General Aftercare

1. Leave your freshly tattooed area cling wrapped until you get home.

2. Give your fresh tattoo a wash with warm soapy water, preferably nothing with heavy perfumes or chemicals. We would recommend in the shower as it is much easier than at the sink. Do not soak in the bath. (Be aware at this stage your tattoo will be very slimy and messy - that is completely normal! No need to panic).

3. Let your freshly washed tattoo air dry or dab with a clean kitchen towel. Do not wipe with a normal towel as fibres may stick to it.

4. We would recommend wrapping in cling film before going to bed. The tattoo will be sticky and leaky so will prevent you from sticking to your bed sheets. Whether you wrap it again or not re-wash again in the morning.

5. If using second skin this is when we would recommend applying it. Follow your second skin instructions (we do not provide second skin) - please see our instructions on the best way to remove second skin. If not using second skin there is no need to re-wrap your tattoo.

6. Keep your tattoo clean and moisturise when needed. We recommend no more than three times a day (less is more when it comes to moisturising). Use a very thin layer of good absorbing moisturiser (no vaseline). We suggest palmers coco butter or something similar. (Remember your tattoo needs to dry and breath, it is a wound so too much moisture can lead to a greater risk of infection!)

7. As your tattoo heals it will become very itchy and flaky, refrain from picking or scratching at it (it’s easier said than done!)

Extra Info

It is normal for a fresh tattoo to be swollen, red and sore. Especially for the first few days.

Leaking and oozing clear and inky fluid is completely normal. Pus or extreme worsening redness is not. If worried please contact your artist or GP.

Infections can happen! But they are unlikely and are scary than they sound. Be vigilant about keeping the area clean, wear no clothing that sheds fibres easily over the area and keep your eyes open for anything unusual.

DO NOT soak the tattoo. This means a bath or swimming (especially in the sea). You can get the tattoo wet eg shower etc. You need to avoid soaking, swimming etc for AT LEAST 2 weeks.

Avoid the sun on your fresh tattoo. After healed to keep the longevity of the tattoo keep covered during high UV if possible and wear high SPF suncream.

If the tattoo area in particularly sore after the appointment feel free to use any over the counter pain killers. Please follow the right dosages on the packet.