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Getting a new tattoo involves breaking the skin surface so there is always a potential risk for infection to occur afterwards. Your tattoo should be treated as a wound initially and it is important that this advice is followed so that the infection risk can be minimised.

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if your artist has used "second Skin" on your tattoo:

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"Second Skin" is a protective film, there are many different brans of second skin . It is breathable, and can be kept on while you shower.

If your artist has used second skin on your tattoo, this should be left on for around 24 hours. In case of excessive bleeding or weeping, the film can be removed, washed with fragrance free soap, and patted dry (with paper towels only). If preferred, you can apply a second sheet of second skin to your tattoo, this second application can be kept on for up to a week.

If you prefer to dry heal your new tattoo, remove the second skin, (details below) clean thoroughly with a tattoo specific soap, and apply aftercare ointment 2-3 times a day for the next 2 weeks. Only ever touch your tattoo with clean hands, and avoid over-moisturizing as your tattoo needs to breath, as any open wound does.

 

HOW TO REMOVE "second Skin":

 

WE ADVISE REMOVING SECOND SKIN IN THE SHOWER, simply let warm soapy water run under the tattoo film so that the glue becomes tender and removal of the film is easier.

 

Peel up all the edges of the film and stretch horizontally along the skin surface to break the adhesive bond.

Continue stretching the edge of the film towards the centre.

 

When both sides of the film are partially removed, grab both sides at the same time and stretch them horizontally and parallel to the skin until the entire film lifts.

 

Without "second skin":

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If you haven't had second skin applied to your tattoo, you can remove the cling film after a couple of hours. 

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• Always wash and dry your hands before and after handling a new tattoo site. All wounds need to breathe if they are to heal properly.

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• Wash the tattoo using a mild antibacterial soap and warm water and pay dry with a clean hand towel or tissue. Do not use your normal towel, as unwashed towels can transfer bacteria to your fresh tattoo. Do not rub or skin will become irritated.

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• Once dry, apply a very thin coat of ointment to the tattoo. Only use enough to make it shine, a little goes a long way. Too much ointment traps germs into your new tattoo which can potentially lead to infection. There should be just enough to keep the tattoo moist and to keep it from scabbing. Do not re-bandage the tattoo.

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• If possible, shower rather than bathe whilst the tattoo is healing so that unnecessary water exposure is prevented.

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• Ointment can be applied whenever the tattoo is feeling stiff or dry but beware of over-moisturizing. Do not use lotions that contain colour or fragrance at all until the healing is complete.

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• You must keep your tattoo moisturized! When the tattoo is kept moist it doesn't have a chance to form a scab but does form a thin membrane to protect the tattoo while it heals. This layer peels off very similar to a sunburn (do not pick your tattoo, you will pull the ink out!) and it is perfectly normal to see small flakes of coloured skin falling off during this stage of healing. •

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• Avoid swimming, sun beds and sun bathing until your new tattoo is fully healed.  (At LEAST 2 WEEKS).

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• Try to wear loose, cotton clothing to minimise rubbing and irritation to a new tattoo site

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• Remember, the sun is BAD for your tattoo! Whether the tattoo is new or old, if you want it to look nice and heal properly, keep it out of the sun. Wait until it is fully healed to go back in the sun or a tanning bed and make sure you put on a high quality sunblock. Never put sunblock on a tattoo that is still healing.