Aftercare

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Your new tattoo is an open wound and therefore should be cared for as such. We recommend the following aftercare instructions as the healing method ensuring the best results. 

Step One
Before you leave the studio, your artist will cover your new tattoo with cling film. This should be removed after 2 - 4 hours. Wash your tattoo in cold water with a non-fragrant antibacterial soap. Use your hands (not a wash cloth) and gently remove all traces of blood to prevent a scab forming. Do not re-bandage your tattoo. 

Step Two 
Pat your tattoo dry with a clean towel and leave it for 30 minutes to an hour until the skin feels tight and dry. It is important to let your tattoo breathe before it enters the peeling stage. We recommend you wash your tattoo 2 -3 times a day. 

Step Three
Apply your aftercare balm for up to 14 days. We recommend Dr Pickles Tattoo Aftercare Balm (available for purchase in the studio). Apply a thin layer after you wash your tattoo. Continue to wash and apply your aftercare balm as directed until the tattoo is healed. 

Your tattoo is likely to peel and coloured flakes of skin will fall off. DO NOT pull off the flakes or else you might pull the ink out. Let these flakes fall off on their own. This will likely happen in the first 4 - 7 days and then again a second time within two weeks. 

It takes 4 - 6 weeks for the tattoo to fully heal. 

TIPS 

DO NOT scratch or pick off the scabs or flakes. This can cause a serious infection and can create scars. 
DO NOT go swimming until the tattoo has finished scabbing and flaking and keep it as clean and dry as possible. 
AVOID direct sunlight as much as possible until your tattoo has completely healed. 

If you have any questions regarding the aftercare and healing of your tattoo, please do not hesitate to give us a call on (07) 3263 6574 or send us an email at shinkotattoo@gmail.com.