Tattoo Aftercare

The WitchInk Hour | Tattoo Aftercare Guide

Congratulations on your new tattoo! ♡

Your new tattoo is a beautiful piece of artwork, and looking after it properly is essential to achieving the best possible healed result.

Please carefully follow the instructions below to help keep your tattoo clean, healthy and healing beautifully.

Everyone's skin heals differently, so patience and consistency are key.

1. Traditional Tattoo Aftercare

Cling Film Method

Step 1 – Removing Your Cling Film

• Leave your original cling film covering on for approximately 2–3 hours, unless your tattoo artist advises otherwise.

• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before removing the film.

• Carefully remove the cling film and dispose of it.

Step 2 – Cleaning Your Tattoo

• Gently wash your tattoo using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.

• Use clean hands to carefully remove any excess ink, blood or plasma.

• Avoid using flannels, sponges or anything abrasive.

• Gently pat dry using clean, disposable kitchen roll or allow your tattoo to air dry.

Step 3 – The First 24 Hours

• Keep your tattoo clean and protected from unnecessary contact, friction and contamination.

• If your artist has specifically advised you to rewrap your tattoo, use fresh cling film only for the recommended period.

• Always ensure your tattoo is clean and dry before rewrapping.

• Never reuse cling film or leave the same covering on for extended periods.

• Otherwise, allow your tattoo to remain uncovered and wear clean, loose-fitting clothing.

Step 4 – Moisturising Your Tattoo

• Once your initial covering period is complete, continue gently washing your tattoo approximately twice daily.

• When your tattoo is completely dry, apply a very thin layer of suitable fragrance-free tattoo aftercare cream.

• Avoid excessive amounts of cream, as this can trap moisture and cause irritation.

• Continue this routine throughout the healing process.

Step 5 – The Healing Process

• Your tattoo may begin to feel dry, itchy or slightly flaky as it heals. This is completely normal.

• Do not scratch, pick or peel away any scabs or flaking skin.

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

Remember, everyone heals differently. Be patient and allow your skin the time it needs to recover.

2. Second Skin Tattoo Aftercare

Second Skin is a breathable, protective adhesive dressing designed to protect your new tattoo during its initial healing stages.

It creates a protective barrier against external contamination while allowing your skin to heal underneath.

Step 1 – How Long Should I Leave My Second Skin On?

The recommended wearing time depends on the brand of dressing used, whether it is the first or a subsequent application, and your tattoo artist's instructions.

First Application

• For products such as Saniderm and Dermalize, the initial dressing should generally be removed or replaced within the first 24 hours.

• If your tattoo produces excessive fluid or the dressing begins leaking or lifting, it may need to be removed sooner.

• Always follow the specific instructions provided for the dressing applied to your tattoo.

Second Application

• Where appropriate, a fresh dressing may be applied after the tattoo has been thoroughly cleaned and dried.

• Depending on the product, a subsequent dressing may be worn for several days, commonly around 3–5 days with some brands.

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and never exceed the recommended wearing time.

If your artist has provided a different dressing or application method, please follow the specific guidance given at your appointment.

Step 2 – What Is Normal Underneath Second Skin?

During the initial healing stages, you may notice:

• Small amounts of blood, ink or plasma collecting underneath the dressing.

• Your tattoo appearing smudged, blurry or darker than expected.

• Mild tenderness or redness around the freshly tattooed area.

This is generally normal and part of the initial healing process.

However, excessive fluid build-up, worsening pain or significant skin irritation should not be ignored.

Step 3 – When Should I Remove My Second Skin Early?

You should remove your dressing if:

• The protective seal breaks or the film lifts enough to expose your tattoo.

• Water, dirt or other contaminants enter underneath the dressing.

• Fluid begins leaking out.

• You experience significant itching, burning, blistering or an unusual rash.

• Your tattoo becomes increasingly painful, swollen or irritated.

Important: If your Second Skin needs to be removed earlier than planned, don't panic!

Gently remove the dressing, thoroughly clean your tattoo and continue following our traditional tattoo aftercare instructions.

Do not attempt to reseal the dressing using tape or additional film.

Step 4 – How to Safely Remove Second Skin

1. Thoroughly wash your hands before touching the dressing.

2. We recommend removing Second Skin in the shower, allowing lukewarm running water to help loosen the adhesive.

3. Carefully lift one corner of the film.

4. Slowly stretch the dressing back over itself, keeping it close and parallel to your skin rather than pulling directly upwards.

5. Continue gently until the entire dressing has been removed.

Never rip or forcefully pull the dressing away from your skin.

Step 5 – Cleaning Your Tattoo After Removal

1. Gently wash your tattoo using lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.

2. Carefully remove any remaining plasma, ink or adhesive residue without scrubbing.

3. Pat your tattoo dry using clean, disposable kitchen roll or allow it to air dry.

4. Once completely dry, apply a very thin layer of suitable fragrance-free tattoo aftercare cream.

Do not over-moisturise your tattoo, as excessive product can cause irritation.

Step 6 – Continuing Your Aftercare

Once your Second Skin has been removed, continue following our traditional tattoo aftercare routine.

• Gently wash your tattoo approximately twice daily.

• Apply a thin layer of suitable tattoo aftercare cream as needed.

• Avoid scratching, picking or peeling any flaking skin.

• Avoid swimming, baths, hot tubs and prolonged soaking until fully healed.

• Keep your tattoo protected from direct sunlight, unnecessary friction and contamination.

• Avoid tight clothing or anything that may rub against your healing tattoo.

Important Things to Remember

• Second Skin is suitable for normal showering while its seal remains intact, but should not be submerged in water.

• Never apply tattoo aftercare cream underneath an intact dressing.

• Do not reapply Second Skin unless specifically instructed by your tattoo artist.

• If you experience persistent or worsening redness, swelling, pain, pus or fever, seek medical advice promptly.

Not every tattoo or skin type is suitable for Second Skin. If you experience a reaction to the adhesive, remove the dressing carefully and seek appropriate advice.

3. Things to Avoid With Your New Tattoo

To protect your new tattoo and encourage the best possible healed result, please avoid the following throughout the healing process.

Baths, Swimming & Soaking

Avoid submerging your tattoo in baths, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers or the sea until it has fully healed. Showers are recommended.

Direct Sunlight & Tanning

Keep your healing tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid sunbeds.

Once fully healed, protect your artwork with a high-factor SPF to help preserve its appearance.

Scratching & Picking

Your tattoo may become itchy or flaky as it heals.

Never scratch, pick or peel the skin, as this can increase the risk of infection, scarring and ink loss.

Scented Products

Avoid perfumes, fake tan, exfoliants, fragranced lotions and harsh skincare products on your healing tattoo.

Tight Clothing

Avoid clothing that rubs, catches or puts unnecessary pressure on your tattoo.

Loose, breathable clothing is recommended.

Excessive Sweating & Friction

Avoid strenuous activities that cause excessive rubbing, stretching or irritation around your new tattoo.

Keep it away from shared gym equipment and unclean surfaces.

Over-Moisturising

Applying too much aftercare cream can irritate the skin. A light, thin layer is all you need.

Unnecessary Touching

Always wash your hands before touching or cleaning your tattoo.

Avoid allowing other people or pets to touch it during healing.

4. When to Seek Medical Advice

Mild redness, tenderness, swelling and some fluid during the initial healing stage can be normal.

However, if you experience any of the following, please seek medical advice promptly:

• Worsening redness or swelling.

• Increasing pain or spreading warmth.

• Thick or unusual discharge, particularly pus.

• Fever or feeling generally unwell.

• Redness that continues to spread beyond the tattooed area.

If you suspect an infection, contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice. Seek urgent medical attention for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

5. We're Here to Help!

Your tattoo journey doesn't end when you leave the studio!

If you're unsure whether something is healing normally or have any questions about your aftercare routine, please don't hesitate to contact The WitchInk Hour.

While we're always happy to offer general aftercare guidance, we cannot diagnose or treat medical conditions.

Your tattoo is an investment in your skin. Taking care of it properly will help keep your artwork looking beautiful for years to come! ♡