aftercare instructions
Getting a tattoo is an exciting experience, but the journey doesn’t end when you leave the studio. Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure your tattoo heals well and retains its vibrancy and fine details.
While you might not think of it this way, your tattoo is essentially a fresh wound that needs time and attention to heal. By following the aftercare instructions provided here and by Tom, you’ll protect your skin, avoid complications, and help your tattoo look its very best.
Immediate Aftercare first 24-72 hours
Protect
Moisturise
Protect
- Leave the protective pad on.
- Keep the pad applied by Tom on for the recommended time — usually overnight.
- Do NOT re-wrap the tattoo unless you’ve been specifically instructed to do so.
This initial protection helps keep your tattoo clean and safe as the healing process begins.
Clean
Moisturise
Protect
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
- Use lukewarm water and a mild, unscented antibacterial soap (such as Carex Hand Wash) to gently clean your tattoo with your fingertips.
- To dry, pat the tattoo gently with a clean paper towel — avoid rubbing.
This gentle cleaning helps keep your tattoo free from bacteria while supporting the healing process.
Moisturise
Moisturise
Moisturise
- Do not apply any heavy creams, lotions, ointments, or sprays immediately after getting tattooed.
- Wait 24 hours after your session before applying the recommended cream.
- Use Bepanthen and apply a thin layer 3–4 times a day to keep your tattoo moisturised.
This helps your tattoo heal properly without clogging pores or causing irritation.
your supply list
To aid aftercare please purchase the following:
Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment
To be used 3/4 time daily for a week
Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula With Vitamin E
This must not be 'radiate' and the cream should to be in the tube and not in a tub. Please ensure this is also fragrance free.
Sun Block
ongoing Aftercare whislt healing
Moisturise
Moisturise
Moisturise
Your tattoo is still healing, so avoid applying any heavy creams, lotions, ointments, sprays, or fake tan to the area.
A thin layer of cream is always recommended. Thick layers can block your pores and trap too much moisture in the skin, which can slow down or stop the healing process.
For the first 3–4 days, use Bepanthen cream to keep your tattoo moisturised. After that, you can switch to Palmer’s Cocoa Butter to continue nourishing your skin as it heals.
Clean
Moisturise
Moisturise
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
- Regular showers are fine after your tattoo session, but avoid soaking the tattoo for long periods.
- Avoid baths, saunas, steam rooms, and chlorinated water, as these can soften and irritate your skin, slowing down the healing process.
- Use lukewarm water and a mild, unscented antibacterial soap (such as Carex Hand Wash) to gently clean your tattoo using your fingertips.
- To dry, pat the tattoo gently with a clean paper towel — never rub.
Protect from sunlight
Protect from sunlight
Protect from sunlight
When your tattoo is healing, it’s important to keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible to prevent irritation and fading.
If you need to be outdoors:
- Cover your tattoo with loose, breathable clothing to shield it from the sun.
- Avoid exposing the tattoo directly to sunlight, especially during peak hours (10 AM – 4 PM).
- Do not apply sunscreen to your tattoo until it is fully healed — sunscreen can irritate fresh tattoos.
Stay in the shade as much as possible and keep your tattoo clean and moisturised for the best healing results.
DO NOT PICK
Protect from sunlight
Protect from sunlight
As your tattoo starts to heal (usually around 3–5 days after getting tattooed), it will begin to peel, similar to a sunburn. This is completely normal and to be expected.
Please don’t forcefully peel or pick at the dry skin.
Most of this will come off naturally during your regular cleaning and moisturising.
If you notice any scabbing, avoid picking at it as well. Let the scabs fall off on their own to prevent damage, scarring, or colour loss.
tips
Useful tips
- Bepanthen — This cream can be a bit thick when applying. To make it easier to spread, try warming the tube under hot water for a few seconds before use.
- Avoid Tight Clothing — Wear loose, breathable clothing over your new tattoo to prevent irritation and allow your skin to breathe.
- When Cleaning Is Difficult — If you’re in a situation where washing your tattoo properly isn’t possible, using a water wipe or fragrance-free baby wipe is an effective alternative for gentle cleaning.
ongoing Aftercare healed
Moisturise
Follow-Up From Your Artist
Moisturise
Your tattooed skin still needs hydration.
- Apply a thin layer of unscented moisturiser regularly (daily or as needed).
- This helps keep your skin healthy and your tattoo looking fresh.
- Use products that are gentle and fragrance-free — tattoo-specific balms are great, but simple moisturisers work too.
Sunlight
Follow-Up From Your Artist
Moisturise
Once your tattoo is healed, whenever it’s exposed to daylight, especially if you’re on holiday soaking up the sun, you should always use a minimum of SPF 50, or even better, a complete sunblock on your tattoo.
Direct sun exposure without protection will cause your tattoo to fade faster and lose vibrancy over time.
Protect your artwork like a prized possession because it is!
Follow-Up From Your Artist
Follow-Up From Your Artist
Follow-Up From Your Artist
Throughout your healing process, Tom will be easily contactable for any questions or concerns you may have.
If your tattoo requires a touch-up due to normal healing, this will be arranged.
However, improper aftercare or failure to follow the aftercare advice provided may void this offer.
Your cooperation ensures the best possible results for your tattoo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please allow 5–7 days of healing before returning to the gym.
If you choose to go earlier, it’s important to take extra care:
Tips if you return within the first week:
- Keep your tattoo clean wash gently as soon as possible after your workout
- Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid rubbing or friction on the tattoo
- Avoid direct contact between gym equipment and your tattoo
- Be extra mindful of sweat, bacteria, and dirty surfaces — gyms are high-risk environments for infection
If your tattoo feels sore, irritated, or swollen, give it more time.
Your tattoo is an open wound for the first several days. Allowing it to rest and heal properly ensures the best results and long-term appearance.
You should avoid all spa facilities until your tattoo is fully healed.
The exact healing time varies depending on:
- The size of your tattoo
- Its placement
- Your skin’s natural healing process
Generally, this means 2–4 weeks, but it could be longer for larger pieces.
Why wait?
- Hot tubs, pools, and steam rooms are warm, moist environments that can harbour bacteria
- Chlorine in pools can irritate and dry out your healing tattoo
- Heat and steam from saunas or steam rooms can increase inflammation and slow down healing
✖️ Going in too early can lead to infection, fading, or even tattoo damage.
Play it safe, wait until the tattoo is completely healed and your skin feels back to normal.
You should clean your tattoo every time you apply cream.
This helps prevent infection and keeps your skin healthy while it heals.
Quick Tip:
Never apply cream to a dirty tattoo.
Always wash your hands and clean the tattoo first.
Consistency is key — clean it gently, moisturise lightly, and let your skin breathe.
Keeping your tattoo clean is essential for proper healing and avoiding infection. Follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.
- Use lukewarm water and a mild, unscented antibacterial soap — I recommend Carex Hand Wash.
- Gently clean the tattoo using your fingertips only — no sponges or cloths.
- Pat dry the area carefully with a clean paper towel — never rub or use a regular bath towel.
No. No. No. NO.
Unless I've specifically told you otherwise, do not wrap your tattoo in cling film once you’ve left the studio. Your skin needs to breathe to heal properly.
Cling film can:
- Trap in bacteria and sweat
- Slow down healing
- Increase the risk of infection
- Cause excess moisture build-up, which can damage the tattoo