Tattoo Aftercare

Healing a tattoo doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require good hygiene and a little patience.

Every tattoo heals differently depending on the size, placement, technique used, and your own skin. These instructions are a guide, but your aftercare may be adjusted specifically for your tattoo. If I tell you to do something different on the day of your appointment, always follow the advice given to you.

The goal is simple: keep your tattoo clean, protect it while it's healing, and don't apply ointment until the tattoo has completely stopped weeping.

If You Have Second Skin

Most clients leave the studio with Second Skin already applied.

If your bandage is sealed, the tattoo looks dry inside, and there are no leaks or tears, leave it alone for 5 days.

After 5 days, remove the bandage in a warm shower. Peel it away slowly, wash the tattoo gently, pat it dry with clean kitchen roll, allow it to air dry completely, then begin applying A&D Ointment twice a day for the next 2 to 4 weeks.

Sometimes Second Skin Needs Changing

Not every tattoo behaves the same.

If the bandage fills with fluid, looks gooey after the first 24 hours, starts leaking, or loses its seal, remove it.

Wash the tattoo, allow it to dry completely, and either apply a fresh piece of Second Skin or continue with the dry healing method, depending on the advice given for your tattoo.

Some larger tattoos or tattoos created with more traumatic techniques naturally weep for longer. In these cases, I may recommend waiting before applying Second Skin or replacing it once during the first day.

Try not to remove and replace Second Skin unless it's actually needed. Every unnecessary removal can disturb healing skin.

If You're Dry Healing

Some tattoos are too weepy for Second Skin straight away, and some clients can't wear adhesive bandages.

If this applies to you:

• Wash the tattoo whenever it becomes dirty, develops shiny fluid, or may have been contaminated.

• Pat dry with clean kitchen roll.

• Allow the tattoo to air dry completely.

• Do not apply ointment while any part of the tattoo is still wet, sticky or weeping.

Once every area of the tattoo is dry, you can begin applying A&D Ointment twice a day.

Some areas, especially joints, scar tissue, or heavily worked tattoos, may continue weeping for longer than the rest of the tattoo.

If only a few small areas are still weeping, I may recommend Savlon Advanced Healing Gel to those spots only. One thicker application is often enough to help them dry so you can begin your ointment routine. Always ask before using it.

When Can I Start Using Ointment?

Only start ointment when your tattoo is completely dry.

Before applying ointment, check that:

✔ There are no shiny or sticky areas.

✔ Nothing is weeping.

✔ The tattoo feels dry after washing and air drying.

If you're unsure, wait a little longer.

Starting ointment too early traps moisture against the skin and can increase the risk of irritation, scabbing and poor healing.

Once your tattoo is ready:

• Wash your hands.

• Wash the tattoo.

• Dry it completely.

• Apply a very thin layer of A&D Ointment.

• Repeat morning and night for 2 to 4 weeks, or until your skin has returned to its normal texture.

The ointment should disappear into the skin. If your tattoo looks greasy or shiny afterwards, you've applied too much.

How to Wash Your Tattoo

Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.

Use warm water and a gentle soap.

I recommend Butterluxe Tattoo Soap, but any mild fragrance-free soap is suitable.

Some good UK alternatives include:

• Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Shower Gel

• Sanex Zero%

• Childs Farm Fragrance Free Wash

Lather the soap in your hands first rather than applying it directly to the tattoo.

Wash gently using your fingertips.

Rinse thoroughly.

Pat dry with clean kitchen roll.

Allow the tattoo to air dry before applying ointment or a new bandage.

Avoid getting shampoo, conditioner or heavily fragranced shower products on your fresh tattoo where possible.

Is My Tattoo Healing Normally?

During healing it's normal to experience:

• Mild redness

• Itching

• Peeling

• Flaking

• Tight or dry skin

These are all normal parts of healing.

If something feels excessive, painful, unusually swollen, or you're worried, get in touch.

Things to Avoid

While your tattoo is healing:

• Don't pick, scratch or peel it.

• Don't soak it in baths, swimming pools, hot tubs or the sea.

• Keep it out of direct sunlight.

• Wear clean, loose clothing.

• Sleep on clean bedding.

• Wash your hands before touching it.

• Keep pets away from fresh tattoos where possible.

• Don't use thick layers of ointment.

• Don't apply ointment before the tattoo has stopped weeping.

I do not recommend Bepanthen. Its antiseptic ingredients aren't necessary for routine tattoo healing and can affect ink retention. If you prefer another tattoo aftercare cream, that's absolutely fine.

When Should I Contact Me?

Please don't wait until something becomes a major problem.

If your tattoo doesn't look right, feels different from what you've been told to expect, or you're simply unsure, send me clear photos and a description of what's happening.

Every tattoo heals differently.

Seeing how your tattoos heal helps me adjust your aftercare if needed and improve the advice I give to future clients.

If I believe something needs medical treatment, I'll always tell you to contact your GP or another healthcare professional.

Long-Term Care

Even after your tattoo has healed, your skin will continue settling for several weeks.

Keep your skin moisturised, drink plenty of water, and wear SPF whenever your tattoo will be exposed to the sun.

Healthy skin keeps tattoos looking brighter, sharper and lasting their best for years to come.

Recommended Aftercare Products

Available in the studio:

• A&D Ointment

• Butterluxe Tattoo Soap

• Second Skin

If you need additional Second Skin for larger tattoos or replacements, I recommend buying it from a reputable tattoo supplier such as Killer Ink.

Following the correct aftercare gives your tattoo the best possible chance to heal cleanly and stay looking its best. If you're ever unsure, just ask. I'd always rather answer a question early than help fix a problem later.