TATTOO AFTERCARE

Proper tattoo aftercare is essential for ensuring your tattoo heals properly and looks its best. It helps prevent infections, reduces discomfort, and maintains the vibrancy and clarity of the tattoo. Please follow the aftercare guidelines below, and don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

AFTERCARE PRODUCTS

• A gentle, mild and fragrance-free cleanser – I recommend brands like Aveeno, Cerave, Cetaphil, QV and Dermaveen.

• A moisturising agent - my favorites include:

  • Unrefined pure coconut oil / jojoba oil

  • Hustle Butter Deluxe Tattoo Aftercare

  • Inky Tattoo Salve

  • Cetaphil Daily Advance Ultra Hydrating Lotion

  • Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Fragrance Free Body Lotion

NORMAL REACTIONS OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS

• Slight swelling: Typically seen for the first day or two.

• Redness: Usually occurs for the first day or two.

• Plasma: Usually noticeable for the first day or two.

• Itching: Commonly appears 3 or 4 days after getting a tattoo.

• Flaky Skin / Peeling / Dryness: Typically starts 4 to 5 days after getting a tattoo.

SANIDERM / SECOND SKIN BANDAGE

If your tattoo is bandaged with a film called ‘Second Skin (Saniderm),’ keep it on for 24-72 hours as directed. During this time, it’s normal to see some excess ink and plasma under the bandage, especially for tattoos with a lot of black pigment. However, if the liquid begins to leak from the bandage, please remove it as soon as possible and follow the steps in the standard aftercare instructions below.

After 24-72 hours, gently remove the Second Skin bandage under warm running water, ideally in the shower. Carefully pull it down by stretching from a corner along the surface of your skin, rather than ripping it off like a Band-Aid. After removing the bandage, follow steps 2 to 7 of the standard bandage instructions listed below.

STANDARD BANDAGE

1. Leave the bandage on for 2 hours or as instructed, then remove it and gently wash the tattoo.

2. Always wash or sanitise your hands before touching your new tattoo or applying moisturiser while it’s still in the healing stage.

3. After removing the bandage, wash the tattoo with warm water and a gentle, mild, fragrance-free soap. Gently remove all existing plasma/excess ink with your fingertips. Do not use anything abrasive to clean your new tattoo.

4. Air-dry the tattoo or gently pat it dry using a disposable paper towel. Avoid using tissues, face towels, or bath towels. Apply a thin layer of the provided tattoo aftercare cream to create a protective barrier and help prevent infection. Ensure you use only a small amount — just enough to lightly cover the tattoo and the surrounding skin — and spread it thinly until it is fully absorbed into the skin, leaving no visible white residue. Apply the cream only once or twice daily for the next 3-5 days as directed, and do not exceed this frequency.

5. Wash your new tattoo once a day until it is completely healed. Do not over-wash. Regular showering is fine, but do not submerge the tattoo for an extended period until it has healed—this includes baths and swimming.

6. From 3-5 days after your tattoo session, transition to the recommended moisturiser. Be mindful not to over-moisturise during this period. Apply a small amount of moisturiser gently once or twice a day, and continue this routine for 1 to 2 weeks.

7. During the initial stage of the healing process, your tattoo may become flaky, dry, and tight, and it may appear dull until completely healed. If any scabs form, let them fall off naturally. Do not pick or scratch the area. Ensure that any clothing that comes in contact with the tattoo is clean. Cotton-based, loose clothing is best; avoid tight clothes and fibers like wool that can cause infection.

THINGS TO AVOID

• Do NOT use Vaseline or other petroleum jelly-based products as they are non-permeable and do not allow the skin to breathe.

• Do NOT re-bandage the area. Allow the skin to breathe and be kept clean.

• Do NOT pick at or scratch the area as this may result in infection and scarring.

• Do NOT shave the tattooed area until it is completely healed.

• Do NOT over-wash the tattoo. Regular showering is fine as long as you follow the guidelines for gentle washing.

• Avoid baths, hot tubs, swimming pools, saunas and surfing until all scabbing are completely healed (usually around 1-2 weeks).

• Do NOT apply any self-tanning products or fake tan after getting a new tattoo. It is generally recommended to wait at least 4 weeks before using these products. This allows the tattoo adequate time to fully heal and the skin to properly seal before exposing it to the chemicals in self-tanning formulas. Applying fake tan too soon can potentially cause the tattoo to fade prematurely or become discoloured.

• Avoid using scrub products on a new tattoo for at least 4 weeks. Scrubbing can irritate the healing skin and increase the risk of infection. Waiting until the tattoo is fully healed will help preserve its appearance and ensure proper healing.

• Avoid exercise for at least 1 week after getting a tattoo.

• Do NOT expose your new tattoo to direct sunlight during the first few weeks of the healing process. It’s recommended to apply a high SPF sunscreen to the area once the tattoo has completely healed to ensure its longevity.