1. The new tattoo is in effect an open wound which is for example similar to grazing of the skin so after care is mainly where common sense prevails!!

2. The principle of a tattoo is to basically puncture the skin's surface with a variation of needles which have been dipped into a colour which contains a fixative that flows into the holes made by the needles. This then will cause small blood bubbles and fluid to rise to the surface and if left to dry will form a scab which is what you do not want to happen.
If a scab forms the chances are it will crack when you move the skin or could end up
being knocked off accidentally which will then affect the result of the healed tattoo.

3. Preparation H ointment is what we have found to contain the best properties for keeping this fluid moist, you need to cover the creamed area with either clingfilm, opsite or tegaderm patches for a 72 hour period. Once you have creamed and covered the tattoo try to leave each application on for 24 hours or 12 hours depending on where the tattoo is and how well the cover lasts for.

4. Be aware that extra care and attention is needed when having a tattoo in an area of folding skin i.e. wrists, ankles, shoulders, etc. Areas such as these and the sides of the hands are difficult to guarantee that the ink will be as strong as tattoos on flat skin i.e. arms, legs, backs.

5. The first 2 or 3 days after having a tattoo are crucial to the finished result and this is where you will expect tofeel some soreness. The 2nd week after your tattoo is the itchy period where a layer of skin forms over we call this “silver skin” because it looks shiny,
do not be tempted to scratch the tattoo, bathing it in cold water or gentle tapping with the finger tips usually relieves this. Now please read tattoo aftercare instructions…

THE FIRST 72 HOURS IS A CRUCIAL PERIOD FOR YOUR NEW TATTOO SO FOLLOW THESE AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY

1. The new tattoo needs to be covered for 3 days and 3 nights this is important to avoid infection and over dryness until the ink has had chance to absorb into the skin.

2. Leave initial cream application on the tattoo for as long as possible until you need to take a shower or if the covering of cling film or opsite loosens.

3. Do not soak the tattoo in the early stages (1 week minimum) for example, taking a bath or swimming.

4. After showering or cleaning the tattoo with mild soapy water you must continue to use the recommended ointment (PREPARATION H OINTMENT NOT THE GEL!) and a covering of cling-film or opsite to keep the tattoo protected.

5. Repeat the above procedure 2 or 3 times a day, the tattoo may form an inky residue, make sure that your tattoo is washed, creamed and wrapped overnight for
the first 3 nights.

6. After 3 days and nights leave the tattoo uncovered, wash and moisturise it as often
as you can with E45, Vaseline intensive care or cocoa butter.

7. During healing do not: soak, rub or scratch the tattoo. If scabbing occurs
DO NOT PICK!

8. The healing process usually takes 10-14 days and the skin of the tattoo may peel
during this period.

9. For the first 14 days avoid: sunbathing, swimming,saunas, dirt, oil, grease, paint, industrial cleaners, caustic substances and raw meats.

10. DO NOT USE ‘SAVLON’ cream or any cream similar, as it will dry out and ruin
your tattoo.

11. The better you look after the tattoo the better and faster your tattoo will heal!