Once the tattoo process is finished your artist will wrap the tattoo in a protective film either cling film or Dermalize to aid in the healing process and reduce the chances of exposing to any nasties/dirt. As soon as this final step is complete, it’s over to you to look after the tattoo until it’s fully healed. On average, the complete healing process takes between two and four weeks but it can vary based on the size and placement of the tattoo, the person and even the season. The first week of the healing process is when you are most at risk of infection, and before we get into the detailed guide, there are two crucial components worth keeping in mind:
Keep your tattoo clean
You’ll need to ensure that your tattoo is kept as clean as possible. There’s no way around it, a fresh tattoo is an open wound and you need to bare that in mind when looking after it. Whilst we take responsibility for the piece of art, tattoo aftercare is 100% your responsibility and cleanliness matters.
Look after yourself post tattoo
Your immune system is going to be working overtime so remember to take good care of yourself, and it’s the ‘little decisions’ you should consider wisely. For example, you may choose to decline that midweek pint and remain hydrated, whilst preventing your skin from drying up.
How to clean & wash your new tattoo
Keeping your new tattoo clean and free of germs is essential. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly before touching your new tattoo. Then proceed to clean the area using the steps below 2-3 times a day for the duration of the healing process:
Use an anti-bacterial, fragrance free soap such as Dettol. If you don’t have Dettol, then warm water will also be fine – just be sure to clean away all the plasma and excess ink from the whole area.
Be careful not to scrub too hard, use the pads of your fingers in a circular motion to gently wash away excess plasma from the surface of the skin. You should always be gentle when cleaning a fresh tattoo. Rubbing too aggressively will irritate and prolong the healing of the tattoo.
Rinse your tattoo well in warm water and gently pat or air dry.
Looking after your tattoo
We recommend using natural oils and creams such as coconut oil or unrefined cocoa butter when your tattoo begins to feel dry.
Avoid thick creams such as Vaseline or E45 which can block pores and slow down the healing process. You want your new tattoo to be able to breathe.
Avoid direct sunlight and definitely don’t use sun beds.
The tattoo can get wet but avoid submerging for any length of time so no swimming pools, hot tubs etc.
Don’t do anything too strenuous, such as the gym, for a few days.
Use common sense
You must not pick your new tattoo, it will affect how your tattoo heals and cause potential risk for infection
Please do not touch the tattooed area with dirty hands or allow anyone else to do so
Do not let pets near your new tattoo
Don’t immerse in water, that includes bath’s, swimming pools, lakes, sea and rivers
Don’t do anything stupid, dirty or which you think is going to damage your new tattoo
If for any reason you think you might have gotten your new tattoo dirty then just wash it, there is no such thing as too clean. If in doubt carefully wash the tattooed area with warm running water and some antibacterial soap
Any questions at all during the healing stage, please don't hesitate to contact us.