Aftercare advice

This aftercare advice is given as a written reminder of the aftercare for you new tattoo. Getting a new tattoo involves breaking the skin surface so there is always a potential risk for infection to occur afterwards. Your tattoo should be treated as a wound initially, and it is important that this advice is followed so that the infection risk can be avoided.

Minimising infection risk guidance tips:

  • Avoid touching, scratching, or picking the new tattoo to reduce the risk of introducing infection.

  • Always wash and dry your hands before and after handling a new tattoo.

  • Your new tattoo will consist of an area of tiny skin breaks caused by the tattooing needles, so it should be kept covered after the tattoo is finished for at least 2 hours using the sterile, non-adherent dressing applied by your tattooer. This dressing is only intended to get you home without the treated area catching on clothing, or being exposed to the air. The dressing will also help to stop any bleeding/fluid oozing, but should be removed before it dries on the treated area.

  • After removal of that dressing, gently wash the tattoo with warm water and let it air dry. Do not dry the tattoo with a bathroom towel as the fibres in the towel through daily use could lead to infection. 

  • If possible, take showers instead of baths and try not to over soak the tattoo to prevent unnecessary water exposure. 

  • Do not use skin products on the affected area that have not been recommended by your tattooer or that are not intended for open wound healing. We recommend using Palmer’s Coco Butter 2-3 times a day whenever the skin is feeling a little dry, which is available at the shop. 

  • Do not share aftercare/antiseptic products with friends, as this can also lead to infection.

  • Around the 2 week mark, your tattoo should be settled in the skin and the scabbing should now be minimal. The skin should be fully healed in a further 10-14 days.

  • Avoid swimming, sunbeds and sunbathing until your tattoo is fully healed, as direct sunlight/chlorine can interact the the tattoo dye pigments and cause skin irritation and inflammation.

  • Try to wear loose fitting clothing to minimise the rubbing and irritation to your new tattoo.

  • Always keep a new tattoo covered and protected if working in a dirty/dusty environment.

  • If you have any problems/questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your tattooer or the shop initially. We will refer you to your GP if there are signs of adverse reaction/infection.

Remember, a tattoo is supposed to age with you and will grow and age just like you do. If you take good care of it in the initial stages of it’s healing, it’ll stay with you forever. Happy healing!