Protect your new tattoo with correct dressing
Your new homemade tattoo is an open wound and open flesh is prime breeding ground for bacteria and infection. Appropriately applied bandages and dressings protects your stick and poke tattoo whilst also allowing any bodily fluids to drain. You should leave the bandage on for two or three hours.
We recommend these dressings from EasyTattoo & Relipore
Let your tattoo breath
The newly tattooed area will need exposure to air in order for the skin to heal correctly, therefore you must remove the bandage or dressing for four to six hours.
Keeping it clean
Gently and carefully wash the tattooed area with warm water and antibacterial soap. Pat it dry with a clean towel or tissue, then air dry it. In the instance of washing the tattoo too often, the tattoo can become damaged, so take it slowly.
We recommend this green soap from Cosco.
Moisturising
After washing the tattooed area apply an evenly spread, thin layer of moisturiser. Good salves will enhance the colour of the tattoo, promote healing and will not clog pores. Professional tattoo artists will generally have a preference over which product works the best. Natural, vegan and cruelty free aftercare balms work very well. Forgetting to regularly apply an aftercare product can significantly damage the tattoo.
Wash and moisturise the tattooed area with ointment up to three or four times a day for a minimum of seven to ten days.
If you combine the salve with a non-scented, hypoallergenic lotion it will keep the skin appropriately hydrated too.
We recommend these aftercare creams. They have all been tried, tested and scientifically approved!
Dress code
Ensuring that the tattoo is exposed to open air is vital with regards to the healing process. Try to wear loose fitting and breathable clothing that will not rub or irritate against the tattoo, especially the first two or three days.
Healing process
It is completely normal for the skin around the tattooed area to peel and scar. In order to avoid any risk of infection or colour loss, resist itching or picking the area. Allow the irritation to fall off naturally.
If any itching or irritation does occur, gently tap on the tattooed area to aid in relieve the symptoms whilst not damaging the tattoo.
Things to avoid
- Do not shave the area
- Avoid the seaside, swimming pools or hot tubs
- Do not leave the bandage or dressing on for too long
- Try to avoid direct sunlight without sun cream
- Pets
The tattoo should heal properly within two to three weeks. If any negative signs or symptoms develop, such as redness at site, green/yellow discharge and or fever, then you should consult a physician
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