Follow our step-by-step guide on caring for your tattoo

Taking care of a new tattoo is essential to ensure proper healing and vibrant, long-lasting colors.

 

Leave Bandage On (if applicable)

After your tattoo is done, your artist will cover it with a sterile bandage or plastic wrap to ensure optimal protection from dirt and bacteria. Keep this on for a few hours at least (we recommend overnight). If the seal of the bandage is broken, please remove it as bacteria and dirt can become trapped and cause further irritation/problems. Please note bandage is not always required. 

Wash Hands

Before touching your tattoo, make sure your hands are clean to prevent infection. We recommend using Dr Pickles Antibacterial Hemp Foam Wash.

Remove Bandage (if applicable)

Best to remove whilst showering, the heat and steam will help loosen the wrap. Once the initial covering is removed, do not cover it again during the healing process. The tattoo will need to be exposed to the air to heal.

Cleanse with Dr Pickles Antibacterial Hemp Foam Wash

After removing the bandage, gently wash the tattoo with Dr Pickles Antibacterial Hemp Foam Wash and warm water twice a day for the first week. Use clean hands or a soft cloth to lightly cleanse the area. Avoid scrubbing or using abrasive materials and commercial bodywashes and soaps as they can be drying to the skin.

Pat Dry

Gently pat the tattoo dry with a clean, soft towel or paper towel. Do not rub, as this can irritate the sensitive skin.

Apply Dr Pickles Tattoo Balm

Apply a thin layer of Dr Pickles Tattoo Balm 2-4 times a day for at least 2 weeks. Keeping the tattoo moisturised ensures the least amount of scabbing and peeling.

Monitor for Infection

Keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain. If you suspect an infection, consult a healthcare professional.

 

Remember, proper tattoo aftercare is crucial to achieving the best results. If you have any concerns or questions during the healing process, please don't hesitate to contact us.

 

What To Expect

When your tattoo is healing, you can expect several stages and changes in the appearance and sensation of the tattooed area. Healing times can vary depending on factors such as the size and location of the tattoo, your individual healing process, and how well you follow aftercare instructions. Here's what you can generally expect during the healing process: 

Ouch!

It is common to experience blood and secretions of a clear or ink coloured film, swelling, redness, scabbing, peeling, itchiness and sensitivity. This is all part of the healing process. It is important you do not pick or scratch the area as this can lead to scarring, infection and ink dropouts. 

Ink Transfer

During the first few days tattoo ink can stain sheets and clothing.

Healing Durations Vary

The tattoo healing stages may differ from one tattoo to the other. The healing duration depends on several factors such as:

• The style of the tattoo 
• The size of the tattoo 
• The location or body placement 
• Whether it is black/grey or colored (coloured tattoos take the longest to heal)

Fluctuating Colours

During the healing process, the colors of your tattoo may appear uneven or slightly different from what you expected. This is normal and is due to the combination of the healing skin and the ink settling.

Final Settling of Ink

It can take several weeks for the ink to fully settle into the skin and for the tattoo to reach its final appearance. Patience is important during this time. 

Complete Healing

The complete healing of a tattoo can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the size and complexity of the tattoo. It's important to continue following aftercare instructions until the skin has fully healed.

Touch-up Consideration 

After your tattoo is fully healed, you might notice areas where the ink didn't take as well or where colors appear slightly uneven. In some cases, a touch-up session with your tattoo artist may be necessary to address any imperfections. 

 

Remember that every person's healing process is unique, so your individual experiences might vary.

 

Some Helpful Tips

Here are some helpful tips for the ultimate healing of your fresh ink.

 

Follow Aftercare Instructions

We have provided specific aftercare instructions. Make sure to follow them closely for best results.

Avoid Touching

Refrain from touching your tattoo with dirty hands to prevent introducing bacteria to the healing area.

Avoid Picking or Scratching

During the healing process, your tattoo will peel and flake. Do not pick at the peeling skin, let it come off naturally. Resist the urge to scratch your tattoo, as this can lead to scarring and color loss. 

Avoid Sunlight and Water Immersion

For the first few weeks, avoid exposing your tattoo to direct sunlight and extended water immersion (such as swimming or soaking in a bathtub). UV rays can fade colors, and soaking can cause the tattoo to become oversaturated and lose ink. 

Wear Clean Loose Clothing

Opt for clean, dark, loose-fitting clothing to prevent friction and irritation on the tattooed area. 

Boost your Immune System

If you are prone to infections, it might be a good idea to take supplements to help boost your immune system to help the body fight off infections and heal the skin faster. 

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

A balanced diet rich in nutrients can support your body's healing process. 

Avoid Beauty Products

Avoid applying lotions, creams, or other beauty products directly on the healing tattoo.

Be Cautious Shaving

If your tattoo is in an area that requires shaving, be gentle and avoid cutting or irritating the tattooed skin. 

Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Chemicals like chlorine will cause the tattoo to fade and/or become infected. Avoid fragrances.

Stay Hygienic

Keep the tattooed area clean and hygienic to prevent infections.

 

What are Signs of Infection? 

It is normal to experience some burning, redness and tenderness after you get a tattoo. The skin is irritated and has undergone intense trauma.

However, if you develop a fever, dizziness, blurred vision or if the tattoo becomes extremely hot to touch, please contact your doctor immediately.

The most common signs of a tattoo infection include:

Redness

Prolonged redness, lasting more than a week.

Swelling

Swollen and puffy skin days after getting a tattoo, especially the surrounding skin (may indicate an allergic reaction to the ink).

Burning Sensation

The tattooed area feels incredibly warm, almost as if its burning or experiencing a fever.

Tenderness

The tattooed area is tender and painful to touch, even a week after getting a tattoo.

Foul Odor

This is a clear indication that the tattoo is infected and you need to seek medical attention.

Pus or Oozing

If the tattoo continues to ooze after 2 or 3 days, it is probably infected.

Itching and Hives

In some cases, itching and hives indicate that you’re allergic to ink, so you might need to talk to your doctor. 

Fever, Chills, Dizziness or Blurred Vision

In this case, you need to see the doctor right away, since these symptoms are clear indications of infection. 

 

If any of these symptoms occur after a week or two, make sure to talk to your tattoo artist or doctor.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us we're here to help.