- AFTERCARE -

Follow the instructions below to properly care for your tattoo.

IMPORTANT

For the first week, avoid drinking alcohol, sweating/exercising excessively, soaking in the bath, swimming, sauna or steam room. Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight during the healing process!

DAYS 1-2

- THE MOST CRUCIAL STAGE -

The first 48 hours are crucial. Here’s what you need to do:

With clean hands, remove the ‘second skin’ underwater the morning after your tattoo appointment (it's easier to remove when wet).

Wash gently with unscented antibacterial soap, careful to remove any blood, excess ink, or plasma.

Pat dry with a clean paper towel or tissue. Don’t rub! Do not rebandage.

Apply a thin layer of Bepanthen or another healing ointment I've recommended.

Apply a thin layer of Bepanthen every 4-5 hours. Don’t let it fester and avoid irritating the area.

Avoid wearing tight and abrasive clothing.

DAYS 3-4

- STILL SORE BUT ON THE MEND NOW -

Weeping will have slowed down a bit now. In some cases, it may even be gone.

Begin to apply a thin layer of tattoo lotion when your tattoo feels or looks dry (I recommend Hustle Butter, coconut oil or shea butter).

DAYS 5-7

- IT'S SCABBING TIME! -

Don’t panic! Scabbing is a normal part of the healing process.

Don’t pick and pull off the scabs! Avoid wearing anything that can snag on the scabs.

Continue to moisturise the area with lotion when needed.

WEEK 2

- ITCHING LIKE NOBODY'S BUSINESS! -

Moisturise regularly
Apply a cold compress
Tap or pat the itchy spot

DON'T

Do not scratch!
Do not pick or pull at the scabs!

WEEK 3-4

- THE HOME STRETCH -

The skin surface should mostly heal within this week, but underneath, full recovery may take a couple more months.

Yes, the itch will still be there. Just follow the Dos and Don’ts above. Moisturise regularly but never smother the area!

SIGNS OF INFECTION

- JUST IN CASE -

The most common symptom of a tattoo infection is a rash or red, bumpy skin around the area of the tattoo.

In some cases, your skin may just be irritated because of the needle, especially if you have sensitive skin. If this is the case, your symptoms should fade after a few days.

See your doctor if you experience one or more of the following after getting tattooed: Fever; waves of heat and cold; abnormal shivering; swelling of the tattooed area; pus coming out of the area; red lesions around the area; red streaking from the area; areas of hard, raised tissue.

Take care of your tattoo and follow the instructions above to ensure you minimize your risk of developing an infection!