HEALING PROCESS

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HEALING PROCESS *


Proper healing is just as crucial to your tattoo's final appearance as the work I put into creating it. It's a 50/50 effort—once you leave the studio, it's up to you to care for it and ensure it heals well.

What You'll Need:

  • Mild, fragrance-free soap (e.g., Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented or Faith in Nature scent-free soap)

  • Moisturiser (100% coconut oil, argan oil, or cocoa butter)

  • Paper towels

How to Care for Your Tattoo

First 24 Hours:

  • Keep the second skin on for 12 to 24 hours. (If it falls off early, don’t try to reattach it—moisture buildup can make it fall but will also promote bacterial growth, so it's best to remove it completely.)

  • When removing the second skin, do so in the shower with lukewarm water, peeling it off slowly and parallel to the skin.

  • Gently wash the tattoo with tepid water and mild soap, making sure to remove any residue. Don’t be afraid to clean it properly—just avoid scrubbing.

  • Pat dry with paper towel and let it air dry for 15 to 20 minutes.

  • Apply a small amount of coconut oil—enough to moisturise, but not so much that it suffocates the skin.

First 3 Days:

  • Wash and moisturise 2-3 times daily.

  • As your skin begins to dry, itch, and flake, do not scratch or pick at it—let it shed naturally as picking at the flakes may peel off some of the lines too.

After 3 Days:

  • Reduce washing to once a day.

  • Moisturise as needed—apply coconut oil whenever your skin feels dry or itchy.

  • Complete healing takes at least one month.

Things to be Aware of During Healing

On the Day of Your Tattoo:

  • No alcohol before or after your session (ideally, avoid it the day before as well).

  • Stay hydrated and take it easy for a couple of days.

  • Reduce swelling by applying a cold compress (e.g., frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) over the plastic wrap.

For the First 3 Weeks:

  • No swimming or soaking in pools, hot tubs, the sea, or saunas.

  • No intense exercise for 2 weeks. If you sweat, wash your tattoo immediately afterward.

  • No direct sunlight for 3 weeks. After that, always use sunscreen (patch test first to check for reactions as sometimes tattoos look healed but might still be a bit sensitive).

  • If your tattoo is on a high-movement area (e.g., elbow crease, knee pit), avoid excessive bending for the first few days to prevent the ink from spreading.

  • If your tattoo is in a folding area (e.g., inner forearm, calf), keep the opposite skin (e.g bicep, back of thigh) clean to prevent contamination.

  • Only use the recommended soaps and moisturisers—no additional creams or lotions.

For the Rest of Your Life:

  • Always wear sunscreen to protect your tattoo from fading and changing colour.

  • Moisturise regularly—hydrated skin keeps your tattoo looking vibrant, and after it’s healed you can use your favourite moisturizer.

  • Enjoy your tattoo!