Dude! I hear you got some sick new ink! 

Here’s what to do next…

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Your body responds to a new tattoo like it is a wound, so it tries to form a scab to seal up the broken skin. 

That's all well and good but if the scab forms too thick, it can pull the ink out with it as it comes away.

In most cases I will have used Dermalize / Second skin (stick-on) dressing. 

This stuff is similar to what they use for burns in hospital and is a clear, breathable barrier film. 

Its purpose is to keep the good stuff trapped in and the bad stuff trapped out, minimising the risk of infection.

1 • Leave the dressing on for a minimum of 24hours. 2-3 days is ideal if it will stay on that long. Second skin is waterproof to an extent so you can shower with it but I would avoid getting it wet for the first 24hours at least. You'll usually find the tattoo heals faster if you leave it on the first 3 days.

2 • There will be a build up of excess ink and plasma collecting in the dressing. Don't be alarmed if after an hour or two, you look down at your new tattoo and it looks like it has turned into a big splodgey mess. This is just where the fluid in the dressing spreads out between the film and the skin. The plasma staying wet against the wound is actually beneficial for the healing process.

3 • Take the dressing off in the shower, peel an edge and let some hot soapy water into the dressing. This will make the adhesive easier to remove. Stretch the film along the skin rather than peeling it away, this make it come off much easier. I’d also recommend a final rinse with cold water to help the pores close a little.

4 • VERY IMPORTANT that you dry your tattoo thoroughly every time you wash it and before you apply any aftercare cream. Use a good quality kitchen roll and dab/press it dry until you don't see any moisture on the underside of the towelling. Allowing a further 5min to dry ensures no moisture will be trapped in the tattoo.

5 • Once the tattoo is dry, you can start applying a little aftercare cream, 2-4 times a day, as and when it feels dry and itchy. I recommend Palmers cocoa butter or shea butter, a nice light and breathable moisturiser with mostly natural ingredients. NO VASELINE, NO SAVLON, NO SUDOCREM!

6 • It usually takes around 2 weeks for a tattoo to heal. It can be quicker with a boost from using second skin or sometimes it can take longer if the skin gets irritated. 

7 • During the healing process, completely avoid submerging your tattoo in water. NO BATHS OR SWIMMING! Steam rooms / saunas can also be detrimental to the healing process. I recommend avoiding strenuous exercise in the initial healing stage but as long as you clean and dry the tattoo afterwards, exercise is fine.

8 • Keep your healing tattoo completely out of the sun as UV exposure can really damage a fresh tattoo. It is also UV that fades tattoos most over the years so it may be worth investing in a high SPF sun cream for the sunny months to keep your tattoos looking crisp!

9 • Your tattoo will feel itchy as the skin regenerates and hair grows back. Hopefully if a scab forms it will only be a light flaky one (especially with 2nd Skin healing). This will come away on its own as you wash and cream the tattoo. Never pick or scratch your tattoo. If it feels itchy, pinch somewhere else!

You may also experience some swelling around the newly tattooed area. Ibuprofen definitely helps as it is an anti— inflammatory. Swelling is most common with lower legs/foot tattoos - try to elevate the leg over the first few days. Put yer feet up!

10 • Let me know how it heals, I love to see well healed tattoos I've done. Should you have any issues with healing, do not hesitate to contact me for advice. Don't experiment, just ask!