Aftercare advice
Your new tattoo is an open wound and should be treated as such. Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your fresh tattoo.
You will be leave the shop wrapped either with cling film or with second skin. The healing process will differ based on which one- follow the relevant advice below.
If using cling film:
Day 1
Remove the cling film 1-4 hours after leaving the tattoo shop.
Wash the tattoo with mild, unscented soap and lukewarm water.
Pat dry with kitchen paper or allow to air-dry. Don’t use a towel.
There’s no need to apply any ointment on the first day. Do not re-wrap the tattoo.
Day 2 until healed
Wash 2x a day (morning and evening). Pat dry with kitchen paper or allow to air dry. The most important thing in healing is keeping it clean.
Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturiser or tattoo ointment 2-3x a day. Make sure the tattoo is fully dry before applying ointment.
Don’t expose it to strong sunlight/ sunbeds
Cover the tattooed area with clothes if you need to be out in the sun but don’t apply sunscreen until it is fully healed.
If you have pets
Be careful to prevent them from scratching/ licking/ rubbing against the tattoo. Don’t let your pets sleep in the bed with you until the tattoo is healed. Make sure to be extra careful about washing bedsheets.
If using second skin:
Keep the second skin on for 2-4 days. During this time, keep an eye out for the following:
Any redness and itchiness around the border of the second skin
Excessive plama/ ink pooling under the second skin (some pooling is completely normal)
Plasma/ink leaking from under the second skin
Edges of the second skin peeling and exposing the tattoo
If any of the above occurs, just remove the bandage early and proceed to care for the tattoo normally
Removing the second skin
It’s best to remove second skin in the shower/ under warm running water
Remove in the direction of your skin, not away from it. It can require some force- use steady movements.
Don’t be alarmed if you notice bits of ink stuck to the second skin after removing- it’s completely normal. You may also notice slight redness of the skin after removing but this should fade shortly.
From removal until healed
Wash 2x a day (morning and evening). Pat dry with kitchen paper or allow to air dry. The most important thing in healing is keeping it clean.
Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturiser or tattoo ointment 2-3x a day. Make sure the tattoo is fully dry before applying ointment.
Until tattoo is healed externally…
Follow the below instructions from the moment you leave the tattoo shop until your tattoo no longer has any flaking, scabbing or irritation. This usually takes about 2 weeks for most people though it could be more or less depending on the individual.
Don’t soak the tattoo in water
This means no baths, no swimming, no saunas, etc. Second skin is permeable so this also applies while you have it still on. You can still shower and it is usually one of the easiest ways to clean the tattoo!
Don’t go to the gym
Avoid heavy exercise/ sweating and above all, never let the tattoo come in contact with gym equipment/ shared exercise equipment (even if you cover it with clothes). Do not wrap the tattoo in cling film to go to the gym. You will need to take 2 weeks off. Light exercise done at home using clean equipment that you don’t share with others should be ok after the first week.
If you work in a dirty environment
Ideally, take a few days off work following the tattoo appointment. When you return to work, keep it covered with clothing but don’t re-wrap with cling film. If the tattoo gets dirty, wash it as soon as possible. It’s best to bring some unscented soap and tattoo ointment to work with you just in case this happens.
Once fully healed, make sure to apply sunscreen, moisturise regulary and stay hydrated to keep your tattoo looking its best throughout the years.
Don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions!
Contact me on instagram:
@kiwigogtattoos
Or email:
kiwigogtattoo@gmail.com