Tattoo Aftercare

Proper aftercare is vital to getting a good tattoo. You must remember that it is an open wound, and you’ll need to treat it as such. It is prone to infection and damage from outside elements. I have listed below all you’ll need to properly take care of your new tattoo, but if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to reach out to me, I will always be happy to help.

 General aftercare information

To avoid infection or complications you must keep it clean and away from dirt and bacteria.

  • Do not submerge your tattoo in water for two weeks after, no baths or swimming but please do wash it.

  • While your tattoo is healing, avoid contact with any objects that could harbour dirt or bacteria and wash immediately if you do. 

  • Use clean bedding and wear clean clothing.

  • Whenever you have to touch, clean or apply balms to your tattoo please wash your hands thoroughly before doing so. 

  • Do not let anyone else touch your tattoo while it is healing and please don’t let pets rub against or lick your tattoo. 

  • You are going to be very tempted to pick or scratch at your tattoos please do not this could cause line breaks or remove part of your tattoo. Scabbing is very normal.

  • Wear clothing that will not rub against or irritate your tattoo, avoid scratchy or abrasive fabrics or clothing that is tight to the skin. 

  • UV rays are damaging to tattoos. Keep your tattoo out of the sun whilst it is healing ( to avoid burning as you can not apply sun cream) and once it is healed it's recommended to use sun cream to keep it looking good long term.

Cleaning and applying moisturiser.

Using lukewarm water wash the tattoo with either a non scented or tattoo soap and use gentle circular motions to remove ink and plasma build up.

Air drying is recommended but you can pat your tattoo dry with paper towels, please do not scrub or use towels, flannels or toilet tissue as they can be too abrasive or leave fibres in your open tattoo.

Take a pea sized amount of moisturiser and gently apply a thin coat to your tattoo. 

Do not oversaturate your tattoo this can lead to complications, if you feel you need more cream use it more frequently with a small amount of cream.

Wash your hands again after this. 

If you notice red bumps around your tattoo this can be from the moisturiser or over use of the moisturiser so proceed with using less.

We recommend

  • Butterluxe

  • E45 

Please do not use

  • Bepanthen,

  •  Savlon,

  • Sudocrem

  • or anything scented unless recommended.

Everyone's skin is different and some people may need to apply more regularly and some people may find less is more.

Please do not share aftercare creams or balms with other people and please use only a tub that you bought for this purpose.

Cling film Instructions

If cling film is used please leave it wrapped up for four hours after your tattoo.

 Once the four hours are up remove the cling film and gently wash your tattoo as stated above.

The first night it is recommended that you rewrap your tattoo with cling film to protect your tattoo and your bed sheets from excess ink and plasma. Please do not put any cream on the tattoo during this process. 

In the morning remove the cling film and repeat the cleaning process.

From here you will want to keep your tattoo clean and apply moisturiser as indicated above. You do not need to reapply cling film. 

If you are going to be doing anything that you think you may get dirt or dust in the tattoo you can rewrap your tattoo during this time. To do this you must

Not apply cream underneath the cling film

Change the cling film every two hours and wash and air dry between changes.

You will only need to do this until the tattoo has formed a protective scab and it is not recommended for an extended period of time.