AFTERCARE
Once a tattoo has been completed, a huge part of the process is the aftercare involved over the next few days. It's really important that you look after your new artwork as instructed, to ensure you get the best possible heal.
You have just been tattooed in a sterile environment with high quality equipment. Before leaving the studio, your tattoo will have been cleaned and covered, either in clingfilm or with an adhesive dressing.
Your tattoo will initially be inflamed, swollen and sore. This is totally normal and can last a few days in some cases. Occasionally you will also get bruising develop during the healing process.
You may also feel a little run down/poorly after a tattoo, particularly if it's a large one. This is also completely normal. Make sure you eat well and keep hydrated, as your body needs to be in the best position to heal.
The First Day
1. If you have been wrapped in clingfilm, keep this on for at least 2 hours with small tattoos. For larger pieces, keep the clingfilm on until the following morning. It may be necessary to take the original dressing off, wash and re-wrap for the night. This is to prevent it sticking to bed linen. If an adhesive dressing has been applied, this will need to stay on for at least 24 hours. Your tattoo will weep and this will collect under the dressing as a dark/coloured sticky fluid - this is normal.
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2. Wash your hands thoroughly, then remove the cling film. Thoroughly wash the tattoo with non-scented anti-bacterial soap, making sure to remove all the funky slime. Rinse well, then allow to air dry or use a paper towel to pat dry. Do not use fabric towels or wash cloths as they harbour bacteria and the fibres can also irritate and get stuck in the wound.
3.Once your tattoo is clean, you need to start moisturising. Use a very small amount of your chosen aftercare, I personally recommend Butterluxe or another similar product geared towards tattoo healing. You can also use a very small amount of coconut oil OR unscented cocoa butter. Gently apply with clean hands until completely absorbed. You want just enough to keep the piece from drying out, too much will make it soggy and encourage excessive scabbing and colour loss.
4. You will need to repeat the previous step roughly 3-4 times per day. Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the piece before applying aftercare each time.
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Your tattoo will eventually start to peel and flake. When this process has finished, it will look slightly milky/shiny for a while until the area settles completely. The time taken to heal will vary from person to person, and will also depend on the size and saturation of the tattoo. If you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to get in touch!
The Healing Process
DOs:
DO keep your tattoo clean.
DO always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your new tattoo.
DO wear loose clothing that doesn't have any loose fibres that may get caught in the tattoo.
DO be gentle with the area - no excessive exercise or stretching until it's healed.
DON'Ts:
DON'T pick, scratch, rub or "encourage" scabs to come off early. It will be very itchy but doing this can cause injury and loss of ink.
DON'T go swimming until it's healed.
DON'T soak your new tattoo for long periods - keep it clean but a quick shower is enough. Always thoroughly dry afterwards.
DON'T expose your tattoo to the sun - UV light is damaging even to healed tattoos, but they are much more at risk during the healing period. The colours can be altered permanently, including white.
DON'T over moisturise - it shouldn't be sticky or wet.
DON'T apply fake tan or perfume/scented products during healing.
DON'T use anything that hasn't been advised - NO Vaseline, Savlon, Bepanthen, Preparation H, Sudocrem or any other barrier creams. Your tattoo needs to be moisturised but it also needs to breathe.
DON'T listen to friends/family members' advice if it contradicts the above.
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Dos and Don'ts
