I would like to preface this advice as a guide only. Once you get a few tattoos you will notice that aftercare instructions can differ from artist to artist. There are many ways to care for your tattoos, different methods work for different lifestyles and skin types. Experiment with options to find what works for you, as long as you keep it clean and dry (bar some moisturising) you should be all good.

Option 1

Derm Shield (a.k.a. Second skin, please note there are many different brands) is best described as a clear, plastic bandage that adheres to your skin. It is a great option for those who do not have sensitive skin and require their tattoo to remain protected for extended periods. With this option your tattoo will be covered with a layer of bandage which needs to be removed after 24 hours, but no later than 48 hours. You will see ink and plasma collecting underneath the bandage. This is perfectly normal and a part of the healing process.

I would recommend not exercising to prevent sweat from getting trapped. Please shower as normal, the bandage is waterproof. If at any point any fluid escapes from under the seal, you should remove it. If plasma can get out then bad bacteria can get in.

At no point should healing with this method be painful, bar some slight discomfort on the first day or when removing. Keep an eye out for any redness around the edges of the bandage, or itching within the first 48 hours or on non tattooed areas. These are signs that you are sensitive to the adhesive and you should remove the bandage as soon as you can hygienically do so. If you remove it within a few hours of noticing the rash you will be all good, the irritation will subside. If left on, the rash could develop into a burn that could result in a scar. Rest assured this is not a sudden reaction. If this were to happen to you, you would notice early enough to take action.

To remove your bandage pull it off in the shower slowly and carefully, stretching it out rather than pulling up and away from the skin. Your tattoo is still very fresh and you don't want to cause any more trauma to the area. Cleanse the area with warm water and a gentle, scent free soap. This can sometimes be a little painful. take your time and always use warm running water to help loosen the adhesive.

From here you have the option to cover the tattoo again with a second layer of Derm Shield for another six days (see below), but more often I would recommend continuing on with either a wet or dry heal method (see Option 2).

If you've opted for a second layer or I've recommended it, after removing the bandage and giving it a wash you will want to dry off your tattoo with a paper towel or clean body towel. Do not apply any cream as this will prevent the bandage sticking. Apply the second layer and leave it on for six days, which will make up a full week including the initial layer I would have placed on the tattoo.

Remove the bandage as before and wash. Your tattoo will not scab, but there might be some light skin peeling as the freshly healed area acclimates and the skin readjusts itself.

Option 2

If your tattoo is not placed well for Derm Shield application or you have sensitive skin, you have the option to either dry or wet heal tattoos.

Wet Heal

Wet healing requires you to find a healing ointment you like. I recommend Bepanthen or After Art. About 2 hours after your appointment, take off the glad wrap that was applied to protect your piece and wash your tattoo with some gentle, scent free soap.

Dry the area with a paper towel or a clean fabric towel. Let the tattoo air out for an hour or two, then apply ointment and repeat whenever the area feels dry. No more than three times a day. During the first 24 hours your body will push out some ink and plasma that may stain your sheets and clothes. Take this into account and use older or dark items.

From there on I would recommend washing the area two times a day, morning and evening. Moisturise after every wash and once in between. After about 3 or 4 days you will start to feel scabs forming, this is when you can reduce down to washing once per day in the shower, still applying moisturiser at least 2 times a day.

Dry Heal

Dry healing requires you to leave the tattoo alone completely, other than a morning and evening wash with gentle soap. The idea is to keep the area clean and dry as to not allow any bacteria to form. I have found this to be a more painful way to heal tattoos, but some prefer it for the ease of not having to remember to moisturise or their daily schedule does not allow for breaks. There will be thicker scabs that form so it is strongly advised to leave them alone.

Both methods have delivered good looking healed tattoos, I just find wet healing to be far more comfortable and consistent. In both scenarios your tattoo will go through a period of scabbing and becoming itchy. This is a normal process of healthy healing as the bonds in your skin reform.

Please do not scratch your tattoo and instead try patting/slapping the area with a clean hand or over clothes. Whether wet or dry healing it is very important not to pick at your scabs and allow them to flake off in their own time. Pulling off the scab prematurely can remove pigmentation from your tattoo and cause a scar. This is a wound we've created and want to heal it as gently as we can.

Important final notes:

• Always wash your hands whenever you are going to touch the tattooed area.

• Do not submerge your tattoo in any water, running water in the shower is fine.

• Keep fresh tattoos away from the sun. Only start using sunscreen after the tattoo is two weeks healed.

• Keep pets, friends and partners away from touching your tattoo.

• No scratching or picking at scabs.

• Do not over wash or moisturise. We want scabs to form naturally and washing too much can get rid of good bacteria, while over moisturising will soften the healing skin too much. Both these scenarios prevent scabs from properly forming.

• Avoid tight clothes that might cause friction and irritate the tattooed area.

• Only clean running water should get in contact with the area.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to me. If a touch up is necessary, just send me a message to book an appointment at no cost.