Aftercare information

  • A medical spool of sterile surgical suture with measurement markings and assembly instructions, lying on a soft, textured surface.

    You got aftercare film - now what?

    After your appointment you got aftercare film put on your fresh tattoo. You can leave this on for up to three days.

    While it’s on you can shower with it, but no submerging it in water. It may fill up with some blood, ink and plasma - that’s normal!

    When it starts coming off, or the 3 days is up, take it off with clean washed hands under warm water preferably in the shower. Rinse your tattoo and pat dry with a clean towel (or paper towel).

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    You got your tattoo wrapped - now what?

    Some tattoos will be wrapped instead depending on the size/placement.

    Keep with on between 1-5 hours. When you take if out, jump into the shower and with clean washed hands writes your tattoo with warm water. Pat dry with a clean towel (or paper towel). Leave it to breath overnight.

  • A hand with finger and thumb touching a cylindrical object covered in soap suds, with visible tattoo artwork.

    Keep it clean

    The number one reason tattoos get infected is by not took the area clean. Do not touch it unless you have just cleaned your hands, and do not let anyone else touch it while healing.

    After the initial rinse, you can then use anti-bacterial unscented soap once to twice a day (depending on your job/hobbies).

    Always use a clean towel to pat dry, or use disposable paper towels.

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    Aftercare cream

    I recommend using an organic or natural moisturiser that is specifically for tattoos.

    Be mindful of ‘double dipping’ - do not let anyone else use your potted as cross contamination may happen.

    Use a small amount once to twice a day - once after cleaning it at least. Use just enough to moisturise the area and that’s it. Too much may cause healing problems. And always use clean hands when applying the cream.

  • Close-up of a person's arm with multiple tattoos, a hand resting on the arm, showing tattooed sketches and designs in black and white.

    Time

    Your tattoo will take time to heal. There will be the first heal of the tattoo, and then when it’s still dry, you will want to continue to keep it moisturised.

    The time it takes the tattoo to heal will depends on how big it is, where your tattoo is and if there was packed ink in the area. You will be advised an approximate amount of time it may take to heal - but everyone is different.

  • Close-up of a person holding a piece of ice near their tattooed arm, in black and white.

    General healing

    While the tattoo is healing it may get itchy - do not itch, slap or pick at it. If you need to, either itch around the tattoo or put some ice on it to smooth it.

    Scabbing is normal, however if you are not moisturising it, scabbing may pull out the ink from a tattoo. Following the aftercare tips will minimize the chances of this happening.

    Everyone heals differently. If you are concerned about the healing or your healed tattoo please contact me immediately.

  • A woman with a nose piercing tattooing a person's arm. The tattooed arm has a floral design, and the tattoo artist wears gloves, focusing on her work.

    Touchups

    These are available on a case by case basis within the three months of getting the tattoo.

    If this is for an older tattoo or from a different artist, please contact us about a consultation.

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    Clothing

    Make sure you wear appropriate clothing after you get a tattoo. Do not wear anything that will be tight or rub up against the fresh tattoo - this includes socks and bras.

    Keep the tattoo out of direct sunlight until 4 weeks have passed. You can start using sunblock only once the tattoo is completely healed. For the longevity of the tattoo once it has healed, always wear sunblock on the area when going out in the sun.

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    Other information

    Once scabbing has finished and you are at the end of the healing process, you can start swimming, using the bath or going to the sauna again.

    If you do these things before your tattoo has finished healing, the tattoo may be distorted or parts of it fall out completely. If you fail to follow the aftercare information, an extra charge may incur if you need a touch up in the future.