Immediate tattoo aftercare

Cling wrap

• If your tattoo artist has covered your new tattoo with cling wrap, it is best to leave this on for at least 1 hour, but no longer than 4 hours.

• Once you remove the wrap, gently wipe it down with a clean wet paper towel or wash it in the shower with a mild antibacterial soap.

• After showering, pat the area dry with a clean towel.

• Proceed to use a tattoo aftercare product on the new tattoo until fully healed. We recommend Bepanthen or Dr Pickles.

Second skin

• If your artist has applied a second skin, leave it on for 5 to 10 days.

• There will be blood, leftover ink and plasma that will build up under the second skin. This causes pooling to occur under the second skin and on top of the tattoo, resulting in bubbling of the second skin. This is completely normal and will subside.

• Upon removal of the second skin, you may notice an imprint of the tattoo on the second skin. This looks like a part of the tattoo has come off. It is excess ink sitting on the top layer of your skin, and is not the tattoo itself.

• If any irritation occurs at any time with the second skin, please remove it immediately. You can proceed to use an aftercare cream.

Aftercare creams

• When using an aftercare product, please only use a thin layer.

• If you experience any redness or irritation from the cream, please stop using it immediately.

• Ensure you keep the tattoo clean at all times.

While healing

• Healing can take up to 14 days. However, everyone is different and the how long it takes to fully heal will vary among individuals.

• While the tattoo is healing, please refrain from swimming, baths, saunas, etc. It is best to keep the tattoo dry.

• When showering, keep showers short and adjust the temperature so that is comfortable for the tattooed skin.

• Stay out of the sun.

• Refrain from fake tanning products and products that may irritate the area.

• Avoid any tight clothing or accessories which may rub the newly tattooed area.

• No scratching and picking the tattoo. Itching is normal and is a good sign of healing!

Exercise

• Our recommendation is to avoid the gym and exercise until the tattoo has healed. However, we understand that exercise is an important part of daily life for some. In that case, do your best to keep the tattoo clean as possible. If exercising makes the new tattoo feel uncomfortable, we recommend refraining from the activity until you feel comfortable to do so.

Remember, your new tattoo is an open wound, and it should be treated as such.

 If you have any concerns, please contact us or your artist or the studio at hello@markdtattoo.com.au

Touch ups

We offer one free touch up appointment, after your tattoo has healed. To be complimentary, the touch up must be completed within 12 months. Our complimentary touch up period is very generous and leeway will not be provided if a touch up is sought after 12 months.

Please ensure you wait until your tattoo has fully healed before booking in for your touch up session.

Free touch ups do not apply in the following circumstances:

• Where the tattoo is in an area(s) of the body which is highly prone to ink fading. This includes (but is not limited to): fingers, hands, feet, toes, palms, ears, lips, armpits, knees and elbows; or

• Where there is a failure to adhere to aftercare procedures; or

• Where you would like to alter the tattoo by making additions/changes; or

• The artist is no longer at the studio; or

• The tattoo was a single needle or very fine line tattoo; or

• Numbing cream was used.

If you are in doubt as to whether the complimentary touch up session applies, please contact the studio at hello@markdtattoo.com.au