Looking After Your Tattoo

Tattoo Aftercare

Proper aftercare is essential for your tattoo to heal beautifully.

Follow these instructions carefully and your new piece will look its best for years to come.

Important
Every artist has their own preferred aftercare methods and will talk you through the aftercare instructions they recommend for your tattoo at the end of your appointment. The information below is our general studio guidance and is intended as a helpful reference. If your artist gives you specific aftercare instructions, please follow their advice.

Tattoo Aftercare (Second Skin)

Leave the Second Skin on for 5 days.

You can shower as normal, but do not soak or submerge the tattoo in water.
It is completely normal for the tattoo to look murky or cloudy underneath the bandage. This is a mixture of ink, blood and plasma and is part of the healing process.
If water gets underneath the Second Skin, or if it starts leaking, peeling excessively, or causes a rash or irritation, remove it immediately.

Removing the Second Skin

Remove the Second Skin in the shower, allowing warm water to help loosen the adhesive.
Peel it back slowly, keeping it close to the skin rather than pulling upwards.

Cleaning Your Tattoo

Gently wash the tattoo with a fragrance-free shower gel or soap.
Pat dry with a clean towel or allow it to air dry.
Apply a very thin layer of moisturiser. We recommend: Palmer's Cocoa Butter (from the tub), or Bepanthen.
Continue moisturising lightly for around 1-2 weeks, or as needed.
You only need a very small pea-sized amount of moisturiser to make the tattoo shiny.

Tattoo Aftercare (Cling Film)

If Second Skin is not suitable, your artist will cover your tattoo with cling film.
Leave the cling film in place for a few hours, or overnight if advised by your artist.
Remove it sooner if it becomes loose, excessively wet or begins to leak.
Once removed, gently wash the tattoo with warm water and a fragrance-free soap or shower gel.
Pat dry with a clean towel or allow to air dry, then follow the moisturising instructions above.
Do not re-wrap the tattoo unless advised by your artist.

During Healing - For the First 2 Weeks

Do not swim or submerge the tattoo in water (baths, pools, hot tubs, sea, etc.).
Avoid direct sunlight and sunbeds.
Wear clean, loose clothing where possible.
Avoid scratching or picking at any flaking skin.

What to Avoid

During Healing
✗ Picking, scratching, or peeling the tattoo
✗ Submerging in baths, pools, hot tubs, or the sea
✗ Direct sunlight or sunbeds
✗ Tight or abrasive clothing over the area
✗ Excessive sweating or intense exercise on the area
✗ Sleeping directly on the tattoo (use clean sheets)

Products to Avoid
✗ Fragranced soaps and lotions
✗ Alcohol-based products
✗ Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) in thick layers
✗ Sudocrem or antiseptic creams (unless advised)
✗ Fake tan or self-tanning products
✗ Exfoliating scrubs or harsh cleansers

When to Contact Us

Some redness, swelling, and tenderness in the first few days is perfectly normal. However, please get in touch with your artist or contact us if you experience any of the following:

»Excessive or increasing redness, swelling, or warmth after the first few days
»Pus or discharge that is yellow, green, or foul-smelling
»Red streaks spreading from the tattoo
»Fever or feeling unwell
»Severe or prolonged pain beyond the first couple of days
»A raised, bumpy rash or allergic reaction

If you have any concerns at all, don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. We're always happy to help and would rather you ask than worry. If symptoms are severe, seek medical advice from your GP or NHS 111.