Aftercare

The first 2 weeks of the healing process for your new tattoo are the most important. Below are the do's and dont's we recommend having completed hundreds of tattoos from our Sunderland base in the North East.

Please follow these instructions as closely as possible;

* Leave the protective cling film on the area for 2 to 10 hours post procedure. New tattoos will ooze - this is a normal part of the healing process. The cling film is used to keep air-borne bacteria and any other contaminants in the environment from invading the wound.

* Wash your hands thoroughly before removing the cling film and then clean your tattoo with soap and water. Do not scrub the area with a brush or towel - the idea behind washing is to eliminate any dead cells that have accumulated on the surface of the compromised skin.

* Dry your tattoo by gently patting the area with a clean towel and then let it dry naturally for approximately 10 minutes.

* Lightly apply a thin layer of the healing balm using a cotton bud. You do not need to re – apply cling film.

* Repeat the above steps for 7-10 days at least 3 times a day until the healing process is complete. The idea behind this part of the process is to NOT let your tattoo dry out. The healing balm should be applied heavily enough to look shiny. If sufficient balm is not applied to the area, the surface can dry out and prolong healing process.

* After a few days you may notice some peeling and a little scabbing and it is at this point that the area will begin to itch. You must resist the urge to scratch, rub or pick your tattoo.

For two weeks:

DO NOT

* Go swimming, or soak in a hot tub or bath.

* Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol on your tattoo

* Participate in activities that will make you sweat.

DO

* Stay out of the sun until your tattoo has healed completely.

* Long term apply sun block to your tattoo after it has healed, whenever it is exposed to the sun to protect it from damaging ultraviolet rays which can result in fading and colour change.

* Please inform the National Blood Service if you donate blood, as you may not be eligible to give blood for a year post application.