The healing process is just as important as the application itself, and will effect the overall result of your tattoo. Here is some advice to help guide you:

Always wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap before handling your tattoo to prevent cross-contamination.

Day 1

• Remove the dressing after 2 hours
• Gently wash your tattoo using a mild, fragrance-free, antibacterial soap.
• Apply slight pressure with clean, disposable kitchen roll to remove excess fluid
• Let the remaining moisture air dry

Avoid drying with a bathroom towel or tissue. Towels can harbor bacteria, fibres can irritate and stick to your skin.

Repeat these steps 2 to 3 times as necessary.

If your skin is still leaking plasma and fluid before bed, apply clingfilm after washing the area.

This will prevent sheets, fibres and hairs sticking to your tattoo.

Remove the clingfilm in the morning and wash away any fluid on your skin.

Ink on bedding will likely stain.

Days 2-3

When your tattoo appears dry, matte, or slightly cracked, start applying ointment as an additional step.

This will vary dependent on your skin and what you’ve had done.

It your tattoo has a lot of blackwork or solid color, there will be more fluid. Wait for this to settle before applying ointment.

• Always wash your hands and tattoo with antibacterial soap before applying ointment to prevent cross-contamination.
• Refrain from pulling off flaking skin while washing your tattoo.
• Ensure that your tattoo is completely dry before applying cream to prevent the accumulation of moisture beneath the surface.

• Apply a small, thin layer of cream.
• Do not over-apply as excessive moisture will create breeding grounds for bacteria
  
  I recommend Palmer’s Cocoa Butter or Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Repeat these steps 2 to 3 times a day as necessary.

It usually takes 2 weeks for the top layers of skin to heal, this can vary depending on your body’s response to the tattoo.

Certain areas, such as the inner elbow crease, may experience a slower healing rate compared to others.

By the two-week mark, the outer layer of the skin has usually stopped flaking.

Healing will vary slightly for everyone.

The underlying layers of skin continue to heal for several weeks and even months.

During the first two weeks-

DO NOT:

• Submerge your tattoo in water

This includes swimming, use of hot tubs/saunas, and soaking in the bath.

Please don’t book a spa day during first 2 weeks of the healing process or get in the sea.

• Expose to direct sunlight or sun beds

Exposing a fresh tattoo to the sun can lead to swelling, blisters, redness, itchiness, and peeling.

After getting a tattoo, your skin barrier will be broken and regenerating, meaning your skin is at higher risk to UV damage

Prolonged sun exposure accelerates skin aging and contributes to the gradual fading of tattoos over time.

• Apply additional products to the area

Your tattoo is an open wound, chemicals found in these products can cause reactions to sensitive layers of skin

This includes fake tan, make-up, perfume, sun cream

• Use petroleum based ointment

This will prevent your skin from performing its natural respiratory process, which is essential for healing.

• Pick your scabs

This will open your skin up to infection, impede the healing of your tattoo, and potentially cause scarring!

Let them come off naturally!

• Over-apply cream.

Excess moisture will create breeding grounds for bacteria!

DO:

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitted clothing that won’t cause friction against your tattoo
• Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight.
• Be conscious with animals; if they touch your tattoo, wash immediately after contact.
• Drink lots of water and increase Vitamin C in your diet to aid healing
• Use high-factor sun cream after it’s healed to protect your skin and keep your tattoo from fading.

Be kind to yourself!

Being tattooed can be physically and mentally taxing. Take time to rest and recover.