Tattoo Advice — Straight Lines Tattoo
Tattoo
Aftercare
A good tattoo is 50% you — good aftercare.
The work doesn't stop when you leave the studio. How you care for your tattoo over the next 7–10 days will directly affect the quality of the healed result. Follow this guide precisely.
The First Hours
Leave the dressing onLeave Your Dressing on for 2–5 Hours
Leave your dressing on for a minimum of two hours and a maximum of five hours. This prevents airborne bacteria from infecting your wound and allows the dressing to absorb any oozing fluids. Do not be tempted to remove it early.
The First Wash
As soon as the dressing comes offUse Antibacterial Soap
After removing the dressing, wash your tattoo immediately. Use antibacterial soap to gently wash away any ointment, blood and plasma, and completely clean the area.
Hands Only | No Washcloths
Do not use a washcloth or anything abrasive. Your hand is all you need. Anything rougher risks irritating the skin and disrupting the healing surface.
Pat Dry | Do Not Rub
Pat the area dry firmly using a clean towel or paper towel. Do not rub. Get it completely dry before moving to the next step.
Apply Bepanthen
Once the area is fully dry, apply a thin layer of Bepanthen and rub it in gently until fully absorbed. This is the only cream we recommend, it is both the aftercare cream and the preparation moisturiser we advise before your session.
Days 1–3
Highest infection risk periodWash 3–4 Times Per Day
It is very important to wash your tattoo 3–4 times a day for the first three days. This is the highest risk period for infection. Always wash your hands before washing your tattoo, and always wash the tattoo before applying cream.
Keep Pets Away
Do you have pets at home? Keep them away from your fresh tattoo during the healing process. Animal hair and bacteria are a direct infection risk to an open wound.
dry out.
Days 7–10
Continued care through full healingBepanthen 3 Times Daily
Continue applying a thin layer of Bepanthen 3 times a day for the full 7–10 day healing period, rubbing it in gently until fully absorbed each time. Do not reduce frequency early, the skin beneath is still regenerating and needs consistent moisture to heal cleanly.
Do Not Scratch or Pick
As your tattoo heals it will itch, do not scratch the area or pull off peeling skin. The new skin covering your tattoo is still very fragile. Causing it to bleed at this stage will very likely result in colour loss in that area.
What to Avoid
Throughout the healing processAvoid
Swimming & Soaking
Avoid swimming for the first few days, as well as soaking in a jacuzzi or bath at home. Prolonged water exposure softens the healing skin and significantly raises the risk of infection and ink loss.
Avoid
Sunlight & Tanning
Your tattoo should not be exposed to long periods of sun until it is fully healed. After healing, always apply a strong sunscreen to the area before sun exposure, UV light fades ink over time.
Avoid
Steam Rooms & Saunas
Steam rooms and saunas must be avoided for the entire healing period. Heat and steam open the pores and can draw ink out of the skin before it has had a chance to set properly.
Avoid
Scratching & Picking
Keep the tattoo clean, especially in the first day or two. As healing progresses it will itch, do not scratch the area or pull off peeling skin. The new skin is fragile and bleeding at this stage causes colour loss.
Healed in
7–10 days.
Yours for life.
The healing process of your new tattoo is between 7–10 days. Follow every step in this guide and the work will heal exactly as it left the studio. Cut corners and you risk the result permanently.
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