AFTERCARE:

Whether you're a regular or getting your first tattoo, aftercare is essential for healing. This guide will help you achieve the best results for a well-healed tattoo. Everyone's skin and reactions vary, so if you face any issues during healing, contact me or the studio promptly.


Recommended products:

  • Palmer's cocoa butter (not oil)

  • Recommended aftercare from your artist or purchased from studio. 

  • Anti bacterial soap/hand wash for cleaning your tattoo.

Any allergies to the above please speak to the artist about additional products.If you do use anything that has not been recommended or discussed with your artist and have not looked after your tattoo as instructed the artist can charge for any touch ups needed.

Vaseline and cling film will be applied to your tattoo at the end of your appointment, here are some simple steps to follow once you leave the studio. 

  • Keep cling film on for 24 Hours*

  • Wash hands whenever creaming or cleaning your tattoo

  • Take off when home and in clean environment

  • Wash straight away with warm/hot water to remove any plasma and vaseline

  • Dab dry with a clean towel or preferably kitchen roll, area should feel clean and dry

  • Wash your tattoo daily with non scented anti bac soap or warm/hot water.

  • A small pea size amount of aftercare cream to be applied when the tattoo is dry. 

  • Gently apply to area without excessive rubbing 

  • Aftercare cream to be applied an hour before bed or tight clothing is worn to avoid any debris getting into your tattoo

  • Repeat this daily for 2 weeks minimum.

*3 hours after your tattoo appointment, remove the clingfilm. Clean the area with antibacterial soap or warm water, pat dry, then rewrap with fresh cling film. Repeat every 3-4 hours for the first 24 hours. Do NOT use any aftercare cream until after 24 hours. Apply aftercare once a day or as needed for dryness. Avoid excessive dryness or over-creaming. Treat the healing area like dry skin, applying aftercare as needed. Expect flaking skin and potential scabbing, especially with black or colored areas. If scabbing occurs, avoid picking or scratching to prevent fading or scarring. 

Your tattoo may still be sore or swollen at this point, redness can take a few hours or a few days to go down depending on the size, detail and placement of your tattoo. Keep the area as clean as possible to avoid any infections. Loose clothing for the first 24/48 hours is also advised to avoid rubbing creating additional soreness. If you have any concerns please message your artist.


DERMALIZE/SECOND SKIN:

Make sure to remove the first Dermalize protective tattoo film within the 24/48 hours of use, within the first 24/48 hours plasma and ink may build up underneath the protective layer, this is normal. If the Dermalize has come off slightly and exposed the tattoo or leaked any plasma, please remove instantly and follow the standard healing process.  

  • To remove the film, it helps to do it under the shower after letting some water run through it.

  • Lift a corner of the film and pull it downwards, towards the centre of the tattoo until removal is complete. A small amount of soap can also help remove the adhesive of the film. 

  •  Wash the tattoo with soap and water, gently dry it and let it breathe for an hour before applying any aftercare product. 

  • Follow basic aftercare steps ensuring your tattoo is kept clean and doesn't dry out heavily. 

HEALING DON'TS:

  • DO NOT soak your tattoo; avoid submerging your tattoo for long periods of time within the first week of healing (2 weeks for large pieces)

  • DO NOT place in direct sunlight; avoid direct sunlight on your fresh tattoo and apply suncream on your tattoo once healed if out in the sun. (2 weeks minimum healing time before holidays in hot countries) 

  • DO NOT Swim/Gym/exercise/saunas and sun beds; avoid all of these for 2 weeks minimum after your tattoo to ensure no infections or damage to your healing tattoo.

Tattoos typically require between 2 to 6 weeks for surface healing and around 3 to 6 months for complete healing. It is advisable to wait for approximately 4 weeks before considering a touch-up to allow for proper healing and settling of the tattoo. 

Please feel free to reach out to your tattoo artist with any inquiries you may have concerning the healing process; they are more than willing to assist you throughout this period.

EMAIL: info@hemlockstudio.co.uk

Instagram: @hemlockstudio_