advice / after care /
We’re always available to offer help and advice for all aspects of aftercare for your tattoo or piercing. Here is a list of the most commonly asked question which we hope will answer any initial questions you may have.
- Keep the medical dressing on for a minimum of 2 hours and up to a maximum of 24 hours. Do not remove to early to look at it or show your friends as this can introduce infection.
- To remove the dressing soak with warm soapy water so that it does not stick. Wash thoroughly with warm soapy water ensuring that any blood/body fluids are removed. Gently pat dry with a clean towel. Do not re-bandage.
- Continue to wash the tattoo thoroughly every 3-4 hours for the first 24 hours. Apply no creams at this stage. This will allow it to breath and completely seal.
- After 24 hours wash your tattoo only twice daily until completely healed. You may wish to use a slight amount of cream, but only to a dry tattoo. (1 hour after washing). Too much cream will smother the skin.
- Care must be taken to avoid damaging the dry skin formation, which will appear after two days. Your tattoo may begin to flake and peel like sunburn, a few small scabs may even appear. Do not scratch, rub or pick your tattoo while it is healing. If it itches badly, applying small amounts of cream will soothe it. Most flakes will fall off within 7 to 10 days. A new layer of shiny skin will be in place and the tattoo will be healed. Your new skin will return to normal with 4 to 6 weeks.
- Do not swim in chlorinated or salt water until totally healed.
- Avoid direct sunlight & sun beds etc until completely healed.
- Avoid all contact with raw meats and chemicals ie pork, cement, paint, oil etc.
- Your tattoo should normally be healed within 14 days, if it has not or you have any questions please contact us.
- Follow the instructions until your tattoo has completely healed. Personal hygiene is of the utmost importance if your tattoo is to heal correctly. Never touch your tattoo with dirty hands while it is healing.
One last note, you will probably find that the world is full of people with ‘expert’ advice to offer on your new tattoo. Please only take advice from your tattooist as experience has proved to be the best method of aftercare.