Aftercare / Touch Ups

A new tattoo is essentially an open wound, and therefore vulnerable to infection. So tattoo aftercare is important to avoid this and have it last well over time.

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT:

  • At the end of your appointment, your tattoo will be wrapped to protect it from dust and bacteria.

  • Keep your tattoo wrapped for approx. 3 hours before removing.

  • It’s normal for your new tattoo to be swollen, red and warm to touch - this can last for 24 - 48 hours.

THE FIRST WASH:

  • With clean hands - remove dressing.

  • Once removed, there will be a syrupy gooey layer of ink, blood and plasma - which is completely normal!

  • Wash your tattoo gently with clean water and/or a mild fragrance free antibacterial soap - make sure all the gooey bits are washed off - just use clean finger tips and don’t use any sponges / towels / anything exfoliating.

  • Dab dry (not rub) with clean kitchen roll - don’t use use anything abrasive or products such as cotton wool that can leave residue.

  • Let it dry completely and leave the tattoo for the rest of the day to allow the skin to breathe.

DURING THE HEALING PROCESS:

  • Tattoos can typically take anything between 2 - 4 weeks to fully heal.

  • From the second day you can apply your aftercare balm (100% pure cocoa butter, Yayo Familia, Hustle Butter or Butterluxe)

  • Only apply 2 - 3 times a day and just a thin even layer. After 2 weeks you can drop this down to 1 - 2 times a day.

  • Gently wash your tattoo once a day - again either with just water and/or a mild fragrance free antibacterial soap.

  • Skin flaking, peeling and scabbing is completely normal! Scabs shouldn’t be picked as this will effect how well the tattoo heals. You want the scabs to fall off naturally.

  • After 4 weeks when it’s fully healed you can then use sun cream or an SPF lotion to protect the tattoo - sun damage can effect a tattoo even after fully healed.

DON’T:

  • Don’t use harsh fragrances / soaps / products on the tattoo.

  • Don’t use towels to dry the tattoo as they can contain bacteria and leave residue.

  • Don’t over moisturise or use multiple products, as this can irritate it. The tattoo needs some time to breathe to heal properly.

  • Don’t itch, scratch the tattoo or pick at scabs. If it gets super itchy, you can gently pat the tattoo or apply a thin layer of aftercare balm.

  • Don’t submerge the tattoo in ‘dirty water’ or soak it for long periods of time - no swimming / soaking in the bath / hot tubs / saunas / steam rooms etc. Doing so can lead to scabs falling off prematurely or potentially cause infection.

  • Don’t expose the tattoo to strong direct sunlight / UV rays - including the use of sun-beds. Overexposure can affect how well the tattoo heals.

  • Don’t do vigorous exercise - excessive sweating can irritate the tattoo, and excessive movement can cause scabs to fall off prematurely.

DO:

  • Keep the tattoo clean and only touch it with clean fingers.

  • Wear comfortable / loose clothing around the tattoo, to avoid rubbing and irritation.

  • Apply an even thin layer of aftercare balm 2-3 times a day.

  • Lightly wash the tattoo once a day.

  • Contact me if you have any questions 

TOUCH UPS:

  • All touch ups are free within a year after the appointment - if they are needed.

  • Please allow at least 1 month for the tattoo to have completely healed before enquiring about a touch up.

  • If you think you require a touch up please send over a clear direct photo of your tattoo.

  • A touch up is not an added extra and is only provided to correct any extreme fading / loss of line-work and /or shading.

  • Hand and finger tattoos would require a £25 charge - as they are more susceptible to fading.

  • Please note if you’re booked in for a free touch up and don’t attend without prior notice, any future touch up appointment will be £50.

  • If a touch up is needed due to poor aftercare, a £50 charge will be required.

  • Please email your touch up enquiry