Aftercare

Before we start your tattoo we will finalise your design with you. Once you are happy with the design we will then transfer the design to your skin using a stencil. This is done to ensure you are happy with the placement of your tattoo. If you wish the stencil to be moved this will then be adjusted to your liking.

Once the tattoo has been completed we will clean away any excess ink for you to have a look at your new tattoo. We will then wrap the tattooed area with a surgical Clingfilm like bandage and explain to you the aftercare procedure. Once you have left the studio it will be your responsibility to look after the tattoo until it has fully healed.

Classic Tattoo guide for looking after your new tattoo! Or as we call it “Aftercare”.

Your tattoo artist will cover your tattoo with cling film. This is to stop dirt, germs and air coming into contact with your new tattoo. You should keep the tattoo covered with cling film until the next morning. If you want to remove the cling film and have a bath /shower/wash, this is fine, but you should apply a new piece of cling film afterwards.

When you remove the cling film the tattoo will appear to be “slimy” in appearance. This is in fact an extra layer of platelets excreted from your body to protect this new “wound”. Gently wash the area with warm water and an antibacterial soap, and pat the area dry. You then need to use a healing cream to protect your tattoo. This should be applied at least twice per day. The best aftercare cream is Hustle Butter, which can be purchased from us at the studio, as this reduces scabbing of the tattoo. Other aftercare products specially formulated for the healing of tattoos are also fine to use. Vaseline should be avoided, as this restricts air from reaching the tattoo. Other harmful astringents and antiseptics such as TCP, Dettol and perfumed lotions should be avoided. Sudocreme is also inadvisable, as this is not easily absorbed into the skin.

Your tattoo will soon begin to dry out and a scab will form. Ideally, the scabbing needs to be kept minimal. If the scabs are damaged your tattoo will lose pigment and may scar.

Do not soak your tattoo for a prolonged period of time. After bathing pat the area dry or allow to air dry. Rubbing and picking the tattoo will not only ruin the design, it will also scar your skin.

Avoid exposing your Tattoo to sun or sun-beds whilst it is healing.

Be aware that Tattoos can become infected. Aviod getting anything dirty on your tattoo while it is healing. Pets can cover your Tattoo in hair, saliva etc so ensure your new Tattoo is covered before handling any animals. If your Tattoo does become dirty, wash it immediately with antibacterial soap, pat dry and apply the aftercare cream.

A tattoo can take 1-2 months to completely heal. Although the scabbing will disappear (with proper aftercare) within a couple of weeks, the Tattoo may still appear slightly faint, or the skin may appear shiny and taut for up to a month after. Keep applying your aftercare cream at least twice a day until the skin has fully healed.

So don’t forget the important steps and enjoy your new Tattoo.