AFTERCARE FORM
1. Cleaning your tattoo.
Leave the covering on the tattoo for the first 2-5 hours. When at home carefully remove it and gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild liquid soap. Pat it dry and let it air for 10-20 mins without moisturiser, after which time apply a thin layer of cream. We recommend wrapping it back up with cling film for the first night as ink leaking can occur and it will protect the new tattoo from sticking to your bedsheets. Wrapping it again for the second night for larger more saturated tattoos would also be advisable.
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2. Moisturising your tattoo.
The next day, remove the cling film and give the tattoo another clean, again patting dry and letting it air. You should start applying a thin layer of an unscented moisturising cream like Palmers Coca Butter or Tattoo Goo to your new tattoo, each time gently washing it before with clean hands. Repeat the cleaning and moisturising process 2/3 times a day or whenever it is looking dry - try not to let it scab. Avoid using any kind of oil or petroleum based products as they do not let the skin breathe properly during healing process. Try not to over moisturise, less is more.
3. Keep the tattoo clean and dry.
Avoid soaking it in water for at least a month (showers are ok, baths and swimming are not). If your clothes are likely to rub on your new tattoo excessively, or you may be working in dirty conditions; keep it covered with clingfilm and medical tape.
4. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
During the healing process, keep it covered and out of the sun. Healed tattoos, especially coloured ones, WILL fade in the sun – so when it's completely healed, make sure it's covered in a high SPF.
5. Do Not Itch.
As the tattoo heals, it may scab or flake slightly, this is normal. Avoid picking at it or have clothing rubbing against it, as this may remove the ink in that area and lead to patches fading or being removed altogether. If it itches, don't scratch – slap it lightly instead. This should only last for the first few weeks or so. If it stays raised, itches uncontrollably, is red around the design, keeps bleeding for more than a few days after having it done, or is continuously hot to the touch, please come back and see us ASAP. Infected tattoos are very rare but can happen, and it's always worth getting it checked out if you're worried about it.
6. Be patient with healing times.
Healing times depend on how well you heal, how well you look after it and the size of the design. This can range anywhere from around a week for simple, small line designs, to a month for complex, larger designs. Keep following these aftercare instructions for at least 6 weeks. Once the tattoo is healed, you can keep it lightly moisturised to keep the blacks fresh and the colour looking vibrant.
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If you have any problems or questions please contact your artist for advice, we are happy to help!
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Thank you for choosing THE HIDDEN TANNERY. We hope you had a good experience with us. If so please leave us a review on our Facebook page or Google. We love hearing your feedback and seeing your healed pictures.