Tattoo Aftercare guide.
A fresh tattoo is an open wound, so at this stage it is extremely important to keep it clean and take care of it properly to avoid potential infection or improper healing.
Your tattoo will be red, sore and swollen for a few days as a tattoo is trauma to the layers of the epidermis. This is completely normal. Different areas on the body will heal in different ways.
PROTECTIVE TATTOO FILM
Remove after 24 hours by gently peeling the film down slowly. Allow to air dry, wipe the the tattoo down with clean kitchen roll and apply the new film (how your artist has recommended) You can also watch how to do this by searching “Applying Dermalize” on YouTube. This dressing stays on for 5-6 days. Peel off in the shower to remove. Apply a non scented moisturiser if needed. You may shower with this dressing but please do not soak it in a bath or pool as the adhesive will fail.
CLING FILM DRESSING
You can remove this dressing around 12 hours after having your tattoo. Wash throughly in the shower with clean hands with a mild fragrance free antibacterial soap to remove excess ink, blood & plasma. Allow the tattoo to air dry, then wipe the tattoo with clean kitchen roll to remove any residue. Apply aftercare (around 3 times a day or as needed for two-three weeks) to avoid your tattoo drying out. If you artist has recommend it, you can rewrap your tattoo in fresh cling film with regular washes and dressing changes.
Always wash your new tattoo with freshly cleaned hands to avoid infection.
Tips to prevent infection include, not letting your friends/children touch your fresh tattoo, avoid pet hair on the tattoo, making sure that any fabrics that come in contact with your tattoo are freshly clean such as bed sheets or clothing and not letting your tattoo rub against anything that may hold bacteria such as shower curtains or gym equipment. Do not share aftercare creams with anyone. It is cross contamination of your bodily fluid and bacteria.
We recommend using a very thin layer of either Yayo balm, Butterluxe, Hustle Butter or organic coconut oil to moisturise 2-3 times a day as needed. Before you apply your aftercare please ensure your tattoo is washed then once it has dried, apply the moisturiser.
Avoid dirt, grease, scented products such as lotions or perfumes, and other irritants. If your tattoo comes in contact with any of these things, wash it immediately after. If you exercise, wash it immediately after. Your skin will start to flake and peel similar to sunburn during the healing period. Do not pick at your tattoo while this is happening. This will usually happen after 5 days. Some people may take longer to get to this stage as everyone’s body heals differently.
Whilst your tattoo is healing avoid swimming, bathing (short showers are okay), sunbathing, exposing it to the sun, tight clothing on the area, allowing your tattoo to dry, picking, scratching or letting anything rub against it excessively, etc.
Thanks for choosing us for your artwork, if you have any worries or questions please don’t hesitate to ask.