A Guide to Tattoo Aftercare: Tips from Black Tapestry Tattoo
So you’ve finally done it! You’ve gone and got that tattoo you’ve always wanted. You’ve sat through the pain and you’ve come out the other side with a beautiful piece of artwork to wear for the rest of your life! But wait, your job isn't quite over yet - you need to know how to take care of your new tattoo!
Specific Care for Every Tattoo Style
At Black Tapestry Tattoo, we pride ourselves on a diverse range of tattoo styles, each with its own aftercare needs. Consider these instructions as your go-to guide, but do remember to follow any specific advice given by your artist.
UNWRAPPING Your New Tattoo
Your tattoo artist will have wrapped your tattoo in either cling film, tattoo armour, or a second skin like dermalize. Here’s how to manage each:
Cling Film: Remove after 3-4 hours.
Tattoo Armour: Remove after 12 hours.
Second Skin: Keep on for 24-48 hours.
CLEANING YOUR TATTOO PROPERLY
Once you’ve removed the wrap, it’s time to clean your tattoo:
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Gently wash the tattoo with warm water.
Pat it dry with a paper towel and let the area breathe.
You can re-wrap your tattoo in fresh cling film overnight for the first night.
The Crucial First 48 Hours
For the first 48 hours:
Gently wash the tattoo 2-3 times a day.
Keep it clean and dry.
Hold off applying any aftercare cream.
Moisturising Your Tattoo- Choosing the Right Aftercare Cream
After the initial 48 hours, begin to apply a small amount of a gentle aftercare cream. We stock Biotat cream, which is vegan and made with natural ingredients - an excellent choice.
Overall Tattoo Care - Tips for Optimal Healing
Resist the urge to scratch; a gentle pat should help.
Stay hydrated and try to limit alcohol consumption.
Wear loose clothing to avoid irritation.
Avoid excessive exercise for 72 hours.
Keep your tattoo dry and avoid bathing or swimming for 10 days.
Always use a high factor sun cream when in direct sunlight.
The Healing Process of Your Tattoo - What You Can Expect as Your Tattoo Heals
Here's a quick look at the healing stages:
Days 1-5: Soreness and redness are normal.
Days 6-10: Expect scabbing and flaking.
Days 11-15: The skin may look shiny.
Days 16-30: Your skin gradually returns to normal.
Final Touches and Follow-up Care
If redness and soreness persist, don’t hesitate to contact the studio or your artist for advice.
Once fully healed, should your tattoo need a touch up, please contact your artists to arrange a touch up session.
So remember, proper aftercare is essential for your tattoo's health and appearance. Follow these expert tips to ensure your ink remains vibrant and healthy. If you have any questions, our team at Black Tapestry Tattoo is always here to assist.
