Tattoo Aftercare Advice | Steven Graham

Step By Step

Step 1

After an hour of the tattoo being complete and using clean hands, remove the cling film or bandage from your tattoo. Gently wash your tattoo, preferably using two fingers, with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap, and allow water to run over the tattoo. Don't use any abrasive sponges like an exfoliant sponge on your tattoo until it is completely healed. Rubbing or picking off scabs or flaking skin can cause scarring or loss of ink.

Step 2

Dry or pat with a clean paper towel. Don't use regular bath towels that have been lying around in the bathroom, as these can contain unseen bacteria.

Step 3

Apply a thin layer of recommended aftercare ointment to your tattoo. It is important to note that you should not use too much product, as it can clog your pores and suffocate your skin. Your body will heal your tattoo on its own, we just want to help it out as best we can.

Repeat this process three times a day. If your tattoo comes into contact with anything that seems dirty or unclean, then make sure to clean it immediately.
Use the soap and aftercare cream for the first five days, then replace the cream for moisturiser. Still continue to use antibacterial soap before applying moisturising cream. Remember to make sure your fresh tattoo is not steeping under water for prolonged periods of time.
The tattoo will go through a flaking or peeling stage. Make sure that you do not pick at this stage, as it can still affect the tattoo's end result. Continue moisturising the skin at this stage.

Things to Avoid

Avoid exercise for the first three to four days after receiving your tattoo, as any sweating can push out the ink.
No picking, scratching or scrubbing.
Stay out of the sun until your tattoo is completely healed, including sun beds.
Don't wear tight or rough clothing on your tattoo while it's still healing. If your job is a dirty job, you can use the aftercare cream and wrap in cling film, only in extreme circumstances, until the job is done.

The healing process usually takes two to three weeks. After your skin has completely healed over and isn't sensitive to touch, you can use your regular soaps and skin care.

Recommended

Recommended Products

Carex Antibacterial Hand Wash

Bepanthen tattoo aftercare ointment with panthenol and vitamin B5, recommended for healing new tattoos

Bepanthen Aftercare Ointment

Nivea Creme Moisturiser

Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Things to Avoid

Recommended Products

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