Caring for your new tattoo
After the procedure:
Day 0-1
At the end of your tattoo session, your artist will clean and wrap your new tattoo. After a minimum time of 1 hour, your are free to remove this wrap and gently wash your tattoo with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Be aware that extreme temperatures or a hard force of water coming from a tap or showerhead may cause pain or shock.
Make sure your hands are thoroughly clean and use your fingers gently to remove any slimy residue (plasma and excess ink)from the tattooed skin. Do not use a wash clothe.
Once clean, gently pat dry with a clean paper towel, do not re-apply bandages or wrap to your tattoo. Avoid anything touching your fresh tattoo, this can include furniture, bedding and clothing where possible.
When you shower – water running over your tattoo is fine, however do not soak it or let the water hit the tattoo directly! Excess moisture can be detrimental to healing your tattoo.
When you sleep, ensure your tattoo is not covered by linen and your bedsheets are clean in case of contact. Do not sleep on your fresh tattoo. Overnight, Excess ink and plasma may leak from your tattoo, this is normal and if it occurs repeat the same cleaning process from earlier until your tattoo ‘feels’ clean again.
Healing your Tattoo:
Day 1-14
The area you are tattooed in might be slightly sore still or even a little swollen, this is normal and different for every body but should usually reside over the next few days.
Over the next week or so, you will notice your tattoo healing, this can look different depending on the style of tattoo you received. Generally a light, flakey peel (similar to what sunburn looks like) will occur. In some cases you may have dry scabs appear, this means your tattoo may need to be hydrated in which case you can use a tattoo balm.
If your tattoo gets dirty from the environment (pet hair, dirty work environment, exposure to soil etc), immediately clean and dry your tattoo. Treat your fresh tattoo like an open wound, it can get infected if not cared for properly.
Over the next few weeks, avoid swimming, taking baths, direct sunlight on the tattoo, and activities that strain the area or cause excess sweating. Wear loose or breathable clothing over the area and avoid wrapping/covering your tattoo unless it is unavoidable to keep it clean this way. Do not spray deodorants, perfumes over your tattoo. Do not put anything other than tattoo aftercare balm over your tattoo while it is healing, that includes sunscreen and makeup.
Your tattoo may get itchy over the next few weeks, you must not scratch your tattoo under any circumstances. To relieve the itch, place a clean, dry towel over the tattoo and gently pat it. A cool compress can also help. Do not exfoliate or pick any scabs or loose skin that peels from your tattoo – this can impact the finished heal.
Tattoo aftercare products:
What to use and when
When using a tattoo aftercare balm, we recommend washing your hands first, and placing a dab on the back of your hand. From here apply a very small amount using your fingertip. reapply until your tattoo is covered with a thin layer of balm. This avoids potentially contaminating your aftercare product by touching it after you have touched your tattoo.
We recommend applying aftercare balm once a day in small amounts for optimum healing. Each and every body heals differently, if your tattoo appears very dry, use a little more, if your tattoo looks overly hydrated, use less.
We recommend only using aftercare products from reputable retailers who have knowledge of tattooing and dermatology.
Horizon Tattoo is proudly partnered with Aftercare Collective, you can purchase Aftercare Collective tattoo balms in the studio, or online from this link:
If you use the Promo Code: HRZN you can get 10% off your purchases on their website.
Happy Healing
– Horizon Tattoo Team