Tattoo Before + Aftercare

Tattoo aftercare is an essential part of the tattooing process! Following aftercare will prevent infections, colour fading, and scarring. A good aftercare regime will help your tattoo to stay looking bright and at its best!

How to prepare for your tattoo

Preparing for your tattoo appointment is just as important as the during and aftercare instructions!

• Eat a full meal and drink plenty of water!
• Avoid alcohol the night before your appointment.
• Bring snacks and drinks during your tattoo session, keep yourself fueled and hydrated, Getting a tattoo is a major stressor on the body, having a snack and a drink on hand will ensure you keep your blood sugar up.
• Stay out of the sun, we can’t tattoo you if you’re burnt!

Tattoo aftercare

• Always wash your hands before touching the tattoo to prevent infection!
• Remove covering after 2-3 hours unless using ‘Second Skin’ – Follow second skin aftercare.
• Gently wash the tattoo with a mild soap, we recommend ‘Dr Pickle Wash’ and lukewarm water, then pat dry with a clean paper towel.
• Allow the tattoo to dry for 15-30 minutes before applying a THIN layer of aftercare cream, we recommend ‘Hustle Butter’
• Don’t overdo moisturising, or your tattoo will not be able to breathe!
• Wash and moisturise the tattoo at least twice a day, for the following 2-3 weeks.
• After the peeling stage, maintain a good moisturising routine.

Second skin aftercare

If you experience any negative reactions to the second skin, stop using and remove as soon as you notice.

• Second skin can stay on for up to 3-5 days.
• The bandage will fill up with fluid, this is completely normal.
• To remove the bandage find an edge and pull it back in the direction of hair growth. Removing it in the shower is easier as water helps loosen the adhesive.
• After removing the second skin, continue caring for the tattoo by washing and moisturising until it is fully healed. Follow our aftercare instructions above.

Things to avoid

• Avoid submerging the healing tattoo in water. Stick to short showers, no swimming and hot tubs for 2-3 weeks.
• Don’t expose the tattoo to the sun for at least 3 weeks, wear sunscreen after the 3 weeks. Use sun protection, even when the tattoo is fully healed, this will ensure your tattoo stays looking its best.
• Avoid strenuous activity or workouts. New tattoos are open wounds that can be vulnerable to infection and other damage.
• Working out can expose the area to bacteria from sweat and gym equipment. You could also overstretch the healing skin and tear scabs, prolonging the healing and damaging your tattoo. Keep physical activity light for at least 4 weeks.
• Don’t shave or use hair removal creams until your tattoo is fully healed!
• Don’t scratch or peel the tattoo! This can pull the ink out and damage the tattoo! If itching becomes unbearable, lightly tap.