Tattoo Aftercare

The proper after care of your tattoo will determine the way your tattoo will look once it is fully
healed.
Your artist at Tough Love will go through after care with you verbally.
Your tattooist at Tough Love Tattoo Studio will wrap your tattoo in cling film to initially protect
your tattoo and clothing and to stem the bleeding. Leave this on for 2-3 hours. Once you are
home, in a clean environment, remove the cling film and wash the tattoo gently with warm, soapy
water, using anti-bacterial soap.
Pat dry your tattoo using a fresh, clean towel. Do not rub back and forth.
Leave the tattoo to breathe. Do not cover again with cling film.
After 24 hours, wash the tattoo again as above and apply a thin layer of ointment to the tattoo.
Tough Love recommends using Bepanthen, E45 or Tattoo Goo Lotion. Pat off any excess ointment
if you applied too much. You should have no build up of cream on your tattoo, as it needs to
breathe.
You will need to wash your tattoo twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, as above daily
and re-apply ointment as needed.
Do not pick or scratch the tattoo. Flaking and scabbing of the tattoo is normal, do not pick these
off, as it can cause infection and removes the ink from the skin. The scabs/flaking will fall off
naturally.
Avoid bodywash, lotions and shampoos that are fragranced.
Do not swim in the sea or swimming baths, use hot tubs or tanning booths for 2 weeks.
Try to have showers rather than baths whilst the tattoo is healing, as you want to wash the tattoo
but not soak it in water for ages.
Avoid direct exposure to the sun.
If working in a dirty/ dusty environment, ensure the tattoo is covered by clean, breathable clothing.
Do not re-wrap in cling film.
Wear loose clothing over your tattoo whilst it heals to avoid rubbing, which can pull off scabs and
cause irritation.
After the tattoo is fully healed, wear a high protection sun screen over the tattoo to avoid fading.
Do not put sun screen on a tattoo that is not fully healed. You may also want to continue to moisturise the tattoo to keep the tattoo looking bright.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call
Tough Love Tattoo Studio on 01723 447277