Tattoo Aftercare Guide

 

Professional Tattoo Aftercare by Tom Ogden

 

Your tattoo is a fresh wound and needs proper care to heal cleanly and maintain its colour and detail. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best results.

 

 

Immediately After Your Appointment

 

• Your tattoo will be wrapped by me at your appointment.

• Leave the wrap on for 6 hours (or as advised during your appointment).

• When removing it, wash your hands thoroughly before touching your tattoo.

 

 

First Wash

 

1. Gently remove the wrap and wash your tattoo with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial soap (Such as Carex). Either do this in the shower or at a sink.

2. Use your fingers — never a cloth or sponge — to remove any plasma, ink, or residue.

3. Pat dry gently with clean kitchen roll or towel and let it air dry.

4. Do not re-wrap unless advised.

 

 

Healing Stage (Days 1–14)

 

Your tattoo will go through several normal stages of healing:

 

 

🔹 Days 1–3:

 

• Keep it clean and dry.

• Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free tattoo aftercare cream (I recommend Checkmate, which I sell in the studio) 2–3 times daily.

• Do not over-apply — your skin needs to breathe.

 

 

🔹 Days 3–7:

 

• You may notice light flaking or scabbing — this is normal.

• Don’t pick or scratch the area. Let the skin shed naturally.

• Continue gentle cleaning and light moisturising with the aftercare provided.

 

 

🔹 Days 7–14:

 

• Itching and peeling may increase slightly.

• Keep applying a small amount of aftercare cream as needed.

• Avoid tight clothing that rubs the area.

 

 

Things to Avoid (for at least 2 weeks)

 

🚫 No swimming, hot tubs, saunas, or baths.

🚫 No sun exposure or tanning beds.

🚫 No scratching, scrubbing, or picking scabs.

🚫 No gym or heavy sweating for 2–3 days (especially on large tattoos).

🚫 Avoid applying thick layers of cream or petroleum-based products (like Vaseline).

🚫 Avoid applying anti septic products, such as Germoline and Dettol. 

 

 

Colour & Blackwork Specific Tips

 

• Colour tattoos: Moisturise regularly during healing — keeping the skin hydrated helps preserve saturation and brightness.

• Blackwork tattoos: Avoid over-moisturising; keep it clean and dry to maintain crisp blacks and solid fills.

• Fine line tattoos: Be extra gentle during washing to avoid lifting delicate line work.

 

 

Long-Term Care

 

• Always use high SPF sunscreen (SPF 30+) on healed tattoos to prevent fading.

• Keep skin moisturised to maintain clarity and vibrancy.

• If touch-ups are needed, contact myself through the Get Ink page once your tattoo is fully healed (around 6–8 weeks).

 

 

Signs to Watch For

 

Mild redness and tenderness are normal for the first few days.

However, contact a doctor or pharmacist if you notice:

 

• Excessive swelling, oozing, or yellow discharge

• Severe pain, redness spreading around the tattoo

• Signs of allergic reaction or infection

 

 

Questions or Concerns

 

If you’re ever unsure about your healing process, please reach out to me on the Get Ink platform, which was used when booking your appointment.

 

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