The right aftercare can make the difference between a good looking and a great looking tattoo. I’m often surprised by how little time and effort tattoo artists as well as clients put into this final but essential part of the process. A tattoo can only ever be a good as the skin it’s been inked into, so taking a few minutes daily to take care of your new tattoo will pay off in years to come. Your skin is your largest organ, after all!

Follow this simple, step-by-step aftercare process to ensure the best possible results. I talk to every client about aftercare, so don’t be shy to ask if you have any questions!

1. Remove the bandage/dressing in 6 to 12 hours. Practically this means that if you’re tattooed mid-morning or in the afternoon, you should keep the dressing on overnight. Once you’ve removed the dressing, do not re-bandage your tattoo. It’s time to start showing it off, not covering it up.
2. Wash your tattoo with warm water and an soap. Use only your hand, and not a sponge, facecloth or anything else. Keep your hand flat and wash with firm hard strokes. It should be slightly painful and you should feel your hand removing a thin, slimly film covering your tattoo.
3. Place a face cloth under the hot water tap, heating it, squeeze out the water and place the facecloth over the tattoo for a minute or two.
4. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel. Apply a thin layer of triple antiseptic ointment (think Dettol or Savlon cream here). Do not use a liquid antiseptic, which will be too strong – only use a cream. Use the ointment regularly during the first two days: applying it thinly to the tattooed area between 3 and 4 times daily.
5. Very important! Make sure your hands are clean before touching your tattoo. Best to always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, and always use a clean towel.
6. After the first two days, apply a thin layer of fragrance free moisturizing lotion to the newly tattooed area. This will ensure that the skin stays supple, limiting any damage that could be caused due to dry, cracking skin. Apply a small amount of the moisturizing lotion between 3 and 4 times daily for the next 2 to 3 weeks. I recommend a chemical free, natural lotion.

• The normal healing time for a tattoo is between 2 and 4 weeks. During this time, it’s important not to pick at or scratch your tattoo, irrespective of how itchy it feels or how much it flakes. Remember: flaking, peeling and itching are a natural part of your skin’s healing process.
• Don't soak your tattoo during healing. This means no baths, hot tubs, pools, etc. You’re welcome to shower, as the water does not soak into the tattoo and instead run’s off.
• Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight while it's healing. You may be sorely tempted to show off you new tattoo, but exposing it early will cause lasting damage. After your tattoo has healed, always use sun block while in the sun, preferably with an SPF factor of at least 30 to 45.
• Remember to moisturize your skin with lotion. Your skin is the canvas that’s meant to show off your new tattoo at its glorious best. Keeping your skin moisturized will keep your tattoo’s colours fresh.

Following these simple guidelines will help ensure that you enjoy your new tattoo for years to come. It literally takes only a few minutes a day!