TATTOO AFTERCARE

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WHEN TO REMOVE YOUR BANDAGE/WRAP

Aftercare advice may vary between tattoos depending on a few factors.

Follow instructions depending on the type of wrap that you have had applied:

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CLING FILM - Remove around 2 hours after your tattoo. 

DERMALIZE* - Remove the next day, or leave on as long as possible (3 days max)

ABSORBING PADS - Remove the next day.

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If your covering has been removed/come off before the first night, then ensure to apply a good layer of aftercare cream & wrap in clingfilm while sleeping on the first night. Remove this in the morning and if your tattoo is still weeping etc, then repeat this on the second night.

 

*When removing Dermalize (Second Skin) wrap, running it under warm water can help, and rather than peeling back on the film, we recommend pulling against it to free it. If you notice any irritation or inflammation around the edges of your Dermalize wrap once it is applied, then remove immediately. 

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WASH YOUR TATTOO WELL AFTER REMOVING YOUR BANDADE/WRAP​

Wash your tattoo thoroughly but carefully using warm water and fragrance-free soap to remove any excess dried blood and plasma. Ensure not to scrub your tattoo as this can damage your tattoo, for more stubborn stains, allow them to come off naturally over the course of a few washes.

 

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PAT YOUR TATTOO DRY AFTER CLEANING​

Use a clean paper towel to dry your tattoo by gently PATTING the area.

Again, Do not scrub or rub your tattoo.

 

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APPLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF AFTERCARE LOTION/CREAM​

After cleaning your tattoo, ensure the area is COMPLETELY dry before applying a very thin layer of your chosen aftercare product.

We recommend Hustle Butter or Palmer’s Cocoa Butter.

Please check with your artist if you intend to use an alternative aftercare product.

Do not use anti-septic creams like germaline, sudocrem or savlon.

The best things are fragrance free, natural moisturisers. 

 

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REPEAT THE CLEANING PROCESS​

Remember that your tattoo isn’t completely safe from germs and bacteria until it has COMPLETELY finished scabbing and peeling. Continue to wash and treat your tattoo until this point. As a general rule of thumb we recommend 3 times a day for a week, 2 times a day for the following week & 1 time a day for the third week. If your tattoo is not fully healed by this point, continue the process until it is.

 

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PROTECT YOUR TATTOO

Where necessary, it may be required for you to cover your tattoo with a protective film wrap or dressing in a more longterm manner. For instance, if you work in places that may cause issues healing. Any long term wrap or dressing will need to be changed regularly and allowed to breathe.

Your tattoo artist will discuss and advise you what is best for you and your tattoo.

 

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DON'T PICK OR SCRATCH YOUR TATTOO​

As you tattoo heals, it will go though a few stages of weeping, scabbing and flaking. Picking away at your healing tattoo can delay the healing process, cause fading and increase the chances of infection. Do not do this. If your tattoo becomes itchy, try applying some aftercare cream or very light gentle patting can ease some itchiness.

 

 

STAY OUT OF THE SUN

Don’t expose your new tattoo to intense sunlight and don’t apply sun lotion to the area until it has fully healed. This includes Sunbeds and fake tanning.

 

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STAY AWAY FROM WATER​

All bodies of water can contain nasty bacteria that can ruin a new or healing tattoo if you are not careful. Stick to short showers and avoid baths until your tattoo is healed.

In situations where you can only bath, ensure not to soak your tattoo.

Do not go swimming until your tattoo is fully healed. This includes Steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs etc.

 

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AVOID TIGHT CLOTHING AND CONTAMINATES

Tight or abrasive clothing can hinder the healing process. If you cannot avoid wearing these clothes, then we advise that the tattoo is moisturised and wrapped with clingfilm (As outlined in the first part of this guide) to avoid any abrasion. 

Avoid being near or risking exposure to harsh chemicals, sprays (domestic cleaners, deodorants or purfumes etc) and try not to apply another or skin treatments while your tattoo is healing.

 

 

CONTINUE TO CARE FOR YOUR TATTOO

Once healed, keep your tattoo well protected from the sun and ensure you continue to moisturise the area regularly. Healthy skin means a healthy tattoo.

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