The first 24 hours
After completing the tattoo, leave wrap on until you get home. Wash lightly and leave wrapped overnight for the first night. Wash again next morning.
Days 2 to 14
Wash it twice a day, morning and night, the same gentle way. After each wash, apply a very thin layer of the ointment your artist recommended. It is important that you only put a thin layer — a thick layer suffocates the skin and traps bacteria.
Expect some redness, swelling and a bit of weeping in the first few days. Flaking and itching usually kick in around day three and settle down by day seven to ten.
Don't
- Pick, scratch or peel the flakes. This is how you lose ink and gain scars.
- Soak it — no baths, pools, spas or ocean for two weeks. Showers are fine.
- Expose it to direct sun while it's healing.
- Do heavy exercise or anything that makes you sweat into it for the first few days.
- Wear tight clothing over it, or let pets sleep against it.
- Shave over it until it's fully healed.
When it's healed
Sunscreen, forever. SPF 30 or higher on the tattoo any time it's in the sun is the single biggest factor in how good it looks in ten years. Keep the skin moisturised and it'll stay crisp.
When to call us
Get in touch on 02 4730 4019 if you see spreading redness, heat, swelling that's getting worse after day three. If you have yellow or green discharge, a bad smell, or if you develop a fever, see your doctor immediately. Infections are rare and very treatable early. If you're worried it's serious, see a doctor — we'd always rather you did.
Touch-ups
Small imperfections after healing are normal and we'll sort them. We offer one free touch-up within 2 months where a healed tattoo needs it through no fault of your own. Email Contact.halfwayhouse@gmail.com with a photo and we'll get your artist to book you in.