First Few Days

Leave the covering on the tattoo for the first 2-5 hours, then carefully remove it and gently wash the tattoo with lukewarm water and mild liquid soap, like Carex. You should then apply a thin layer of Bepanthen followed by Palmer’s Coco Butter after a few days. It is usually recommended you leave the tattoo uncovered, and gently wash it two or three times a day.

Keep the tattoo clean and dry, and avoid soaking it in water for at least a month (showers are ok, baths are not). If your clothes are likely to rub on it, keep it covered with gauze and medical tape. DO NOT GO SWIMMING.

First Few Months

Healing times depend on how well you heal and the size of the design. This can range anywhere from around a week for simple, small line designs, to several weeks for complex, larger designs. Keep following your aftercare instructions for as long as the artist told you to, and make sure the tattoo is kept well-moisturised and clean for a good few months after that, avoiding abrasive skin products.

As the tattoo heals, it may scab or flake slightly. Avoid picking at it, as this may remove the ink in that area and lead to patches fading or being removed altogether. If it itches, don't scratch – slap it lightly instead. This should only last for the first couple weeks or so – if it stays raised, itches uncontrollably, is red around the design, keeps bleeding for more than a day or so after having it done, or is continuously hot to the touch, go back to your artist or seek medical advice. Infected tattoos are very rare but can happen, and it's always worth getting it checked out if you're worried about it.

After Healing is Complete

Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. Healed tattoos, especially coloured ones, can fade in the sun – so when it's completely healed, make sure it's covered in a high SPF if you're going to be catching some rays.

In the unlikely event the ink becomes fainter in the healing process, we shall retouch it for free. We want to make sure you're happy with the final product. After about 6 weeks, you can come back if you need touch-ups on any area of the tattoo.