Aftercare and Advice

Aftercare and Advice

After your tattoo:

Please read this carefully. Every artist has a unique way of applying a tattoo and the way they advise to heal is what works for their way of work. No matter what your friends say, you will need to follow my aftercare. You may want to celebrate your achievement but avoid partying for at least 24 – 48 hours after. You will be tired. You will need to recover. When you are at a party you are also a lot less likely to take proper care of your tattoo. Give yourself an easier time and rest, you've earned it. Your tattoo will be changing and settling in for a while. Even though you will have a good healed result in 1 – 2 weeks your tattoo will only be fully settled after a year. This is nothing to be concerned about, it is just your tattoo settling into its permanent form. It may seem tempting but do not remove any dressing before the artist suggests doing so. You will put yourself at risk of infection if you do so. Once you are FULLY HEALED make sure to use a strong sunblock when you go outside to keep your tattoo looking it's best. Try to avoid strong sun if you want your tattoo to last the longest time.

Aftercare:

Once your tattoo is complete your artist will apply an aftercare spray, as well as clean the outside with alcohol. This will sting. It is cleaning and protecting your tattoo and also forms a protective layer over the top. After that is dry, a special aftercare dressing will be applied. This is a protective adhesive clear bandage and is NOT cellophane/cling film. It allows your skin to breathe while keeping dirt and bacteria out. You will be wearing this dressing for 7 days if possible. 5 is the minimum that you should wear this dressing. If the edges start peeling up you can trim them down or press them down and re-stick them. The rest of your dressing will still be on very solid. You will get a build of coloured fluid. This is perfectly normal. It varies from person to person but if the amount of fluid is excessive or very uncomfortable then you can drain it. Get a paper towel and gently push the fluid out of the side or the bottom. Once the wrap is dry the dressing will restick itself. This is also the case if the fluid leaks out by itself. If the dressing comes off in parts and a significant amount of your tattoo is exposed (1cmx1cm or more) then remove the wrap. Do not rewrap with clingfilm etc as this will not allow your tattoo to breathe. Keep it dry for around 24 hours, then start to moisturise 2 – 3 times as a day. Apply a very thin layer. If the dressing stays on for 7 days you can moisturise straight away. If you have any kind of reaction of big scab on your piece, let it dry. Do not pick it or moisturise, just let your body heal. Infections need warmth and moisture to thrive, so by keeping your tattoo dry during the first phase you greatly cut down the risk of infection. When you are ready to remove the wrap do so in a hot shower or bath. Peel each corner slowly and gently, making sure to let the water loosen the adhesive. Do not pull it off all at once because then you may damage your skin or your tattoo.


If you start to get an allergic reaction please remove the wrap immediately. You will know for sure if this is happening, it's unmistakeable. If you're not sure if it's reacting or not, it isn't.


I recommend something natural and simple like cocoa butter for your aftercare. Fancy balms and lotions are great but they're only really useful during the first 3 days and if all goes to plan, you'll still be wearing the aftercare wrap so they won't do anything for you.


A quick note: aftercare is for the life of your tattoo not just the first couple of weeks. Treat it like any luxury purchase. Take care of it and it will look fantastic for far longer. A good skincare routine will go a long way.

Alternative aftercare:

If for some reason you can't or won't get on with the intended process I have an alternative. You will need to get Amazon basics dog training pads, and bear with me on this one. The absorbent on one side and waterproof on another. You'll also need some micropore tape. Don't use cellotape please. Buy micropore. It's worth it.


The idea is a combination dry and wet heal. First few days you'll need to cover you tattoo fully with the absorbent pad. Cut it to the shape of your tattoo with 1 – 2 inches to spare. Tape it down so that it can't fall off.


You'll need to change it often, 3 – 5 times a day. When changing it you should wash it well. Don't be scared of it. It will suck but you NEED to get the build up of blood plasma off completely. Your tattoo shouldn't have any scab at all in the first 2 – 3 days and if it does, it's because you haven't washed it off properly.


Once it's not longer leaking fluid you can stop wearing the pads. Leave it dry for around 24 hours like this and then start to moisturise 2 – 3 times daily. Use something natural like cocoa butter and use it sparingly. More tattoos have been ruined by over creaming than under creaming.


Once it's peeling, just let it peel and don't mess with it. Listen to your body. If it feels like it's too dry it probably is. Just don't go crazy and please don't pick.

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