healing and aftercare 

CLING FILM HEALING

SECOND SKIM HEALING

BLACKOUT HEALING

HANDS/FACE/NECK HEALING

 

cling film wrapping

  1. Remove the Wrap:

    • Keep the wrap on for at least 2 hours after the tattoo is completed.

    • After removal, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.

  2. Gently Clean the Tattoo:

    • Gently clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and unscented, antibacterial soap.

    • Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel or allow it to air dry.

  3. Apply Advised Cream:

    • Apply the advised aftercare balm the next day after your tattoo.

    • Moisturize 1-2 times a day depending on the scale of the tattoo. Larger blackout tattoos will need to be moisturized less. Be sure not to over-moisturize, as it can damage your skin and tattoo.

skin barrier film

1. Leave the Film on until it comes off

  • The skin barrier film is designed to stay on for several days (typically 3-5 days).

  • During this time, it will protect your tattoo, keep it moisturised, and prevent infection.

  • Do not remove the film early unless advised.

2. Check for Fluid or Fluid Buildup:

  • Over the first few days, you may notice some fluid or plasma collecting under the barrier film. This is completely normal.

  • If there’s too much fluid buildup or the film starts to feel uncomfortable, you can remove the film, clean the tattoo gently, and proceed with the aftercare routine.

3. After 3-5 Days, Remove the Film:

  • After 3-5 days, remove the skin barrier film gently by peeling it off by pulling upwards under running water.

  • This will help loosen the film and make it easier to remove without causing damage to your tattoo.

4. Clean the Tattoo Again:

  • Once the film is removed, clean the tattoo with lukewarm water and unscented, antibacterial soap.

  • Pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel and leave until the following day.

5. Apply Advised Tattoo Aftercare Cream:

  • Apply a thin layer of the tattoo aftercare cream from the day after your appointment.

  • Rub it in properly, as over-application can damage your skin and hinder the healing process.

  • Ensure the cream is absorbed evenly into the skin to keep it moisturized without clogging pores or irritating the tattoo.

6. Continue with Regular Aftercare:

  • Continue your usual tattoo aftercare routine, which includes applying the advised cream lightly as necessary to keep the skin hydrated and promote healing.

  • Avoid scratching, picking, or irritating the tattoo.

 

blackwork healing

  1. Follow steps 1 and 2 of the cling film healing as stated above.
  2. Please avoid moisturising your tattoo for at least 3-5 days after completion, your skin will continue to leak fluid over these days and will be exposed to moisture from quick exposure during your showers
  3. Contact me so I can analyse if your tattoo is ready to be moisturised

OVER MOISTURISING YOUR TATTOO WILL MAKE YOUR SKIN MUSHY it is highly important to not over moisturise large scale blackout/colour pieces 

  • You can then begin to moisturise once per day ensuring not to leave any excess on the tattoo, please use sparingly and please do not re wrap your tattoo unless necessary 

 

what to look out for during blackwork healing

FIRST 1-3 DAYS

  • SWELLING, PRESSURE AND FLUID EXPULSION
  • Blackout tattooing is not a process to be taken lightly and aftercare advice must be followed 
  • You will experience pressure from the swelling, this can be managed with anti inflammatories if possible (please contact a GP first) and by keeping the area raised 
  • Fluid from the ink, plasma and excess ink will seep from the skin

3-7 DAYS

  • Swelling should begin to go down and the pain minimising
  • Skin will begin to dry out and feel very tight, at this point please contact me regarding starting to moisturise

7 DAYS ONWARDS

  • Skin should begin to flake off, don’t pick at the tattoo or pick and scabs that form

 

IF AT ANY POINT SOMETHING FEELS CONCERNING - FEVER, SWEATS, PUS PLEASE CONTACT ME AND YOUR GP IM IMMEDIATELY. 

 

EVEN IF YOURE UNSURE PLEASE REACH OUT.


what to avoid during tattoo healing

 

  • Gym equipment and don’t allow the new tattoo near pets

  • Swimming (in pools, lakes, or oceans)

  • Picking, scratching, or itching the tattoo

  • Excessive sweating (e.g., intense exercise, hot tubs)

  • Heavy application of ointment or lotion (keep it thin and rub it in properly)

  • Tight clothing that may rub against the tattoo.

  • Sun exposure or tanning beds

important information:

  • Healing Time: Most tattoos heal fully in about 4-6 weeks. However, the process may vary depending on the size, location, and your skin type.

  • Touch-Ups: If needed, you may require a free touch-up once the tattoo has fully healed. Please contact me to arrange one if you think it’s needed.

healing stages

Weeks 1-2

    • Your tattoo will be a little red, inflammed, and oozing plasma during the first few days. Peeling and itching will start around day 3-4.

  2. Weeks 2-4

    • Scabs will begin to form, and the skin may feel tight as it heals. It’s important not to scratch or pick at the scabs or to over moisturise

  3. Month 1-2

    • The tattoo should be nearly healed by the end of the first month, but the skin might still feel slightly dry or tight for up to 2 months.

Avoid Scratching, Picking, or Itching:

  • Your tattoo will begin to scab and peel. Do not scratch, pick, or itch at scabs, as this can damage the tattoo and cause scarring.

Itching is normal and will begin around 4-5 days after the tattoo as it heals.

 

Avoid Excess Moisture:

  • Do not submerge your tattoo in water until after the scabbing phase is over (e.g., no swimming, hot tubs, or long baths). Avoid soaking your tattoo until it has fully healed.

  • Avoid direct sun exposure on your tattoo until it has fully healed. Once healed, apply SPF 30 or higher to protect the tattoo from UV damage.

  • Avoid Tight Clothing and Friction:

    • Avoid tight clothing over the tattoo, as it can cause irritation or pull the skin during the healing process.

  • Don’t Shave Over the Tattooed Area
  • Wait until the tattoo has fully healed before shaving over the tattoo area to avoid irritation.

  • Monitor for Signs of Infection:

    • Keep an eye out for any signs of infection, such as:

      • Redness that worsens or spreads.

      • Swelling that increases over time.

      • Pain that intensifies.

      • Pus or yellow/green discharge with a foul odor.

      • Warmth to the touch.

      • Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell.

    • If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact me and seek medical attention immediately. For more information on tattoo infection symptoms, visit Cleveland Clinic's guide.

 

neck hands and face healing

  • The key to primal healing in these areas is to keep the area dry for a few days
  • Once the cling wrap/second barrier film has been removed please clean as advised and dry well afterwards
  • For upto 3 days afterwards please keep the tattoo unmoisturised 
  • Please contact me after this time period to be advised on whether the tattoo should begin to be moisturised 
  • Do not put makeup or products on your fresh tattoos