Before
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Get a good night sleep
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Avoid drugs and alcohol
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Eat a good meal beforehand
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Take a sugary drink and whatever you feel will help keep you in a positive frame of mind
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Arrange child care for the full day
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Switch off your phone
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Be sure you have these items ready for when you get home to care for your new tattoo: cling film and microporous tape or tattoo dressing, unscented soap, Bepanthen cream or Hustle butter.
During
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Try not to move as this will affect the end result of your tattoo which is permanent
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No flash photography
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No food in treatment rooms
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Breaks can be arranged
After
First Steps (3 - 6 hours after completion)
1. Remove the initial dressing applied after your tattoo session.
2. Gently wash the tattooed area with warm water and mild soap (anti-bacterial, Dove, or baby soap). Use a clean hand to remove any surface ink or dried fluid.
3. Pat dry with kitchen towel or let air dry for 30 minutes.
4. Apply a thin layer of Hustle Butter, Butterluxe or Bepanthen —avoid thick layers that can suffocate the skin.
• If using breathable dressings (e.g., Dermalize, EZ derm defendor, Saniderm or Tegaderm), leave them on for several days after first removal of the artists initial dressing.
• Minimal fluid build-up inside the dressing is normal—if excessive, gently clean and reapply.
Healing Process & Key Precautions
• Moist Healing: Avoid letting the tattoo fully dry out—hydrated skin heals better and prevents cracking.
• No Submersion: Avoid baths, pools, the sea, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, spray tans and excessive sweating.
• Protect from the Sun: Shield your tattoo from direct sunlight for at least two weeks to prevent fading of vibrancy.
• No picking or scratching—allow natural shedding. Thick scabbing can damage ink retention.
• Stay hydrated—healthy skin heals faster when properly nourished.
Cling Film Users (if applicable)
• Cling film can trap moisture and heat, increasing infection risk.
• If continuing use, change the dressing twice a day, cleaning and moisturizing the skin thoroughly before reapplying.
• Consider switching to breathable dressings after 48 hours for better airflow and healing if experiencing excessive swelling.
Special Considerations
• Hands and feet require more air exposure—let them breathe when inactive each day.
• Joints need extra moisturizing to prevent tightening or discomfort during healing.
• Long-term care: Use unscented moisturizer or coca butter daily to maintain vibrancy, and always use SPF to prevent fading when in direct sunlight.
Any concerns? Message for further advice!
Happy healing.
GETTING THE TATTOO IS THE EASY PART. LOOKING AFTER IT IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT TO THE FINAL RESULT