Tattoo Aftercare

Congratulations on your new tattoo! Now that the inking is complete, you must take good care of it so that it heals properly and looks its best.

If a new tattoo is not properly cared for, it can become infected, so here are the vital steps required to keep it clean, healthy and looking mighty fine!

To Do

• Keep the plastic film on your tattoo for between 24 hours and 3 days. If there is build-up of liquid under the film, then remove it after 24 hours. After this time, take it off under clean, lukewarm running water and gently wash the area. Do not use soap with the first wash.

• Pat dry with clean paper towel and let the tattoo get some air for 45 minutes to an hour. Sometimes a little sticky residue from the plastic film will remain on your skin – this will come off naturally (just don’t pick it!).

• Use Hustle Butter, Ink Balm, or coconut butter (all natural) to moisturise and nourish the skin. Apply a small covering of the aftercare product to the tattooed skin. There is no need to use a lot as you still want the skin to breathe – a thin layer is enough. This will keep your tattoo clean whilst allowing the skin to breathe and heal.

• From then on, we recommend applying the aftercare product 1-3 times a day (depending on the tattoo size): after you shower in the morning and before going to bed at night in particular. Always wash your hands before application. Again, this only needs to be a thin layer of cream each time. You can wash your tattoo before applying the cream, but do not rub soap into it.

• Continue this process for 14-28 days (depending on the tattoo size/style and how quickly it heals; the artist will advise).

• You may find your tattoo will form a scab after a few days and the skin will begin flaking off (a bit like sunburn). This is totally normal. Generally, your tattoo is healed once there is no more scabbing/flaking.

Don’t Do

• Do not drink alcohol before or after being tattooed. If your body is focusing on curing a hangover it’s not concentrating on healing your tattoo, and alcohol in your system will make you bleed more and potentially stop the tattoo from healing properly.

• Do not pick the scab! This risks removing ink from the skin and damaging your tattoo.

• Avoid any strenuous exercise for 4-7 days after your tattoo (this can lead to infection or could damage the skin).

• Avoid any activity where the tattoo is submerged in water (except showering) for 4 weeks after your tattoo. This includes, but is not limited to: baths, saunas, float tanks, surfing or spas (these will almost certainly lead to infection and will very likely damage your tattoo).

• Do not have your tattoo in direct sunlight for 4 weeks – of course this is sometimes unavoidable, but no sunbathing with the tattoo uncovered and definitely no sun beds.

• Avoid wearing tight clothing or jewellery over the tattooed skin for at least 2 weeks (this can irritate the skin and even lead to infection).