Aftercare Advice

PROPER TATTOO AFTERCARE

 Make your tattoo look good forever!

Those who take aftercare seriously will have a good looking tattoo for years. Those who don’t, won’t.

In short...

WEEK 1


Days 1-2 THE MOST CRUCIAL STAGE


The first 24-48 hours are crucial. Here’s what you need to do.

  • Remove the film from the tattooist’s
  • But make sure you wash your hands first
  • Use unscented, antibacterial soap + warm water to wash
  • Air dry or pat (don’t rub) with kitchen roll
  • Apply a very thin layer of healing ointment/cream
  • Clean your new tattoo a few times a day, 2-3 should be sufficient.


Days 3-4 STILL SORE BUT ON THE MEND NOW

  • Weeping will have slowed down a bit now. In some cases, it may even be gone.
  • Continue applying healing ointment/cream


Days 5-7 IT’S SCABBING TIME!


Don’t panic! Scabbing is a normal part of the healing process.

  • Apply a thin layer of moisturizing lotion! To moisturize skin and promote healing
  • Don’t pick and pull off the scabs!
  • Avoid Wearing anything that can snag on the scabs!


WEEK 2


DO’S

  • Moisturise regularly
  • Apply a cold compress
  • Tap or pat the itchy spot


DONT’S

  • Do not scratch!
  • Do not pick or pull at the scabs!


WEEK 3/4

Moisturise regularly!

 

  • Don’t re-wrap unless advised to do so and only if the tattoo is still moist. If it’s already dried out, best to leave out in the air.
  • The first wash is really important. When you come to your first wash, most likely when you’ve just taken the wrapping off, there will be a syrupy, sticky layer over the top comprised of ink, blood, plasma and lymph fluid – all completely normal things for a new tattoo but you want to get rid of as much of it as you can. Using your (clean) fingers only, gently wash the area using warm water (not hot) until you can feel the syrupy layer has gone. If any of this layer remains, your scabs will be thicker which in turn will make it harder to penetrate any kind of aftercare products through leading to increased dryness and scab-cracking.
  • Don’t use a towel. No matter how clean you might think it is, it will always have picked up some germs along the way. Anything with an abrasive surface as well (even a towel) will not be gentle enough and it could leave fluff residue within your tattoo.
  • Choose your aftercare product. There are a whole host of fantastic aftercare products out there. Whatever you choose, be sure to avoid fragrance, petroleum and alcohol-based products and make sure you don’t use too much of it. Your skin needs to breathe, but if it’s drowning in a tattoo aftercare balm it won’t be able to do so. Your pores could also become clogged leading to spots. Eww!
  • Take aftercare cream with you everywhere. You don’t want to get caught out when you’re away from home for the day and start to feel your tattoo getting a little dry and tight.
  • Wrapping. Don’t re-wrap unless advised to do so and only if the tattoo is still moist. If it’s already dried out, best to leave it out in the air.
  • Think clean. Make sure you’re washing your tattoo at least twice a day and you should only be touching your tattoo with clean fingers. If you work in a dirty or active job, you might want to take some time off, or if you have to wear a grubby uniform. Second skin products like Dermalize and Tattoomed, as mentioned above, are a good idea if these situations can’t be avoided.   
  • Don’t rub. Don’t itch. Only pat. Scabbing is all part of the healing process and you want to make sure these stay on for as long as they need to be there.
  • Don’t drink alcohol but make sure you’re taking on plenty of water. Alcohol thins your blood and prevents scabs from forming properly so you’re tattoo will be exposed to mother-nature and all her germy wonders for longer. If you’re drunk, you could also accidentally bump your new ink and cause it further injury. Water however, is exactly what you need. Drink plenty of it to help with your overall well-being and healing.
  • Avoid tight clothing. Anything that is going to rub against it.
  • Wait to exercise. Avoid vigorous exercise whilst you’re healing. Not only does it take away your energy from healing but you’ll also sweat on your new tattoo.
  • Don’t soak. No baths. No trips to the swimming pool. And no saunas or steam rooms. It’s not good for a scab to continuously soften and harden. It could lead to the scab coming off before it’s completely ready. Any public water areas are also teaming with germs so stay well clear!
  • Don’t overexpose your tattoo to sun. A fresh tattoo is a raw open wound so it will have no natural protection from the sun – even tiny amounts of UV rays can cause damage. Don’t use sun cream either until your tattoo is fully healed and sunbeds are definitely a no!
  • Be prepared to ruin your bed sheets. More than likely, your tattoo will leak a little to start with, until a scab has fully formed. Ideally you want to avoid it touching anything, but when you’re sleeping, sometimes it can’t be helped. You may also wake up stuck to your bed covers. If this happens, don’t pull at it whatsoever. Instead soak it and try to let your skin and the bed linen separate on their own.
  • Think long-term. As you age, the loss of the elastic tissue in your skin causes your skin to thin and sag. Your tattoo is no different. You should look after your tattoo as you do your skin, taking care to avoid too much sun. There are a few specific tattoo sun protection creams and moisturisers specifically aimed at keeping them bright featured in our top aftercare products list below. 
  • Don’t worry. The area you’ve had tattooed will swell up and get sore and warm initially – for the first 24-48 hours – but it’s just your body’s way of healing. If any swelling and soreness persists, get in touch.
  • Make sure you’re washing your tattoo at least twice a day and you should only be touching your tattoo with clean fingers. If you work in a dirty or active job, you might want to take some time off, or if you have to wear a grubby uniform. Second skin products like Dermalize and Tattoomed, as mentioned above, are a good idea if these situations can’t be avoided.
  • Don’t rub. Don’t itch. Only pat. Scabbing is all part of the healing process and you want to make sure these stay on for as long as they need to be there.
  • Avoid tight clothing. Anything that is going to rub against it.
  • Wait to exercise. Avoid vigorous exercise whilst you’re healing. Not only does it take away your energy from healing but you’ll also sweat on your new tattoo.
  • Don’t soak. No baths. No trips to the swimming pool. And no saunas or steam rooms. It’s not good for a scab to continuously soften and harden. It could lead to the scab coming off before it’s completely ready. Any public water areas are also teaming with germs so stay well clear!
  • Don’t overexpose your tattoo to sun. A fresh tattoo is a raw open wound so it will have no natural protection from the sun – even tiny amounts of UV rays can cause damage. Don’t use sun cream either until your tattoo is fully healed and sunbeds are definitely a no!
  • Be prepared to ruin your bed sheets. More than likely, your tattoo will leak a little to start with, until a scab has fully formed. Ideally you want to avoid it touching anything, but when you’re sleeping, sometimes it can’t be helped. You may also wake up stuck to your bed covers. If this happens, don’t pull at it whatsoever. Instead soak it and try to let your skin and the bed linen separate on their own.