tattoo aftercare instructions

We all love getting a new tattoo, and we’re glad you chose us to give you some ink! To keep it looking sparkly and new, please follow the advice on this sheet and if you have any questions or concerns about your healing tattoo, please don’t be afraid to give us a message or pop into our shop.

When you get home

Cling film:

  • Every artist has a different aftercare process, we recommend to take the cling film off when you can wash it safely and hygienically with a fragrance free anti-bacterial soap.

  • Always start by thoroughly washing your hands and ensuring under your nails is clean.

  • Please use warm but not hot water to clean your tattoo and get a good lather going and give it a gentle wash and rinse thoroughly. DO NOT use any wash cloth or exfoliation, only your fingers.

  • Pat dry with a clean towel that won’t leave fibres or clean paper towel. Once most of the water is off, leave to air dry for around 20 minutes or until it is bone dry and apply a thin layer of fragrance free gentle moisturiser, we will recommend some during your appointment.

  • Make sure that once you have applied some moisturiser/balm to your tattoo, do not dip your fingers back in the product until you have washed your hands again.

  • Repeat this 2-3 times a day.

  • Please do not re-wrap your tattoo unless instructed to by your artist.

  • After the first 3-4 days your tattoo will begin to peel, keep up the same process as listed before until all scabs fall off, then you can just continue with a good natural moisturiser as and when you feel you need it.

Second Skin

  • If you choose to get second skin your process will differ slightly.

  • Your artist will fully clean and dry your tattoo for you before laying on the second skin.

  • Depending on the size of your tattoo and how traumatised the skin is, we would recommend keeping the second skin on for 2-5 days. Your artist will recommend a good time frame for you and may send you away with a second piece.

  • Second skin is hypo-allergenic however if you start to notice any itchiness or redness, please remove the second skin in the shower and follow the healing process above.

  • Chances are you will get liquid build up underneath the second skin, you may even get a large amount and not be able to see your tattoo. This is completely normal and called “wet healing”, it contains plasma, blood and excess ink from your tattoo which will help heal it from the inside out and can be very beneficial for larger and heavily worked tattoos as it often skips the scabbing process.

  • If you get an air bubble that allows water to touch the bare tattoo or the liquid plasma underneath leaks from the second skin, please take the second skin off in the shower and continue the process above. This is because bacteria will now be able to get under the second skin and will put you at risk of an infection.

Things to avoid

  • Avoid direct sunlight, keep it covered for a minimum of 4 weeks (for example, wearing long sleeves, trousers or a hat), but ideally 8 weeks. Remember that although your tattoo looks healed, there’s a lot going on under the surface after the scabs fall off. After the initial healing (once your skin is scab-free again) make sure you regularly top up on on some high SPF natural moisturiser to prevent fading.

  • Avoid sun-beds for the full 8 week healing process.

  • Avoid all fake/spray tans or moisturisers full of chemicals, please remember that this is an open wound.

  • Do not pick, itch, slap, rub or irritate your tattoo, we know its itchy but it’s worth it.

  • You can shower, but do not soak your tattoo. Avoid any chemical based soaps whilst washing around/on your tattoo, we recommend a basic fragrance free anti-bacterial soap.

  • Avoid all hot tubs/pools/sea due to bacteria and chemicals.

  • Be wary of any abrasive materials including jewellery, clothes or shoes that might rub against your tattoo. Keep to loose fitting clothing to allow your tattoo to breathe.

  • Avoid any strenuous work-outs on the particular area of the body that the new tattoo is as you don’t want to strain your body and cause further damage (getting a tattoo is a lot of hard work to your body). Although there is no evidence to suggest working out will affect your tattoo, please keep in mind sweat will affect it due to the bacteria.

We hope you love your new tattoo and if you are ever concerned or have a question about healing, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we can help.

- Phat Kat Tattoo