BEFORE:
- Have a quick shower to make sure you are nice and clean for your appointment, and please wear deodorant.
- Make sure you have a good meal about an hour before your appointment and bring snacks and drinks with you to keep your energy up.
- Don’t worry about pre-shaving the area as I will do this for you.
- Please wear comfy, loose fitting clothing with easy access to the area being tattooed. Something you don’t mind getting ink on is best.
- If it will be in the way, please tie your hair up.
- When getting lower leg areas tattooed please wear low cut shoes for example trainers or pumps.
- Please do not drink alcohol the day before or day of your appointment as this can cause the blood to thin which makes it difficult to tattoo.
- Please make sure the area being tattooed is free of any creams or fake tan.
- If you have a medical condition or are taking medication (e.g. blood thinners) which could be affected by being tattooed then please seek medical advice before booking in and please let me know when booking.
AFTER:
Clingfilm:
Keep the clingfilm on until you are back home. Once home and settled remove the clingfilm and wash gently with a mild soap and water. Pat it dry with kitchen towel and leave to air dry for the rest of the day without clothing touching it. For the first night it is best to re-wrap with clingfilm for bed to protect your sheets. In the morning take the clingfilm straight off and give it another wash.
For the first day or so the tattoo will be red and feel bruised, it will also push out slimy plasma, just keep it clean and away from any dirt/animal hair etc. If you have a particularly dirty job then you can wrap it for work, just make sure you take it straight off and clean it once home.
Second Skin:
With second skin you can ignore your tattoo for the first day. On the evening on the day after your tattoo jump in the shower, peel off the film gently and give it a wash with mild soap and water. If you have a particularly dirty job then you can wrap it with clingfilm for work, just make sure you take it straight off and clean it once home.
Once settled the tattoo will start to dry out, this is when you can start applying a thin layer of balm 2 to 3 times a day. I recommend either a tattoo balm such as Hustle Butter / Whitfields, or with pure solid cocoa butter (Palmers is a good brand which you can get from most stores like Wilko / Superdrug / Boots. Just make sure you buy the solid form not the moisturiser.)
DON’TS:
- Do not soak! No baths, swimming or gym for the first few weeks after being tattooed. If you get sweaty then wash and pat the tattoo dry as soon as possible.
- If possible, try not to drink alcohol during the healing process as it can effect the outcome.
- Whilst healing the tattoo will flake and become itchy. No matter what, do not scratch or pick it as you can pull out the ink and cause scarring. Try applying a bit of balm or tap the tattoo to relieve itching.
- Don’t wear tight clothing or anything that will rub on the tattoo (e.g. bra straps) until fully healed.
- Make sure you keep applying the balm for a few weeks after the tattoo has stopped flaking as it will still be healing under the surface.