Now for one of the most important steps to ensure it continues to look it's absolute best for years to come, AFTERCARE!
Good aftercare is essential when healing a new tattoo, below are the steps I recommend taking when healing your new piece, if at any point you have a question regarding the aftercare process or the healing of your new tattoo, please don't hesitate to contact me here.
DO:
- Keep your tattoo clean
- Wash your hands before touching your tattoo
- Keep your tattoo moisturised
- Show off your cool new ink to anyone that will listen
DON'T:
- Scratch or pick at your tattoo while it heals
- Expose the tattoo to excessive sunlight
- Go swimming or submerge your tattoo in water for extended periods of time during the healing period
After we have completed your appointment and taken photos of your new piece of art, your tattoo will be covered with either cling-wrap or a product called second skin. The choice is up to you on what you would prefer to use, if you're unsure, click here to learn more.
If you are using cling-wrap you will be told to remove it within the next 2 hours. The tattoo does not need to be covered again once the cling-wrap has been removed.
If you are using second skin you will be asked to leave it on for 2-3 days.
When leaving your appointment, please be mindful that your new tattoo is an open wound and needs to be kept clean, the cover (whether cling-wrap or second skin) will help with this, but limiting your activities directly after your appointment can help reduce the risk of infection.
If your tattoo was covered with cling-wrap, wash your hands and then remove the cover.
It is then recommended you take a warm shower to wash off any excess ink and blood that may still be on your skin. You can use soap, but ensure it is an unscented antibacterial soap.
DO NOT SCRUB YOUR TATTOO!
Lightly pat the area until it is clean. When drying the area, pat gently, make sure you are using a clean towel, or alternatively you can use clean, soft paper towel.
Avoid touching your tattoo unnecessarily and always make sure to have clean hands when caring for your tattoo.
Ensure you have clean sheets on your bed, if you have pets try to prevent them from sleeping near your tattoo.
Your tattoo may weep during the night. This is completely normal and is more likely if you have a tattoo that covers a large area with a lot of ink. I highly recommend sleeping on a clean towel to prevent ink from staining your sheets.
Once a day, preferably in the morning, apply a thin layer of your chosen aftercare product. These products will help keep your tattoo moisturized and promote fast healing. Below is some of products I personally recommend:
Numb Skulled Salve
Hustle Butter
Paw Paw Ointment
Nivea Express Hydration Moisturiser
Be sure not to expose the area to excessive sunlight or submerge it in water for extended periods of time. Avoid going swimming until your tattoo has fully healed, this should take between 3-6 weeks.
Avoid scratching or picking the tattoo (even if it's itchy!) as this will affect the healing of your tattoo and may invalidate your free touch up!