Looking after your new ink

• Leave on until you get home, then remove the cling film.
• Wash with water or antibacterial soap (unscented soap).
• Pat dry with clean kitchen roll to remove all the excess moisture.
• Leave open without applying anything to the skin, and dry in the same way after showering. Do this for 48 hours.
• After this time period has finished, start applying a SMALL amount of cream 1–2 times a day. *We recommend the tattoo cream we sell in the studio, or speak to your artist for recommendations.*

• Leave on for 2–3 days (your artist will discuss further advice).
• Your tattoo will look blurred/smudged while under the second skin.
• Always remember to pull off against the skin, and do this under running water if difficult.
• Once it is off, wash with water or antibacterial soap (unscented soap).
• Pat dry with clean kitchen roll to remove all the excess moisture.
• After this time period has finished, start applying a SMALL amount of cream 1–2 times a day. *We recommend the tattoo cream we sell in the studio, or speak to your artist for recommendations.*

Please remember that looking after your skin helps the longevity of your tattoo, so regularly moisturising is really important. SPF should always be used too — sun exposure can age your tattoos.

If you require a touch up, please contact the studio or your artist themselves to get that booked in.

Swelling, pain, tenderness, discharge of clear/cloudy fluid and maybe some bleeding — this is all completely normal.

• Wash your hands before cleaning it, to prevent bad bacteria or infection.
• Clean your piercing 1–2 times a week with a saline solution. You can make your own with sea salt and a shot of boiled water; allow it to cool down before using, and use a clean cotton bud. Do not re-dip the cotton bud, and use one side per entrance and exit hole of the piercing.
• Showers help to keep your piercing clean due to the steam of the water, but please dry it thoroughly upon exit using a dry cotton bud or even your hairdryer on the cool setting.
• Do not over clean your piercing, as you are cleaning away the good bacteria sent to heal the area!!!

Healing time for most piercings is 6–10 weeks.

Piercings that require downsizing due to swelling can be changed 3–6 weeks after the initial piercing. This is not included in the original price.

• Return to the studio when it is time to downsize.
• Change your bedding regularly.
• Drink plenty — hydration is important for the healing process.
• Do not sleep on your new piercing.
• Do not touch or let others touch your new piercing.

Please do not hesitate to message at any time during the healing process if you need advice.

• Keep it clean and dry — use non-scented soap and warm water. Dry with paper towels thoroughly.
• If it is feeling hot, apply a cold compress to the area for 10 minutes to reduce the heat.
• Limit physical activity.
• Avoid sun exposure.

• Do not pick or scratch the area, as this can cause scarring which makes removal harder.
• Keep it well moisturised — I recommend Bio Oil. This helps to reduce scarring and also helps with the removal process by stimulating the skin into producing more white blood cells.
• Stay hydrated — a dehydrated body doesn't heal as well.
• Always use sun protection.

Please feel free to message me with any problems.