TATTOO AFTERCARE
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:
Once you have left the studio, it is your responsibility to follow our professional
advice and experience to ensure the best outcome for your tattoo!
NOTES:
Your tattoo has been hygienically applied with sterile equipment- as to preserve a fresh, unfaded
result, it is essential to avoid infection during the healing period. Always wash your hands before
applying aftercare or touching the new tattoo. Your new tattoo will take from 7-14 days to heal, the
healing time is related to the amount of physical damage to the skin & moisture in the area. The skin
must be well moisturised, well kept, protected from UV/Sun Damage and less than desirable
environmental conditions. Please wash and use aftercare 3-4 times a day until the tattooed skin
heals or as directed by your Tattoo Artist.
WASH:
After your tattoo has been hygienically applied, your artist will cover with a dressing to protect the
tattoo until you get home. Under the dressing, the weeping tattoo allows blood platelets to begin
collecting on the surface of the skin- so to prevent further formation of a scab, it is necessary to
remove the excess blood platelets by hygienically washing as follows:
● Remove the dressing and wash the fresh tattoo (within 1-3 hours) in warm running water (shower)
using hypoallergenic, unscented soap or soap intended for sensitive skin
● DO NOT USE BAR SOAP as it can contaminate and dry the fresh tattoo
● If using Antibacterial soap, ensure it is safe to use on broken skin (the use of an antibacterial
products can kill any nasty bacteria if it were present, but would also greatly reduce the natural,
‘friendly’ protective bacteria populations & leave the skin without its primary defence mechanism)
● DO NOT USE A WASHCLOTH OR SPONGE
● After washing, rinse the area thoroughly and gently pat dry with a clean towel
● After drying, wait 15-30 minutes to allow excess water in the tattoo to evaporate and inflammation to
subside before applying aftercare cream
● DO NOT RUB OR SCRATCH!!!
APPLY CREAM:
Apply aftercare 3-4 times a day or as often as necessary to keep the tattoo slightly moist, please
note most people experience a mild tingling sensation after the first few applications, this is quite
normal. If you suffer from any allergies, seek advice from your GP and advise your body artist.
Discontinue use of any product should irritation occur. Along with these instructions, wear clean
clothes that are loose fitting during the healing period to best assist the process.
● Always wash your hands before applying aftercare cream or touching the tattoo
● Evenly apply a small amount of aftercare over the tattooed skin
● Use only as much aftercare as the skin will absorb and remove excess
● Rub aftercare cream gently in, this will help stimulate the skin and bring blood flow to the area which
helps in the body's natural healing process.
● DO NOT leave a thick film on the surface
● DO NOT allow the skin to completely dry out, as this will damage the tattoo
● Avoid close fitting clothes as they may absorb cream and dry the freshly tattooed skin or cause
chaffing on the healing tattoo
AVOID:
During the healing period, please avoid preventable irritants to your new tattoo such as:
Sunbathing or excess UV exposure. Chlorine. Soaking in a bath. Unwashed or tight fitting clothing.
Touching with unwashed hands. Scratching. Salt Water. Oral Contact. Swimming. Dust. Direct
contact with pets/animals on healing tattoos. Shaving.
SHAVING:
Most Tattooists will shave the area before tattooing to apply the stencil and prep the skin- hair is on
our body to protect our skin, upon its removal the body's protective system sends fluid to the area.
Avoid shaving and other forms of hair removal while your tattoo is healing.
MOISTURISING:
When your tattoo is fully healed apply aftercare/moisturiser regularly to rejuvenate and hydrate the
skin and retain the quality of the tattoo.
SUNSCREEN:
Use SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen whenever you expose your body to the sun. Regular
use can aid in the prevention of premature skin ageing, pigment fading and skin cancer. Routine
application will reduce the fading of your tattoo over the years.