If your tattoo has been covered with a second skin dressing, remove it after approximately 24hours (give or take a few hours is fine, but please don’t sleep with it on for a second night).

If there is little to no fluid underneath the second skin, and it is still fully sealed with no irritation, you may leave it on for an additional 24 hours.

If you are going to have a reaction to the second skin, it will usually happen around the edges, rather than directly on the tattoo itself. If the edges become inflamed, hot, very red, or itchy, remove the second skin immediately.

Before removing the second skin, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly.

Hold the area under warm running water (in the shower or under a tap, depending on the placement of the tattoo). Slowly remove the second skin by gently peeling up one edge and stretching it low and away from the skin, rather than pulling upwards.

When it’s time to remove it:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Remove the Second Skin under warm running water (a shower works best).

3. Slowly stretch the film low and away from the skin, rather than pulling it straight upwards.

4. Gently wash away any plasma, ink, or residue using warm water and clean hands.

5. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

6. To wash the tattoo, you may use:

   • A tattoo cleansing product.

   • Well diluted Dettol wound wash

   • An ultra-sensitive, fragrance-free cleanser (such as Cetaphil)

If you do not have any of the above lukewarm water alone is perfectly fine.

Keep the cling film on until your shower before bed.

After removing the cling film:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Rinse the tattoo under warm running water, gently using clean hands to softly remove any dried ink, plasma, or residue.

3. Pat dry with a clean paper towel or clean towel. Do not rub the area.

4. Allow the tattoo to air dry completely for approximately 10 - 15 minutes.

5. To wash the tattoo, you may use:

   • A tattoo cleansing product.

   • Well diluted Dettol wound wash

   • An ultra-sensitive, fragrance-free cleanser (such as Cetaphil)

If you do not have any of the above lukewarm water alone is perfectly fine.

Before Bed on the First Night.

Apply a fresh layer of cling film to help protect the tattoo overnight from bedding, bacteria, and sticking to fabric.

The Following Morning:

1. Remove the cling film.

2. Wash the tattoo gently under lukewarm water.

3. Pat dry thoroughly with a clean towel or paper towel.

4. Leave the tattoo open to the air.

After the first 24 hours of your tattoo, begin applying your aftercare balm in very thin layers, as needed when dry/tight.

Once the first 24 hours have passed, your tattoo can be left open to air and you can begin your regular aftercare routine.

Daily Care:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.

2. Wash the tattoo twice per day using warm running water and clean hands.

3. Pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel. Do not rub the tattoo.

4. Apply a very thin layer of aftercare balm around 3 times per day, or whenever the tattoo feels dry or tight.

   Less is more - the tattoo should be lightly moisturised, not overly greasy or smothered.

Continue this routine for approximately 2 weeks, or until the tattoo is fully healed.

Do not scratch, pick, or peel the tattoo, even if it becomes itchy.

If irritation occurs, reduce how often you apply aftercare and allow the skin to breathe.

If irritation and redness appears - please read “When to Seek Advice”

Do:

• Wash your hands before touching your tattoo

• Keep the tattoo clean and dry

• Wear loose, soft, breathable clothing (preferably cotton)

• Use clean towels, bedding, and clothing during healing

• Apply thin layers of aftercare balm as directed

• Allow any flaking or peeling to fall away naturally

• Treat your tattoo like an open wound and avoid anything that could introduce bacteria

Don’t:

• Scratch, pick, or peel the tattoo

• Soak the tattoo for at least 2 weeks (no baths, spas, swimming, or prolonged water exposure)

• Use saunas or steam rooms

• Do activities that cause heavy sweating during early healing

• Wear tight, rubbing, or irritating clothing over the tattoo

• Use fragranced soaps, harsh skincare, or exfoliators

• Expose the tattoo to direct sunlight during healing

• Touch the tattoo unnecessarily or with dirty hands

Most tattoos will appear healed within approximately 10-14 days, although deeper layers of the skin can take 4-6 weeks to fully settle.

During the healing process, it is normal for your tattoo to feel dry, itchy, lightly flaky, or peel slightly (similar to mild sunburn). This is completely normal — do not scratch, rub, or pick at the tattoo, as this can affect healing and the final result.

After approximately 2 weeks, you can generally return to your normal routine and skincare products, provided the tattoo has healed well.

Once healed, we recommend applying sunscreen whenever the tattoo is exposed to sunlight, as UV exposure is one of the main causes of tattoo fading over time.

If you are unsure about anything during the healing process, please contact your artist or studio directly via email or social media, or call 027 655 1312 — we are always happy to help.

A small amount of redness, warmth, and tenderness is normal during the beginning of the healing process - reducing how often you apply aftercare and allowing the skin to breathe can help with this.

However, if excessive redness, irritation, unusual swelling, worsening pain, or signs of infection appear, please contact your doctor as soon as possible.

What is Normal During Healing?

• Feel itchy, warm, or slightly tender

• Lightly flake or peel (similar to mild sunburn)

• Feel dry or tight

• Release a very small amount of ink during the first few days

If you are unsure about anything during the healing process, please contact your artist or the studio directly via email or social media, or call 027 655 1312 - we are always happy to help or answer any questions you may have.

Avoid exercise and strenuous physical activity during the first 24 hours to allow the tattoo to begin healing.

After the first 24 hours, light activity is generally fine, however avoid intense exercise, heavy sweating, gyms, contact sports, swimming, saunas, or steam rooms for approximately 2 weeks, or until the tattoo is fully healed.

Exercise that causes excessive stretching, rubbing, or friction over the tattooed area should also be avoided during healing. Avoid gym equipment, benches, or surfaces that may rub against or come in contact with the tattooed area, as this may cause irritation or increase the risk of bacteria coming into contact with the healing skin.

If in doubt, listen to your body and your tattoo - if the area becomes irritated, sore, or overly red, allow more time to heal.