AFTER THE TATTOO
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY TATTOO?
As with most things today, there is a large amount of guidance on the internet as to how best to care for a tattoo once it has been completed. However, as tattoo artists will all have slightly different processes, we recommend following the advice Meela will give to you at the end of the session and her aftercare regime will be best suited to her tattoo process.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TATTOO
Upon completion, a new tattoo will generally continue to seep for a number of hours. Depending on the location of the tattoo and Meela’s recommendation, she will cover the affected area using plastic wrap at the end of each session. As your tattoo is essentially an open wound, this will seal the wound.
WASHING YOUR TATTOO
We would advise washing your tattoo regularly in lukewarm water to remove any excess fluid or cream. It is important not to scrub the tattoo and if you are in the shower, avoid the water hitting the tattoo directly. Allow the tattoo to air dry rather than using a towel as the towel may contain bacteria you would rather not get in the wound.
WHAT AFTERCARE CREAM SHOULD I USE?
In order to help the healing process, we would recommend using Cocoa butter and applying a THIN layer on the affected area 3 times per day.
When applying the cream, always remember to wash your hands using unscented, anti bacterial soap and don’t “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 itching 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. If your tattoo begins to scab heavily, we would recommend you seek medical advice. You can also contact us in the first instance for advice.
WHAT SHOULD I AVOID AFTER THE TATTOO?
It is best to avoid soaking the tattoo in water for at least 14 days after. During the healing process, we would advise against swimming and bathing in general due to the potential for the water introducing bacteria into the wound. 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 discomfort and may damage the artwork.
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 us over email and send a picture of the area.
However, in the unlikely event you have any swelling of the tattoo area, pus coming out of the tattoo, fever or red lesions around the area of the tattoo, we would recommend seeking medical assistance straight away.
HOW WILL MY TATTOO LOOK IN 20 YEARS?
In short, we don’t know! Whilst we take every precaution to make sure you are given the best tattoo possible, the way a tattoo ages is out of our control. As a person’s appearance changes with age, so will your tattoo. We believe that this is part of the art itself and as it becomes part of you, it changes with your body. However, by following the tips on aftercare for your tattoo, you will give yourself the best chance of having a cool tattoo!
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 standards and all artists or apprentices have been trained to the same specification.
It goes without saying that we never reuse needles, gloves etc. and we have never had a client experience any allergic reaction the inks we use. If you have any concerns about allergies to the ink, we can tattoo a small dot in advance of the tattoo to check for a reaction.