AFTER THE TATTOO
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY TATTOO?
I will provide you with clear instructions on how to care for your new artwork on the day, with an aftercare sheet.
Upon completion, a new tattoo will generally continue to seep for a number of hours. Depending on the location of the tattoo, I will cover the affected area using plastic wrap at the end of each session. As your tattoo is essentially an open wound, this will cover the wound. If you have any sensitivities or allergies to adhesives, let me know ahead of time. You may experience some redness, swelling, warmth, slight fever after the tattoo session. This is normal, your body is reacting to heal a wound. You can take some pain medication, eat well and rest and you should feel better soon.
WASHING YOUR TATTOO
I would advise you to wash your tattoo gently, in lukewarm water with unscented, natural soap, to remove any fluid or residue. Allow the tattoo to air dry and dry with paper towels, or a clean, fresh towel (each time).
WHAT AFTERCARE CREAM SHOULD I USE?
In order to help the healing process, I would recommend using Cocoa butter and applying a THIN layer on the affected area 3-4 times per day. When applying the cream, always remember to wash your hands using unscented soap and do not “double dip” in the pot!
WILL MY NEW TATTOO ITCH?
Yes. As the tattoo begins to heal, it is likely to form some scabs and will become itchy. It is very important to avoid scratching the wound and avoid picking at these scabs as it can damage the tattoo itself. The application of the aftercare cream will help to relieve the worst of the itching. You can pat or slap it gently.
If you have any concerns regarding the healing process, please reach out to me.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID AFTER THE TATTOO?
During the healing process, I would advise against swimming and bathing for at least 14 days after the tattoo. Also, it is worth noting that swimming pools containing chlorine can further damage a new tattoo.
Keep your new tattoo out of the sun. The UV rays from the sun can damage the skin and cause the tattoo to heal unevenly or cause the ink to lighten. Try to avoid wearing tight fitted clothing whilst the tattoo heals, as rubbing against the wound can cause irritation.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY TATTOO IS INFECTED?
Whilst we take every possible step to avoid this, different bodies will react in different ways. If you are concerned at any point about how your tattoo is healing, you can contact me over email and send a picture of the area.
IS IT SAFE?
Yes, tattooing is safe providing you go to a reputable tattoo artist. Tattooing has been around for thousands of years and is a natural thing for humans to want to do!
In order to operate in the UK, a tattoo artist would need to have a license to work and their premises would need to be inspected by a health inspector from the local council. At Folkvangr Tattoo, we operate to the highest hygiene and local council licensing standards.
It goes without saying that we operate a disposable studio, all needles, gloves etc are single use only.