AFTERCARE
GENERAL INFORMATION
Proper tattoo aftercare is crucial to ensure the longevity and vibrancy of your tattoo. In this guide, we'll walk you through some essential tattoo aftercare advice, including step-by-step instructions for each day of your tattoo healing.
It's important to understand that your tattoo goes through a number of healing stages, from the initial inflammatory phase to the peeling and fading stage, each step requires specific care to achieve the best results. When it comes to the tattoo recovery process, the rate of tattoo healing can vary depending on the condition of the skin and the specific area of the body. Each area of skin has a different degree of sensitivity, which contributes to the recovery process of a fresh tattoo. It is important to note, that the recovery process also varies from person to person, as a person's health, immune function, skin condition and skin type can be very different from one another, so don't compare your recovery process to one of your tattooed friends.
AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
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After your tattoo session at City Ink Geelong your artist will cover your new tattoo with cling film or another form of dressing.
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After 1 - 2 hours remove the dressing with clean hands in a clean environment and wash the fresh tattoo with warm running water in the shower and non-scented liquid soap. It is best not use hot water on your fresh tattoo as the area will be extra sensitive and will feel similar to sunburn.
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DO NOT use bar soap as it can contaminate and dry out the fresh tattoo. DO NOT use a wash cloth or sponge.
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After showering gently pat dry the fresh tattoo with clean freshly laundered towels or paper towel and allow to air dry for 40-60 minutes so that excess water in the tattoo can evaporate.
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You do not need to use aftercare cream on the first night.
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If you wish to you can rewrap the tattoo in cling film for the first night. If you choose to do so, rewash and wrap the tattoo immediately before bedtime and remove the wrap and wash the tattoo thoroughly first thing in the morning.
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After the first night, begin gently applying small amounts of cream 3-4 times a day after washing the tattoo. Only apply as much cream as the tattoo can fully absorb. DO NOT leave a thick film on the surface of the tattoo.
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Always wash your hands before applying cream or touching your new tattoo.
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For the first 2 days wash your tattoo morning, midday and night time. Wash the tattoo immediately if it becomes dirty for any reason (eg from sweat, being outdoors, coming into contact with animals/animal fur etc)
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Always wear clean clothes over your new tattoo. Avoid close fitting clothing or clothes that rub on the tattoo.
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Your new tattoo is an open wound. Keep it out of direct sunlight, chemicals (including perfumes) animals, children and dirt.
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Around day 4-5 your tattoo will start to scab over and flake away dead skin. This is a normal part of the healing process, the skin that comes away from the tattoo will be in the colours of the tattoo itself. This is not the ink leaving the skin.
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Itching is a normal part of the healing process. DO NOT pick or scratch the tattoo as it is healing. Allow the dead skin to fall away naturally. DO NOT “help” the skin to come away from the tattoo.
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During the first two weeks of healing avoid fulling submerging your tattoo in water, no swimming, baths or hot tubs. Avoid working out, activities that cause excessive sweating and sunbathing until all flaking and scabbing has finished.
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If for any reason your tattoo becomes stuck to either clothing or bedsheets DO NOT tear the fabric away. Wet both the fabric and the tattoo until you can gently lift the fabric away from the tattoo.
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Most of your new tattoo will be healed in the first 2 weeks but it takes 4-6 weeks for the tattoo to be fully healed and the skin to settle completely. (This may also take a little longer depending on the area of the body.)
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After 2 weeks moisturise and use sunscreen regularly to protect the tattoo and avoid fading.
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Discontinue use of any product if irritation occurs.
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Please follow all instructions given to you by your artist, failing to do so may lead to a poor heal or an infection.
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If you experience what you feel is not part of the normal healing process or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact your artist