Tattoo Aftercare Instructions

After an hour of the tattoo being complete and using clean hands, remove the cling film or bandage. Wash gently, preferably with two fingers, using lukewarm water and antibacterial soap and let the water run over the tattoo. Avoid abrasive sponges until it's completely healed. Don't rub or pick at scabs or flaking skin, that can cause scarring or loss of ink. Pat dry with a clean paper towel rather than a bath towel, which can carry unseen bacteria, then apply a thin layer of the recommended aftercare ointment. Too much product can clog the pores and suffocate the skin, so less is more. Your body heals the tattoo on its own.

Repeat the wash and thin ointment layer three times a day. If the tattoo comes into contact with anything that feels dirty or unclean, clean it straight away. Avoid exercise for the first three to four days, since sweating can push ink out of fresh skin. Don't let the tattoo sit under water for long periods.

From day five, replace the aftercare cream with a normal moisturiser, still washing with antibacterial soap first. The tattoo will start to flake or peel around this stage. Don't pick at it. Picking can still affect the final result, so keep moisturising through it instead.

Healing usually takes two to three weeks in total. Once the skin has completely healed over and isn't sensitive to touch, normal soap and skincare can resume.