A step-by-step guide to healing your rad new ink.
Well done, you just managed to level up your skin by adding a rad new piece of art to it. While the worst part may be over, the most essential part is about to begin - looking after that fresh tattoo properly and diligently.
But don’t panic! If you take proper care and follow your artist’s aftercare instructions, the tattoo will need minimal future maintenance and touch-ups. It’s also essential to keep your overall health in check during the healing process to avoid infection. Let’s call this Step 0 – the one you should always keep in mind with most body modification procedures, really.
On to the good stuff – below is our step-by-step guide to keep your ink looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible. It’s not rocket science, but we trust that our clients will practice due diligence when healing a tattoo. Do that and follow our advice and you’re sorted. 🙌
Just a few ‘On the Day’ tips…
Rest up, your body needs it.
Avoid consuming alcohol or substances (this includes over-the-counter and prescribed meds if possible) for 24 hours before your appointment.
Make sure to eat something beforehand.
Bring a snack with you if you are having a long session. We have coffee too.
STAY HYDRATED. < this one’s actually the most important.
Dark Neon’s Aftercare Guide
After leaving the studio…
There are a few tattoo healing methods – and that’ll likely depend on your tattoo artist’s preference. There are two main methods:
The cling film method, and;
The second skin method.
If your artist opts for the cling film method, they’ll cover your tattoo in cling film initially, and you’ll have to leave this on for 3 - 4 hours before being removed.
If your artist used second skin, it should be left on for at least 4up to 5 days before being removed.
Always wash your hands before touching
Using your hand and antimicrobial or unscented soap, firmly wash your tattoo to remove any ink, plasma, or lymphatic fluid.
When drying your fresh tattoo never use a shared or used towel - use a clean paper towel and gently pat your tattoo dry.
Your artist will recommend an ointment that you should apply in a very thin layer after you have washed and dried your tattoo.
It is important to let your fresh tattoo breathe during the healing process (unless you’re using the second skin method**) to avoid any kind of running or ink botching.
** The second skin method relies on creating a synthetic layer of skin over the fresh tattoo. This means no water/liquid or air bubbles should enter the second-skin space. If it does, remove the second skin and continue the healing process as detailed below.
Keep in mind that your tattoo should be treated as an open wound for the next 14 days, and it is recommended that you put clean sheets on your bed to avoid contamination when you sleep.
The next few days…
Once you have removed the plastic dressing from your tattoo do not reuse it. Throw that thing in the bin, yo.
Depending on the method of healing that your artist recommended, you should be washing and moisturising your tattoo 2 - 3 times a day when healing without second skin.
When applying the balm or the cream do so sparingly and apply a thin layer to keep your tattoo breathing.
We recommend Flash Heal Tattoo Tonic, which we sell in-studio. Other good alternatives are Bepanthen and E45 available from pharmacy stores.
When healing with second skin your artist will explain how to bathe and shower while leaving the dressing on for at least 5 days before removing it in the shower.
If you do not feel comfortable removing it yourself, then you are welcome to pop into the studio and have one of the artists do it for you.
And that’s it, folks
If you manage to follow the process detailed above, your tattoo should heal perfectly fine following the procedure. If you have any questions, be sure to contact your artist directly.
If it happens that your tattoo looks red around the edges, with painful areas and swelling/crusting, it may be infected and it will be best to consult a doctor.
We accept DMs on social media and will answer any questions about your tattoo healing process. If anything feels wrong during this process, don’t hesitate to drop by the studio and our helpful staff will help advise you.
Special Tip: Remember to keep your fresh tattoo out of the sun as much as possible, and get into the habit to apply sunscreen to it early on. The sun and tattoos don’t mix well, so this will ensure that your ink stays as vibrant as the first day!
Happy healing!