Once the practitioner has completed your tattoo, a cling film cover will be applied over it. This cover needs to be kept in place for between 24-36 hours.
Whilst covered you should not get water behind it, so it is advisable not to bath or shower during this period. If water is trapped behind the cover, you are at risk of damaging the tattoo.
The skin will start the healing process in this covered period. Ink pigment from the top layers of the skin will be rejected, so expect a coloured discharge, even visible loss of the tattoo. This covering process will help minimise the scab that will form on the tattoo further down the line of the healing process. Because the ink pigment is attached to the scab until it falls off naturally, if you damage, catch, pick or scratch the scab or soak it in water, it will remove colour from the tattoo and is more than likely to cause scarring. Thus minimising the scab will make the tattoo easier to look after and to heal quicker than compared to not having a cling film cover applied
After the initial covered period, take the cling film off, then gently clean the tattoo with soap/shower gel (it is advisable to use those that are perfume free during the healing process), making sure all the rejected ink and body fluid has been completely removed. Next pat the tattoo dry with a good quality kitchen roll or clean towel, never rub your tattoo.
The cleaning of your tattoo should be carried out once daily when bathing or showering. Once clean, wait a minimum of one hour after, then apply a small amount of PALMER’S COCOA BUTTER or one of the many tattoo aftercare products. A day or so after removing the cling film cover, a light scab will then form, which protects the surface of your tattoo. This scab can feel uncomfortable, you must be patient, do not pick or scratch.
THINGS TO AVOID DURING THE HEALING OF A TATTOO:-
-Avoid touching or picking the tattoo.
-Avoid prolonged exposure to water e.g soaking in the bath, this will damage the tattoo, causing it to heal patchy and/or faded.
-Avoid clothes that are likely to rub, catch the tattoo.
-Try to avoid sleeping on the tattoo.
-Try to avoid excessive movement in that area, especially during exercise. Excessive movement will cause the scab to crack and colourless areas will appear in the tattoo when fully healed.
-Avoid sun beds/sunbathing for at least six weeks, as uv light will fade the tattoo dramatically until the tattoo is fully healed. However, be aware that uv light will always fade a tattoo no matter how old it is, sun block is advisable on exposure.
-Avoid stress, as this can run down your immune system and prolong the healing time.
THINGS TO DO DURING THE HEALING OF A TATTOO
-Keep the tattoo clean and dry.
-Apply PALMER’S COCOA BUTTER or a tattoo aftercare product daily after the initial covered period. Please do not over apply, just a small amount needs to be used to keep the skin/tattoo moist.
-Eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. That way you are providing your body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to heal a wound.
-Drink plenty of water, keeping well hydrated helps your body to eliminate toxins and will in turn speed up the healing time.
USE COMMON SENSE, DO NOT SUBSTITUTE OR OVERCOMPENSATE.
The aftercare of a tattoo is of the up most importance. If you follow the advise outlined on this page, you should have no problems. If you DO NOT keep to these procedures you can run the risk of local infections and possibly blood poisoning. Infections can develop easily on a new tattoo, since it is an open wound. Be sure when applying cream that your hands are clean. A sign of infection include excessive redness and heat, prolonged swelling and soreness, if in doubt go see a doctor, as you may need a course of antibiotics.
SO, KEEP IT CLEAN, KEEP IT DRY AND DO NOT SCRATCH OR PICK THE TATTOO