Aftercare

Thanks for coming in for your tattoo! Proper aftercare is important to ensure your new tattoo heals well and looks its best. Please read through the following instructions carefully.

Your Dressing

Second Skin

If I've applied second skin, leave it on for up to 5 days. It's completely normal for ink, plasma and fluid to collect underneath.

Remove the dressing early if it starts leaking, the seal breaks, the tattoo becomes exposed, or you experience a reaction to the adhesive.

When removing second skin, do so gently under warm running water, slowly stretching the dressing along the skin rather than pulling it straight off.

Cling Film

If I've wrapped your tattoo in cling film, remove it after 1–2 hours. Wash the tattoo gently once the film has been removed. There's no need to re-wrap it.

Cleaning & Moisturising

Once your dressing has been removed:

• Wash your tattoo twice daily with lukewarm water and fragrance-free antibacterial soap.
• Gently pat dry with clean kitchen roll or a clean towel. Never rub.
• Apply a thin layer of cocoa butter or a designated tattoo aftercare balm, 2–3 times daily.
• Avoid applying too much moisturiser. A little goes a long way!

Suitable soaps and aftercare products are available in the studio if you need them.

During Healing

Your tattoo will typically take 2–4 weeks to heal on the surface.

Some redness, tenderness, itching, flaking and peeling are completely normal during this period.

Please avoid the following until fully healed:

• Swimming, baths, hot tubs and saunas.
• Scratching, picking or peeling the tattoo.
• Direct sunlight and sunbeds.
• Excessive sweating and activities causing friction.
• Tight or abrasive clothing against the tattoo.

Showering is absolutely fine, but avoid soaking the area.

When to Seek Advice

A little redness and tenderness is expected initially. However, if you experience increasing redness, spreading swelling, worsening pain, unusual heat, pus, fever or feel unwell, seek medical advice promptly.

If you have any questions about how your tattoo is healing, please don't hesitate to message me.

Keeping Your Tattoo Looking Its Best

Once fully healed, regular moisturising and using a high-SPF sunscreen when exposed to sunlight will help preserve the detail and contrast of your tattoo for years to come.

Thanks again for trusting me with your tattoo!

Jordan Dewsnip