Well done, you actually did it! You’ve finally gotten your beautiful tattoo—the one you’ve always wanted, and it looks amazing, and you want to go out and show absolutely everyone…!
OK, hold up. I know you’re excited but before you go crazy, there are a few tattoo aftercare instructions you need to keep in mind to avoid any possible setbacks, like an infection or other serious complications.
Check these basic tattoo aftercare guide for optimum skin healing and maintenance.
My tips
Tip #1
Remove your covering 1 hour after your appointment. This prevents bacteria from getting into your skin.
Tip #2
Gently wash your tattoo with clean lukewarm water and fragrance-free soap, then pat your skin dry with a soft cloth. Avoid using applying any moisturisers to the area for 2-3days, as we want to let it air and start healing naturally on its own.
Tip #3
Try to avoid covering your tattoo, it’s best to let it breathe while healing. You might notice some blood, clear fluid (plasma) or extra ink which is completely normal.
Tip #4
Avoid being in the sun, chlorine or salt water, using fake tan or soaking in any sort of bath, spa or pool for about 3-4 weeks following your appointment.
Tip #5
Apply aftercare balm, I typically recommend Dr Pickles which you can pick up from our studio or at a local supermarket. Bepanthen cream is also very common but be sure to select the tattoo Bepanthen, because their normal cream can actually pull ink out.
Tip #6
Continue to wash your tattoo twice a day—morning and night with clean hands. You might notice some ink running into the sink, but don’t fret. This is just excess ink that’s come up through the skin.
Tip #7
Lastly, do not scratch the area! Feeling itchy is part of the healing process, and I promise it will pass. If you feel the urge to scratch your tattoo while it’s still healing, you run the risk of ripping ink out of your tattoo. Some tattoo balm should help relieve the urge to itch and you can keep applying this until the tattoo is fully healed.
By the second and third week, most of the scabbing and skin flakes should have naturally cleared up. The tattooed area might still look dry and dull but keep moisturising until the skin looks hydrated again.
It could take 3 to 4 months for the skin to completely heal, but eventually your tattoo should look as beautiful as you (and the artist) intended.
