Keep the bandage on your tattoo for a minimum of two hours.

Only remove it when you are in a clean environment - ideally your bathroom at home.

Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial liquid handwash (preferably unscented) remove the bandage and wash your tattoo thoroughly with the handwash and lukewarm water. Remove all ink/plasma/goop. For larger tattoos, this is often easiest to do in the shower.

Pat dry tattoo gently with paper towels or a clean towel.

For first few days, keep the tattoo clean and dry (wash it if it becomes sticky), wear clothing that allows the air to get to it (e.g. no tights/skinny jeans on leg tattoos). Do NOT apply aftercare cream, to the tattoo while it still feels ‘wet’, during the initial healing.

Keep pets away from new tattoos.

If you are doing anything dusty/dirty you may want to rewrap the tattoo with clingfilm and micropore tape to protect it. Wash it afterwards in the same way that you did initially.

Washing/showering is fine, but do not bathe or swim or do anything that causes your tattoo to soak in water for two weeks after the appointment. This will damage the tattoo and cause it to heal badly.

After the first 24 hours or when the tattoo starts to feel dry, we recommend applying a thin layer of tattoo aftercare, for example Tattoo Goo (which we stock at the shop). You can also use Palmers Cocoa Butter (the solid formula, in a jar). We strongly advise against using Bepanthen or any other first aid cream/moisturiser, these are too strong and can pull ink out of the tattoo.

DO NOT PICK, ITCH, SCRATCH your new tattoo. Just leave it alone. If you need to, you can lightly slap your tattoo to releive the itch.

If you have any questions about the healing of your tattoo, email your artist. Once your tattoo is fully healed, use a high factor SPF to protect the ink when you are in bright sunlight. regular moisturising will also keep the tattoo looking great.