tattoo Goo Healing Lotion or Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Avoid lotions with fragrances or colouring, aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, Bepanthen or any other first aid cream. These are too strong/oily and can pull ink out of the tattoo. If you prefer natural ingredients, you can use a thin layer of cocoa butter.
  • Very dry skin require extra moisturising care. If you notice your tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of ointment again.
  • Keep it moisturised until it’s completely healed. A dry skin is more likely to create hard scabs that might fall off prematurely and change your tattoo while it’s healing.
  • If possible, use freshly washed bedsheets, clothes, and towel during the healing process. Disposable paper towels are great for direct contact with the tattoo when washing or drying.
  • Each skin is unique and you should know best what kind of ointment acts more effectively on your skin. Follow your own healing process if you know it works.

DON’T
  • Do not keep the bandage for longer than recommended. Your tattoo needs air to heal and should not be kept wet under cling film for long hours. Keeping it covered for the first nights is okay. If you are doing anything dusty/dirty rewrap the tattoo with new clean clingfilm and micropore tape to protect it. Wash it afterwards in the same way that you did initially.
  • Do not scratch or pick. This removes ink and leads to infections. Itchy skin means your skin is dry, which is normal during the healing process. If it feels itchy, apply another thin layer of moisturiser, the itchiness will go away.
  • Don’t over moisturise it, or you’ll end up with pimples and clogged pores around the new tattoo area. A thin layer will do the work.
  • Avoid soaking in any waters (lake, ocean, bathtub, pool) for the first month, especially critical during the first two weeks. Showers are okay but avoid very long ones.
  • Don’t exfoliate, don’t use bath sponges or scrubs and don’t shave the area of your new tattoo while it’s healing. When cleaning it, be gentle. Use only water, liquid soap and your clean hands.
  • Avoid direct sunlight. For the first two weeks try to limit sun exposure — if you know you’ll be out in the sun for prolonged periods, wear a thin layer of clothing over the tattoo.
  • Do not exercise on the first two days. If possible, avoid heavy exercises on the first week.
  • Avoid heavy sweating in the area of your tattoo for two weeks. Wash after sweating.
  • Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing during the tattoo healing process. Do not allow your clothes to rub up against your tattoo. (e.g. no tights/skinny jeans on leg tattoos)
  • Do not let your tattoo stick to sheets or clothing. If stuck, soak the cloth to remove rather than ripping it off.
EXPECT
  • Colour and plasma may seep to the surface, especially when first removing the bandage. This is normal.
  • For the next week the tattoo and area around it may be swollen, red, and sore.
  • Within a few days to a week, a thin scab should form evenly over the tattoo and peel like a sunburn. (Do not pick at it!)
  • The colour may seem dull or uneven while the tattoo is healing.
  • It should be completely healed in one month. For best results, avoid sun exposure (wear SPF), and keep moisturised.
  • If you notice anything you think is unusual or not listed here, talk to me! I’m always happy to help with the healing process.