TATTOO AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

Proper aftercare is essential to help your tattoo heal cleanly, maintain its appearance and prevent infection. Please follow the instructions below depending on which dressing has been applied to your tattoo.

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OPTION 1 — DERMALIZE (SECOND SKIN)

First Application — 24–48 Hours

  1. Leave your original Dermalize dressing in place for 24–48 hours after your tattoo.
  2. If the dressing begins to peel away naturally, loses its seal or exposes the tattoo, remove it earlier.
  3. After 48 hours, carefully remove the dressing, ideally under warm running water.
  4. Wash your tattoo thoroughly using warm water and a mild soap. A gentle antibacterial soap is fine, but avoid heavily scented or perfumed products.
  5. Gently pat the area dry using clean kitchen roll. Do not use bath towels, flannels or tissues, as these can harbour bacteria or leave fibres behind.
  6. Allow your skin to dry completely before applying a fresh Dermalize dressing.

Second Application — Up to 36 Hours

  1. Apply a fresh Dermalize dressing to clean, completely dry skin.
  2. Do not apply any moisturiser, cream or tattoo balm underneath the dressing.
  3. Leave the second dressing in place for up to 36 hours, provided it remains properly sealed and comfortable.
  4. Remove the dressing carefully and thoroughly clean the tattoo again with warm water and mild soap.
  5. Pat dry using clean kitchen roll.

Moisturising — The Following 7 Days

Once the final Dermalize dressing has been removed, begin moisturising your tattoo.

Recommended products include:

  • Palmer's Cocoa Butter
  • Aveeno moisturiser (preferably fragrance-free)
  • Bepanthen ointment

Apply a small, thin layer 2–3 times per day for at least the following 7 days, or as needed while the skin continues healing.

Your tattoo should feel lightly moisturised, not greasy or smothered. Avoid applying excessive amounts of cream.

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OPTION 2 — CLING FILM (TRADITIONAL AFTERCARE)

Day 1 — Immediately After Your Tattoo

  1. Leave the original cling film dressing in place for 3–4 hours after your appointment.
  2. Remove the cling film and thoroughly wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild, preferably fragrance-free soap.
  3. Gently pat dry using clean kitchen roll.
  4. Apply a thin layer of your recommended aftercare product, such as Bepanthen or Hustle Butter.
  5. If following the wrapping routine advised by your tattooist, use fresh cling film for the first night. Never reuse old cling film.

Days 2–5 — Cleaning and Aftercare

Morning

  1. Remove the cling film when you wake up.
  2. Thoroughly wash your tattoo with warm water and mild soap.
  3. Pat dry with clean kitchen roll.
  4. Apply a thin layer of your chosen aftercare cream.
  5. If continuing to wrap as instructed, apply fresh cling film.

During the Day

  • Change your dressing and clean your tattoo when you return home from work.
  • An additional midday clean and dressing change is fine, particularly if you've been sweating or working in a dusty or dirty environment.
  • Always wash your hands before touching your tattoo.
  • Never apply fresh cling film over an unwashed tattoo.

Evening

  1. Remove the cling film and thoroughly wash away any remaining cream, plasma or residue.
  2. Gently pat dry with clean kitchen roll or allow the tattoo to air dry.
  3. Apply a thin layer of moisturiser and leave the tattoo uncovered for a couple of hours.
  4. Before bed, clean your tattoo again and pat dry.
  5. Follow your tattooist's advice about whether another overnight dressing is appropriate.

How Long Should You Continue Aftercare?

The amount of tattooing and the condition of your skin affect how long healing takes.

  • Fine line, soft shading and stipple work: Often require less intensive dressing care, with the initial 3–4 days being particularly important.
  • Black and grey tattoos: Usually benefit from careful cleaning and protection during the first 4–5 days.
  • Heavy saturation and full-colour tattoos: May need closer attention for 7 days or longer, depending on how heavily the skin has been worked.

Important: These times refer to the period of more intensive aftercare, not a requirement to keep the tattoo continuously wrapped. Ordinary cling film is not breathable and prolonged wrapping can trap moisture and increase the risk of infection. Follow your tattooist's individual dressing advice and allow the skin to breathe.

Once you stop using dressings, continue gently washing and lightly moisturising your tattoo 2–3 times daily until it has healed.

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GENERAL AFTERCARE ADVICE

Regardless of the dressing used:

  • Keep your tattoo clean. Always wash your hands before touching it.
  • Do not pick, scratch or peel scabs or flaking skin. Allow them to come away naturally.
  • Avoid soaking your tattoo. No baths, swimming pools, hot tubs or saunas until fully healed. Showers are fine.
  • Avoid direct sunlight and sunbeds while your tattoo is healing.
  • Wear loose, clean clothing to avoid friction and irritation.
  • Avoid excessive sweating and dirty environments wherever possible during the initial healing period.
  • Do not over-moisturise. A thin layer is enough.
  • Allow your tattoo to heal naturally. Some tenderness, peeling, itching and light scabbing are normal.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you experience spreading redness, increasing pain or swelling, worsening heat around the tattoo, pus, an unpleasant smell or a fever, seek medical advice promptly through your GP or NHS 111.

Most tattoos take approximately 2–4 weeks to heal on the surface, although deeper healing can take longer.

If you're ever unsure about your tattoo's healing, contact your tattooist for advice.