How do I get a good looking tattoo and a healthy healing process?

After session you will be told how to look after it in the best way possible.  Know how to care for your tattoo afterwards as it will be your responsibility. Help your skin heal quickly and better following these tattoo aftercare instructions.

What should I do after the tattoo session?

• Keep your tattoo covered ideally for 2-3 hours (second skin film option can be discussed on the day of appointment)

• With clean hands remove the film and wash with warm water and neutral antibacterial soap (make it foamy in your hands before going over the tattoo).

• Rinse the soap over the tattoo with warm water.

• once all clean use cold water for few seconds to help the skin pores to shrink (to close up) and pat dry gently using “Plenty kitchen roll” (this is non-fibrous brand). Use multiple sheets to make sure the  tattoo is well dry.

• Let the tattoo air-dry for 5-10 minutes.

• Do not apply moisturiser or cream.

• Make sure you have fresh & clean cotton bed sheets and change them frequently during the healing period.

• Repeat the same process of cleaning the following morning.

• DO NOT wrap again, let your tattoo air-dry and breathe.

• Keep it dry, let it breath, and you do not need to wash it again until it starts pealing naturally. You can have quick showers, but try to avoid to make the tattoo wet and eventually it must be dried straight after.

• When the tattoo naturally starts pealing, From the 4th/ 5th day usually, start applying  tattoo aftercare cream (“Bepanthen” works great for me), apply a very thin layer once a day (twice if really needed, ask me for advices). Absolutely do not use any butter or oil based products (like hustlebutter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, sea shea butter, and similar), it must be a water based cream!

• Continue doing this for about 5 days to 1 week.

• Do not worry if the tattoo looks shiny or whiteish somewhere, it’s the new skin growing over which will give it lately a matt finish)

• Use “body moisturising lotions” every sometimes (3-4 times a week, ideally 10 mins after shower), especially in the first 12 weeks it will help the settling process of the new ink. (“E45” rich 24HR lotion, “dove” body lotion, or similar)

What shouldn’t I do after the tattoo session?

• Relaxing is better than partying.

• No alcohol and drugs.

• DO NOT pic or scratch the tattoo as this can cause infection and/ or result in the tattoo healing badly.

• Astringents and antiseptics such as TCP, Dettol and perfumed lotions should not be used.

• Sudocream and Vaseline are not advised. as well hustlebutter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, sea shea butter, and similar.

• Avoid soaking your tattoo for a prolonged period of time (this includes baths, swimming pool, saunas, the sea, etc.).

• Avoid exposing your tattoo to the sun and sun beds while it is healing (ideally for the first 3- 5 weeks).

• Ensure your tattoo is “covered” before handling any pets as they can cover your tattoo with hair, saliva, etc.

• Be aware that tattoos can become infected. Avoid getting anything dirty on your tattoo while it’s healing this includes unwashed hands. If your tattoo does come into contact with something unclean ensure it is washed and dried immediately.

Remember, it’s your responsibility to follow the aftercare guidelines that you have been provided with once you left the studio.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.