aftercare
caring for your new tattoo
It is important that you follow the aftercare advice from your tattoo artist closely to ensure your tattoo heals safely and quickly.
Once you leave the studio, caring for your tattoo is your own responsibility.
Below is our general aftercare advice, but please check with your tattoo artist, as aftercare can vary between artists depending on their style of tattooing.
We suggest you keep your tattoo covered for a minimum of 4 hours, or longer if your artist advises (e.g. until the morning).
When washing your new tattoo, make sure your hands are clean. Your tattoo is an open wound, so treat it as such. Make sure the water is warm and that you use an unscented antibacterial liquid soap or shower gel. Gently massage the tattoo with your clean hands, removing all excess ink and plasma. Before you finish washing the tattoo, give it a quick rinse with cold water to close the pores. Then let it air dry for 20 minutes.
Once the tattoo is dry, apply a thin layer of the aftercare your tattoo artist has recommended. Please do not use anything that contains antiseptic, as this will damage your fresh tattoo.
Never re-wrap the tattoo once you have started using aftercare cream. It’s one or the other.
Always make sure your hands are clean when applying aftercare. Apply the cream when your tattoo feels dry and tight. Do not over-cream, as this may block the pores, cause pimples, and lead to excess dirt clinging to your new tattoo.
Shower as normal. No swimming or bathing until the tattoo is fully healed (a minimum of 2 weeks).
Be very careful if you go to the gym. Do not pick or scratch the area, and wear clean, loose clothing while healing. Avoid the sun and sunbeds.
Use the recommended cream for the first 7–10 days. After this, you can use a regular moisturiser.
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Your general wellbeing will affect how your tattoo heals. Make sure you eat well, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest.
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If your artist has applied second skin to the fresh tattoo, please keep it on until the next morning or as advised. When removing it, peel from the bottom in a downward motion.
Clean and dry the area as above, then reapply the next sheet of second skin once the area is dry. Remove after 3 days or as recommended by your artist, then apply aftercare as advised.
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Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions or if your tattoo may need a touch-up.
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second skin
