Tattoo Aftercare
After your session with us, there's more for you to do. A tattoo is an open wound so it needs to be treated with care. Your artist will dress your tattoo with the appropiate bandage and ointment before you leave the shop.
Immediate Care
Leave the bandage on: If the initial bandage is a Saniderm (thin film) remove between 8-24 hours, any other bandages, 2-4 hours.
Gentle cleansing:Always wash your hands before touching your new tattoo. After removing the bandage, clean the tattooed area with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free tattoo soap or anti-bacterial. Harsh scrubbing is definitely a no-no here.
Pat, don't rub: After cleaning, pat the tattoo dry with a clean paper towel — avoid using towels that may harbor bacteria.
Let air dry. Your tattoo needs to breath.
After 1-2 hours apply a thin layer of tattoo cream. I trust Inkeeze or Aquaphor.
Tattoo Maintenance
Continue applying the tattoo aftercare cream 2-3 times a day. There's a fine balance to be struck here between keeping your tattoo moisrturised and not overdoing it. It's best to apply small amounts of moisturiser and spread thinly over your skin to ensure your don't get it too soggy.
Note: as your tattoo heals, moisturisation is really important. Keeping the tattoo adequately moisturised reduces the likelihood of excessive scabbing, promoting a smoother healing process. Moisturisers can also act as a relief to the inevitable itching that occurs as the tattoo begins to peel. Regular application soothes the skin and helps resist the urge to scratch.
Monitor for infection: Watch for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, or unusual discharge.
Avoid soaking: It's still early days on your tattoo's healing journey, so you should refrain from prolonged exposure to water, such as swimming or hot tubs.
Avoid sun exposure: Shield your tattoo from direct sunlight, as UV rays can hinder the healing process and cause fading.
Sunscreen protection: It's best to to keep your new tattoo out of the Sun. If this isn't possible, then you should apply a high SPF sunscreen to protect your tattoo from harmful UV rays. The Sun is one of the main contributors to tattoo fading, so it's best to get in to good habits here from the start.
Wear breathable fabrics: Opt for loose, cotton clothing to prevent irritation and allow the tattoo to breathe.
Resist the itch: As the tattoo peels, resist the urge to scratch. Instead, moisturise and let the dead skin slough off naturally.