Aftercare

My recommendations for tattoo aftercare:

Looking after your tattoo during the healing process is just as important as getting it done. If you would like yours to heal and age well, please follow these instructions…

I will likely use one of these 2 methods:

  • Absorbent tattoo pad method - for large scale or fully saturated colour/blackwork.

  • Cling film method - for small to medium or linework.

Absorbent Tattoo Pads:

  • If I use this on you, you can leave this on for 6/8 hours as it is breathable and absorbent.

  • You can also sleep overnight in it, as the padding protects the wound as you sleep.

  • If you find it uncomfortable or it is peeling off, please remove it carefully, by soaking in warm water in the shower.

  • You should use warm water and antibacterial soap to clean the area, once in the morning and evening. Also after any sweaty activity.

  • You may shower as normal but don’t use anything scratchy or unclean on the area.

  • Do not have a bath or go swimming/spa/steam room/sauna.

  • As well as being a bacteria breeding ground, these areas could cause loss of ink.

  • Once you have cleaned the area, gently dab it dry with a clean towel or kitchen roll.

  • I will give you a spare dressing to take home and put on just before bed, to protect the area and stop it sticking. You can then repeat this the following day if you need it.

  • I usually recommend taking some ibuprofen or any other anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling. Especially in the lower limbs. Please always read the instructions when taking medication, I am not a medical professional. Elevating and resting the area can also help.

  • Although slight redness and swelling is normal, if you have any excessive and prolonged redness/heat/swelling/discharge (over 3 days after your tattoo appointment could be cause for concern), remove the dressing and contact me and your GP to check for allergy/infection.

  • Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I only know what has worked best for me and my clients so far and try to keep up to date.

  • If you are in need of immediate attention please contact your GP or go to A&E.

Cling Film Method:

  • For smaller/fine line tattoos, I will likely just cling film the area. Keep it on until you get home. remove as soon as you’re home. use clean hands, warm water and antibacterial soap to give it a clean & remove excess ink.

  • You should keep the area clean by showering or cleaning gently with hands in warm water, at least twice a day for the first 3 days. (No bathing).

  • Allow to air dry or use a clean towel. Dab gently.

  • Do not rewrap! Let air get to the area, oxygen will start to close the wound and form a scab.

Moisturisers:

  • For the first 4/5 days after your appointment , please do not apply any creams or moisturiser. This is to ensure the open wound has sealed before you start to introduce any foreign bodies.

  • After this time the tattoo may start to peel/flake & feel itchy. Please apply a very small amount of cream and make sure it absorbs straight into skin.

  • I recommend a non oily or scented cream, like cocoa butter lotion, E45, Lush Dream Cream or Aveeno. You do not need a fancy tattoo cream, these are a gimmick.

General Aftercare:

  • A tattoo is an open wound and will become itchy when healing, do not scratch or pick at it.

  • Do not use fake tan/perfume/deodorant/cosmetics on area.

  • Do not go swimming/spa/sauna/steam/sunbed/sunbathing holiday for at least 2 weeks after your appointment.

  • Try to go easy on exercising for the first week, be cautious of sweating and make sure you shower straight after.

  • Ink will come out for the first few days, be aware this could ruin clothes/bed sheets.