Aftercare

Healing a tattoo

Handpoke tattoos are generally quicker and easier to heal than machine tattoos. The skin is disrupted less as the tattoo is applied in a slower, less aggressive way. A handpoked tattoo will be fully healed in 4-6 weeks. Regardless, handpoke tattoos require the right aftercare to ensure they heal properly. Every artist will have their own recommendations for aftercare.

When you leave the tattoo appointment your tattoo artist should have wrapped or covered your tattoo in clingfilm or second skin. Second skin is an adhesive backed film that is applied like a sticker over the tattoo. You should leave this covering on for at least a few hours.

Clingfilm

Clingfilm should be kept on for up to 24 hours only. When you are removing it, ensure that you are able to immediately clean the tattoo and surrounding area. Remove the wrapping with clean hands. Removing clingfilm should be easy, but there may be blood or plasma build up around the tattoo that has been trapped. Gently clean the tattoo with water and fragrance free soap until this is gone and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Second Skin

Second skin can be kept on for up to 5 days. If you feel that your tattoo is becoming extremely itchy, sore, red, or inflamed, remove the second skin as soon as possible. Second skin is not suitable for everyone, especially those with allergies to plasters or medical tape, as the adhesive on the second skin is very similar. Different types of second skin also use different adhesives, so you may be allergic to one brand but not another. In any case, if you are unsure, opt for clingfilm instead. I use Recovery Derm Shield second skin.

Second skin is waterproof, so showering with it on is fine. Remove the second skin if it is no longer airtight, for example if it leaks, water gets in from the shower, or it has peeled and exposed the tattoo. To remove second skin, do so in the shower. Peel the second skin at the top and slowly pull up and away. Second skin is extremely stretchy, and the more it is stretched the less adhesive it becomes. Position yourself so the shower water runs under the second skin as you are peeling it off. Don’t rush! Once it is off, clean the tattoo area with fragrance free soap and water, making sure none of the adhesive remains. Pat dry with a paper towel.

After your tattoo

For the first two weeks after your tattoo:

  1. Do not go swimming. This includes both indoor and outdoor pools, the sea, lakes and rivers, and jacuzzis/hot tubs. Do not use steam rooms or saunas either. Showering is fine, but bathing is not recommended.

  2. Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight. This is particularly important in the summer months and for those with very fair skin who are more likely to burn.*

  3. Avoid excessive contact with the tattoo, including tight clothing, and keep the tattoo clean and dry.

* After this time it is okay to swim and sunbathe, but make sure you apply a thick layer of sunscreen on newer tattoos to keep them in good shape.

Further healing advice

  • Avoid exercising for a few days after getting a tattoo, particularly if you will sweat a lot or if you will have to wear tight clothing in the tattooed area whilst exercising.

  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing over the tattoo to avoid excess contact.

  • Wait ideally 48 hours before moisturising your tattoo. Use a fragrance free soap to clean the tattoo and a fragrance free, natural moisturiser to keep the skin from drying out. I always recommend using Palmer’s cocoa butter and as little as possible so the skin can still ‘breathe’. I do not recommend oily, petroleum based products like Vaseline or Bepanthen.

  • Do not scratch your tattoo. This risks ink fallout and infection. If your tattoo is itchy, then it needs to be gently cleaned and moisturised!

  • Leave the tattoo alone as much as possible. If the tattoo becomes red, sore, raised, etc. then let it be. Clean it less, moisturise it less, wear loose clothing over it, and do not touch it. Surface infections are not very common, but this is a risk. Most heal themselves without need for medical treatment. If there is no improvement after a few days, or if the condition of the skin and tattoo are rapidly worsening, contact your doctor and email me.