Tarnished Ink Aftercare

Aftercare

Step 1 Leave the cling film on for 2–10 hours. Tattoos will ooze — this is a normal part of the healing process. The cling film will protect your tattoo from airborne bacteria and other contaminants.

Step 2 When handling any new tattoo, don’t poke at it with bare hands. Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap before and after.

Step 3 After removing the cling film or second skin, gently cleanse the tattoo with warm water (no soaps unless green soap). Do not scrub. Gently use your hand to wipe away dead cells and ooze on the surface.

Step 4 Do not use a towel to dry your tattoo. Use a clean paper towel and gently pat dry.

Step 5 Let the tattoo air dry for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 6 Apply a thin layer of cream over the tattoo once second skin or cling film has been removed. Repeat every 2–3 hours or when it starts to feel dry. Do not over-moisturise — that can damage your tattoo.

Step 7 Do not pick your tattoos or let them scab up until crusty. The ideal heal is a flake (like a sun peel).

Infections If you suspect an infection, contact the studio for advice — especially if you are new to tattoos. Healing looks different on everyone; sometimes it is healing, not infection.

If you do have an infection, seek medical attention or see a chemist for a prescription.

**Symptoms of infection often include:**
- Pus oozing in a yellowish-green colour
- Fever or chills
- Skin hot to the touch
- Redness that worsens or spreads
- Swelling that does not go down

Bonus information - You can use ibuprofen to reduce swelling or help with tattoo pain - Avoid public pools for at least 7–10 days (depending on how much work you have had) - No bathing or submerging the tattoo until it is healed - Use cream purchased from a shop or supplied by us

**Creams we recommend:** Butter Luxe, Bio Tat, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter (Boots), Tattoo Goo (Boots)

Second skin Preferred healing method if you can use it: leave second skin for up to 5 days (if it sticks). You can shower with it on. If it fills with shower water, remove the second skin entirely while in the shower — never remove dry (more painful).