Tattoo Aftercare

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Now the important part begins; aftercare.

Whilst it may seem complicated, healing a tattoo is a fairly simple process. Your body will do most of the work for you, but there are some steps you need to take to ensure your tattoo heals well and stays looking bright and fresh for years to come.

Read on below for aftercare instructions on your new tattoo, or check out our FAQ at the bottom. If you have any questions or concerns about your healing tattoo, contact your artist directly, or pop back in and see us and we will be happy to help and advise.

Healing with Second Skin

Read on for aftercare instructions if your artist used a Second Skin bandage.

Second Skin style bandages are a newer form of tattoo aftercare, gaining popularity in the tattoo world for their ease of use and convenience to the client. Originally developed as a burn treatment bandage, Second Skin style bandaging sticks directly to the skin and covers the entire tattoo for the duration of the healing process.

Your artist will have applied a fresh, clean piece of bandaging at the end of your appointment. You should leave this piece on for 24 hours. After this time, gently remove it in the shower by running it under warm water and pulling down and away from the body.

Gently clean your tattoo using warm water and a basic, unperfumed soap. Ensure you have cleaned off all blood and plasma that will have collected under the bandage wrap. Pat dry.

From here, you may wish to reapply a fresh piece of Second Skin bandaging; your artist may have given you one to take with you, or you can request this at the shop any time. If reapplying a fresh piece, leave it on for 3 - 5 days. This is optional, and your artist will advise you on what is best.

Once you have removed the Second Skin, continue to clean your tattoo gently twice a day and apply a thin layer of a gentle moisturiser such as Bepanthen, Cocoa Butter, or other tattoo-specific aftercare cream. Continue moisturising until there is no scabbing, or dry and shiny skin. This usually takes around two weeks.

Healing with Clingfilm

Read on for aftercare instructions if your artist used a clingfilm bandage.

Clingfilm bandaging has been used in the tattoo world for a long time as an effective and safe way to protect your new tattoo. A layer of clingfilm is wrapped around the tattooed area and secured with medical tape. You should leave this on for a minimum of 3 hours, or until you are home and in a clean environment. After this time, gently remove the clingfilm wrap and dispose of it safely.

Gently clean your tattoo using warm water and a basic, unperfumed soap. Ensure you have cleaned off all blood and plasma that will have collected under the bandage wrap. Pat dry.

From here, you may wish to reapply a fresh piece of clingfilm overnight; this prevents your tattoo from sticking to bedsheets or pyjamas. This should be removed in the morning.

Once you have removed the clingfilm, continue to clean your tattoo gently twice a day and apply a gentle moisturiser such as Bepanthen, Cocoa Butter, or other tattoo-specific aftercare cream. Continue moisturising until there is no scabbing, or dry and shiny skin. This usually takes around two weeks.

The Healing Process

For the first few days, your tattoo may be swollen, sore to the touch, red, and/or bruised. It may also continue to leak plasma. This is normal, and should subside over the following few days. Ibuprofen and ice packs can provide relief for any discomfort.

After a few days, your tattoo will begin to ‘scab’ and peel. DO NOT scratch or itch your tattoo during this stage, as you risk damaging your skin and causing ‘drop-outs’ of the ink. Ice packs and your chosen aftercare balm can provide relief.

Once the itching stage is passed, your tattoo will appear shiny and the skin will slowly heal over. After two weeks, you can switch your chosen aftercare balm for a regular skin moisturizer. The tattoo may take a month or two to fully ‘settle;’ during this time you may notice small changes to your skin (for example, small raised bumps). This is all normal and part of the healing process.

Once your tattoo is fully healed, it is important to maintain a good skincare routine to ensure it stays bright and bold for years to come. Avoid tanning beds and direct UV light, apply a high factor suncream when out in the sun, and use a daily skin moisturizer to keep it supple and healthy.

Things To Avoid

Try to avoid these things for the first 2 weeks post-tattoo to ensure a happy heal!

- Avoid excessive sweating (so, for example, hiking or a heavy gym session)

- Avoid soaking your tattoo in water (showering is fine but no baths!)

- Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes and the ocean; any open bodies of water which can contain bacteria

- Avoid scratching, picking at, or otherwise injuring the healing skin

- Avoid direct sunlight (no sunscreen during the healing process; cover up with clothing), tanning beds and UV rays

- Avoid perfumed or medicated lotions or creams; natural is best!

If at any time during the healing process you have any concerns or questions, contact your artist or the studio, and we will be happy to help and advise you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at info@studio51.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Can I still bathe & shower as normal?

You should take extra care when bathing and showering with a new tattoo. Soaking your new art in water is no good, so if you're taking a bath, keep the area out of the water. Quick showers are fine, but avoid using perfumed soaps or products on your tattoo; a basic, antibacterial wash is best. Once your tattoo has finished scabbing you can safely lounge in your bath again!

How much moisturiser should I use?

You only need a very thin layer of moisturiser on your new tattoo. You don't want it to dry out completely, but you also don't want to soak the skin! Only apply moisturiser with clean, dry hands. Use the smallest amount to gently massage into the tattoo; there should be no blobs or residue left once you are done.

Can I exercise with a fresh tattoo?

Light exercise with a new tattoo is fine, and may be beneficial if the area is sore and achy, or if you've been sitting in a stretched position for a while and need to loosen up your muscles post-session. However, heavy exercise (anything that causes sweating) should be avoided. Sweat on a fresh tattoo can cause irritation and clogged pores as well as moving bacteria onto the healing skin. You will be safe to return to your normal workout routines when your tattoo is healed.

I got tattooed yesterday and feel unwell today; is this normal?

Yes, it is - we call it Tattoo Flu! This usually happens after larger tattoos or longer sessions; your body is a little weakened by the process and you may feel achy, shivery, or like you have a mild case of the flu. Eat well, rest and regain your strength, and drink plenty, and you will feel fine within a day or so. If you are at all concerned, contact your artist, who will be able to advise you further.

My tattoo is bleeding; is this normal?

Yes! Your tattoo is currently an open wound and will continue to bleed a small amount and will leak plasma, a component of blood which has a clear color and feels 'thicker.' This usually subsides after a few hours to a day, depending on the size of the tattoo. You may also notice ink collecting under the bandage; this is also very normal as the upper layers of your skin shed the excess ink deposits. Remove your initial bandaging on the time frame your artist has given you and clean it well to remove all excess goop.

The area around my tattoo is bruised; is this normal?

Bruising around your new tattoo is very normal and will heal alongside the tattoo itself. Bruising is much more common in more sensitive or softer-skinned areas, such as the back of the knee or the inside of the elbow and bicep. If you are at all concerned about the bruising, contact your artist who will be able to advise you further.

I used Second Skin and have a red rash; what is this?

Some people react to the adhesives in Second Skin bandaging and find it leaves them with a red mark, usually around the outside edge of the bandage. If you notice this, remove the bandage immediately and continue healing as normal. The rash will subside after a few days, and it won't affect the tattoo itself. If you have reacted to adhesives or band-aid plasters in the past, let your artist know, and they will use a different bandaging method.