Aftercare
Aftercare products
With clean hands, moisturise your tattoo once or twice a day with a mild, fragrance-free moisturiser. I recommend brands like Aveeno, Cerave, Cetaphil or Dermaveen. Alternatively, you can also use:
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100% pure unrefined coconut oil or jojoba oil
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Hustle Butter
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Inky Tattoo Salve
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Avoid using Bepanthen and Vaseline.
Second Skin
If your tattoo is bandaged with ‘Second Skin’, keep it on for 24–72 hours (or as advised). It’s normal to see some excess ink or plasma underneath. However, if it starts to leak, gently remove it under warm running water and follow the regular aftercare steps below. Otherwise keep the film on for 24–72 hours or as adviced.
Standard Bandage (Glad wrap)
Remove the Glad wrap after 2 hours (or as advised).
Wash the tattoo gently with warm water and mild, fragrance-free soap. Remove all plasma/excess ink gently with your fingertips. Don't use anything abrasive to clean your new tattoo.
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Pat dry gently with a paper towel (no tissues or bath towels).
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Apply a thin layer of Aveeno/ Cetaphil/ coconut oil (or any of my recommended products above) to hydrate your new tattoo and create a barrier to prevent infection. Avoid over-moisturising. Just once or twice a day is enough.
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​Be sure to wash or sanitise your hands before applying moisturiser.
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Wash your tattoo once a day with gentle soap. Regular showers are fine, but avoid over-washing and soaking (no baths or swimming).
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Your tattoo might feel dry or flaky as it heals. Let scabs fall off naturally—no picking or scratching.
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Wear clean, loose, cotton clothing. Avoid tight or scratchy fabrics like wool.
Please avoid:
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Bepanthen, Vaseline or petroleum-based products
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Over-washing—regular showers are fine
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Swimming, baths, saunas, or water sports for 3-4 weeks.
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Picking or scratching the tattoo.
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Exercise for at least 1 week, as sweat can cause infections.
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Direct sunlight on your tattoo during the first few weeks. Once healed, apply high SPF sunscreen to keep it looking fresh for years to come.